Ancient, modern elements in harmony for new generation

Crazy Folk music

These musicians are part of a larger movement sweeping China that celebrates the rising popularity of guofeng music — a Chinese style that uses elements from traditional culture.

As part of a video series called Crazy Folk, participating artists have released over 300 music videos since October 2020, featuring more than 200 Chinese musicians who give fresh life to pop songs through the distinctive sound of traditional Chinese instruments.

Among popular covers are songs like Jay Chou's Dao Xiang (Fragrant Rice), Liu Shuang's Mohe Ballroom, and Japanese singer Yuu Takahashi's The Wind Rises, making the old music instruments more relatable to younger audiences.

These videos have traveled beyond Chinese music fans to reach international audiences via YouTube and other media platforms. With performances filmed against the stunning backdrops of cities such as Changsha, Hunan province, Luoyang, Henan province and Xiamen, Fujian province, the Crazy Folk series not only showcases China's rich musical traditions, but also highlights the breathtaking beauty of the country's landscapes and historic sites.

"These videos still give me goose bumps!" a viewer from Nepal, Banaz Gurung, commented on YouTube, reflecting the emotional impact of this innovative project.

Behind Crazy Folk is a talented group of young musicians in their late 20s and early 30s, all classically trained at prestigious music conservatories.

Li Haoyan, one of the project's core team members, said the appeal of traditional Chinese music lies not only in its distinctive sound, but also in the aesthetic beauty of the instruments themselves.

"Traditional Chinese music is incredibly expressive," said Li. "The instruments evoke powerful emotions, and visually, they are captivating to modern audiences."

Young people in China are increasingly drawn to their cultural heritage, seeking to reconnect with traditional values in a world being rapidly shaped by globalization, she added.