He Linyi – Representative Inheritor of Naxi “Baisha Fine Music ” Project in Yulong County, Lijiang 

He Linyi (和凛毅) is a representative inheritor of the Naxi Bai Sha Xi Le (纳西族白沙细乐) project from Chang Shui Village (长水村), Huang Shan Town (黄山镇), Yu Long County (玉龙县), Lijiang City (丽江市). Bai Sha Xi Le is a classical music form of the Naxi ethnic group with a history of over 800 years. It is a large-scale suite of instrumental, vocal, and dance music that has been passed down through generations.

Bai Sha Xi Le is known as a “living fossil of music” and is one of the few large-scale musical suites still preserved among China’s ethnic minorities. The music is characterized by its simple yet expressive melodies, often performed with traditional instruments such as the transverse flute, vertical flute, reed pipe, and traditional lute. The suite typically consists of eight pieces, each with its own unique theme and emotional expression.

He Linyi was born into a family of Bai Sha Xi Le musicians and began learning the music from his father at the age of 12. He has since mastered the entire suite and has become a leading figure in its preservation and promotion. In 2018, he was officially recognized as a national-level inheritor of Bai Sha Xi Le.

He Linyi has dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Bai Sha Xi Le. He has organized a folk band that performs regularly, both locally and internationally. His efforts have taken Bai Sha Xi Le to international stages, including performances in Europe and participation in international music festivals. In 2024, he established the Bai Sha Xi Le Inheritance Center in his home village to teach and promote the music.

He Linyi’s work has not only kept the tradition alive but also introduced it to new audiences around the world. His dedication has earned him recognition as one of China’s top cultural heritage figures.