Seven decades of Inner Mongolia: China’s development through our eyes (8)

“I am now carrying the responsibility to preserve Üliger, for which I feel very proud. I hope more people can learn about my culture through my performance.”

Qinggelt, 13, student from Jarud Mongolian Primary School

O. Henry once wrote, "When one loves one's art, no service seems too hard.” Although thirteen-year-old Qinggelt may know nothing about O. Henry, his love for Üliger, the traditional Mongolian art of singing, has shown the truth of this famous statement. Here in Jarud Mongolian Primary School, Qinggelt and his friends have been learning Üliger for over three years, practicing the traditional art on a daily basis.

Dubbed "Mongolian rap," Üliger is a form of traditional art that combines Mongolian music and literature, telling the legends of Mongolian mythological and historical heroes. Üliger performers usually play on a four-stringed fiddle, singing the stories rhythmically.

"Üligers are significant in our culture, given their long-standing tradition of passing stories on by word of mouth. I spend many hours every day polishing my singing skills and memorizing the stories, but I feel quite happy about it," said Qinggelt.

For more stories about Qinggelt: Cultural inheritors on the grassland: traditional art thrives in Inner Mongolian schools