In recent years, original Chinese folk songs have been gaining more and more popularity amongst Chinese people. And, during this year's National Young Singers' Contest hosted by China Central Television, singing original folk songs has become a new highlight, as the group of contestants specializing in this genre has been set aside. CRI's Zhou Yun files the story. 　　

Reporter: The Contest is held every two years. The previous 11 ones thus far included three categories: popular songs, bel canto and folk songs. However, this year, a new category has been set up, that is, original folk songs. 　　

Zholma is a judge for the original folk song category. She says that the new focus on this original art helps to protect the intangible heritage of China's different ethnic groups. 　　

"Through such contests, a vast number of our audience , especially the younger generation, can learn to understand, appreciate, and finally love the excellent folk songs sung by China's ethnic minorities." 　　

Original folk songs are usually created by ethnic minorities in China while performing daily labor activities. Many of these songs are passed on along farmers, fishermen and sheepherders. They are a significant part of China's oral and intangible heritage.

During the competition, those contestants singing original folk songs are expected to have not been professionally trained, as they sing songs that are full of rustic tastes. 　

Ms. Chen has been following the contest for days. She says the original folk songs featured in the competition really surpassed her expectations. 　　

"This is my first time to have such close contact with original folk songs. Previously I thought they were sung by ethnic minorities when they were farming. I thought they were nothing special. But now I have heard them with my own ears, and I have found that I was completely wrong. Original folk songs are so pleasant to my sensibilities. I am sincerely impressed." 　　

Not only the audience, but singers themselves also earnestly welcome the contest. Lei Yan, a girl of Miao, says this contest has provided a stage for her to share the culture of her ethnic group. 　　

"The Miao Ethnic group has no writing system of its own. Its history is recorded by its traditional costumes and songs. We have a kind of song that tells the history of our migration and development. But nowadays only a few people can sing them. We should really devote more time and effort to learning and protecting them." 　

In recent years, with the increasing popularity of pop music, fewer and fewer people have taken an interest in original folk songs. Thus, the Chinese government has taken active measures to save this precious art form from extinction. For instance, research and creative activities related to the musical genre have been generously supported, with a project aimed at protecting ethnic culture being launched just recently across the country. 　　

Zhou Yun, CRI News