Nanyin

Nanyin (南音), meaning "sound of the south," is a traditional form of Minnan Chinese music from the southern Fujian region of China, especially around Quanzhou, Zhangzhou, and Xiamen. It is known for its intimate, refined vocal style and is sung in the Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese) dialect. The tradition has been preserved in Fujian, Taiwan, and among overseas Minnan communities.

Its origins are traced to the late medieval era, with the earliest references appearing in historical sources from the Song Dynasty and later developments in the Ming and Qing periods. Historically, Nanyin ensembles performed in temples, teahouses, and private gatherings, passing from masters to apprentices and adapting to local contexts.

Musically, Nanyin is characterized by a slow, lyrical tempo and a focus on melodic phrasing and ornamentation. A typical performance centers on a lead singer supported by a small instrumental group, often including plucked string instruments such as the pipa and the sanxian, and occasionally flute or percussion. The lyrics, usually in Minnan, come from classical poetry, opera, or folk narrative, and the singing emphasizes restraint, breath control, and expressive rubato.

Today, Nanyin is regarded as one of the oldest continuous Chinese musical traditions. It is recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and is maintained by dedicated schools, performance troupes, and cultural institutions in Fujian, Taiwan, and overseas communities. Revival efforts emphasize elder masters passing specialized knowledge to younger generations.