Linxia Folk Customs - "Huaer"

"Huaer" is a representative of the Linxia ethnic folk culture. It is a high-pitched mountain song prevalent on the northwest plateau. It is widely spread and popular in certain areas and some large and medium-sized cities of Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Sichuan, as well as in various ethnic groups such as the Hui, Han, Dongxiang, Bao'an, Sala, Tu, Tibetan, and Yugur. It is known as the "Soul of the Northwest" and the "Encyclopedia of the Northwest", enjoying a reputation both domestically and internationally. Linxia is the hometown of "Huaer", and the beautiful and melodious "Hezhou Huaer" and "Taomin Huaer" both originated here. "Hezhou Huaer," also known as "Shao Nian", is the most widely spread and influential among "Huaer" songs. It has a unique rhythm and distinctive melody, standing out in the collection of Chinese poetry. It has approximately 100 different tunes, and people refer to it as "Ling". There are Han ethnic songs such as "Hezhou Er Ling", "Hezhou San Ling", and "Ga Ma Er Ling".

The melodies preserve the sorrowful and majestic emotions of the Han people. The representative Hui ethnic tune is the "Hezhou Da Ling", along with "Ma Ying Ling", "Yi Ya Yi Ya", etc. It features many high-pitched notes, a wide vocal range, and exhibits an impassioned and bold style. The Dongxiang ethnic "Huaer" includes songs such as "Dongxiang Ling", "Kai Xin Ren Ling", "Huaer Hong Ling". The melodies are abrupt, straightforward, vibrant, while Sala ethnic tunes are smooth, melodious, light, and lively. The Tibetan folk songs incorporate trills, vibratos, and magnificent ornamental sounds, which are often absorbed into the songs. People particularly love songs like "Sala Ling" and "Meng Da Ling". The Tu people enjoy singing "Ga Lian Shou Ling", "Liang Liang Shang Lang Lai Ling", and "Tu Zu Ling" characterized by fluctuating and dramatic melodies.

It is unique by long sliding notes emphasizing the tonic pitch. "Huaer" is our folk art, and the melodious "Huaer" songs can be heard everywhere, in the fields, forests, and pastures. There is a proverb that says, "'Huaer' is the words of the heart, and one cannot help but sing them". Apart from casual singing, there are "Huaer" grand festivals held throughout the year. According to statistics, there are over 100 large-scale "Huaer" gatherings in Linxia Prefecture. Among them, the most famous ones are the "Lianhua Mountain Huaer Festival", "Songmingyan Huaer Festival", "Gaixinping Huaer Festival", and "Bingling Temple Huaer Festival". These festivals have made significant contributions to the local economy. Therefore, in the future, we will increase efforts to develop the tourism resources of the "Huaer Festivals" in Linxia, which will greatly promote the economic development of Linxia.