Naxi Ancient Music Show



When walking on the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, you will undoubtedly hear the wonderful Naxi
Ancient Music, the traditional Naxi classical music that is regarded as a “living fossil of Chinese music.”

Since the 14th century under the influence of the culture of the Central Plains Confucianism, Taoism and
the ancient music of the Han people, the Naxi Nationality created the ancient music of Naxi. To a miracle,
the Ancient Naxi Music has passed from generation, till now after 500 years of trials and hardship.


A crystallization of Taoist rite, Confucian ceremony, and the literary lyrics, poetic topics and musical tones
of the Tang, Song and Yuan Dynasties, Naxi Ancient Music has developed its own unique style and traits -
the result of 500 hundred years of evolution. It originally included three parts –“Baisha Fine Music”,
“Dongjing Music”, and “Huangjing Music”, the last of which has long been lost in the river of time. Played on
venerable Chinese musical instruments such as flute, shawm, Chinese lute, plectrum, and zither, Naxi Music has the power to cleanse the heart
and relax the mind.

At least four unabridged orchestras exist in and around Lijiang, and these characteristic bands are famous for their ’three-olds’: first, old men
(most of the players are over 70 years old); second, old musical instruments (many are antiques dating back more than 100 years, some of which
can not be seen in other places); third, old songs (all are antiquated classical music). Members of the bands are drawn from all kinds of
occupations including teachers, artisans, farmers, butchers, clerks, etc. Naxi Ancient Music Bands have been invited to perform in Hong Kong,
Great Britain, America, Holland, Belgium and Norway, exercising great influence and gaining attention from all over the world.

Generations of national musicians devote themselves to Naxi Ancient Music and make it a part of Naxi
culture. The Ancient Naxi Music with a beautiful, elegant, fresh and old melody has a rich local color of the
Naxi people. People of Lijiang, both young and old, like it very much. And it plays and important part in their
cultural life. It is guaranteed to be an unforgettable life experience.