Song Weixiang (L) visits a senior Haimen folk singer. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Song Weixiang, the third inheritor of the Song Family's Haimen folksongs, decided to seek out the roots of Haimen folksongs several years ago.

Although Song had performed Haimen folksongs for nearly 40 years, the folk art was still mysterious to her and she was ignorant of its origin and history.

Guided by Qian Jianming, a professor at Nanjing University of the Arts, Song started carrying out some research in 2019 on Haimen folksongs by visiting senior Haimen folk singers and experts on Haimen's culture and history.

Song Weixiang teaches students how to perform Haimen folksongs. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Song said that she was especially touched by a paralyzed 90-year-old Haimen folk singer who was full of energy again the moment he talked about Haimen folksongs.

She gradually figured out that Haimen folksongs are about hope and the spirit of optimism of Haimen natives.

"Haimen folksongs are about daily life and capture the history and real life in Haimen," noted Song.

She said she believes that it is far from enough to promote Haimen folksongs via theaters and that teaching students about the art form is key to preserving them.

Song plans to train some teachers first and then work out personalized teaching programs for students.