China's Singing King | a dying tradition

In this week’s video, we head deep into China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to learn more about an ancient Zhuang tradition, Zhuang folk songs. (Zhuang Liaoge)
With the help of our local guide, Xie Laoshi, we will learn whether this rural Chinese craft has a place in modern China and what steps the locals are taking to preserve this most ancient of Chinese art forms.
Along the way, we will be swept away by the rhythms of rural Chinese village life, participate in a feast and become the first foreigners ever to bear witness to one of China’s rarest traditions.
#china #chinatravel #guangxi
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Thank you for your support!

[@constantineding8700]

Jack really is a genius. He's filmed as much footage as he can about dancing aunties when Nico's not around. Now Nico's back and he couldn't do this any longer. Guess what? He did an episode about singing uncle, with Nico's permission!😂

[@Nicofilms]

Hahaha what can we say we just love a bit of music and the older generation in our videos.

[@Angela-Gri]

Your Channel deserves at least 10x the subscribers. With this video you have really outdone yourselves, the story telling, the videography, the editing, just amazing. I can really see the effort you put into it.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! We are really proud of this one.

[@alvinnnliu]

Agreed! This channel improves tremendously, day by day! 肉眼可见在提高！

[@huayuwu836]

I'm so touched by this episode!!! You guys cptured the raw and innocent life of rural villigers of zhuang minority, and I didnt expected it to be sooooo toucing!!! People like you two with open mind and beatiful heart deserves to be seen more!!!! keep up with what you doing and share more positive energy to the world like "ge-wang".

[@Nicofilms]

Aww thank you so much this is so kind of you. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@ku9305]

It almost feels illegal that content like yours is available to watch for free, amazing work and insights of Guangxi!

[@Nicofilms]

haha yeah it certainly take a lot of work. If people want to support us extra then we are always very grateful.

[@fongjason8871]

Seriously, your channel has been severely underrated. The unique contents supplemented with the fabulous quality of video editing deserves far more followers❤

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! Yeah we feel that way too haha but I think we will always be the underdog.😂

[@hangtuah888]

Hello Jack and Nico, thank you for sharing what is a wonderful time spend with the Zhuang people and a blast from the past in the Liu San Je movie and story. I actually grew up singing those songs as well. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Jiayou Nico and Jack. 🌹🌹🌹

[@sseaypyap4562]

Macamana Hang Tuah boleh tahu lagu Liu SJ??,dari channel mana Hang kenal lagu2 'shan ge' LSJ?💞🇲🇾💕

[@hangtuah888]

@@sseaypyap4562 Kalau awak guna Google Search engine, bolih dapat turunkan wayang dari tahun lama. Sangat cemerlang dan istimewa wayang itu walaupun ada sikit sejarah dan warna pun tak beberapa sesuai.

[@hangtuah888]

@@sseaypyap4562 Bolih guna Clipgrab yang pakaian percuma untuk menurunkan wayang itu.

[@hangtuah888]

@@sseaypyap4562 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ6bip1pjd57gsk

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much I'm pleased you enjoyed it and it brought some nostalgia to you.

[@ayw3806]

We cant thank you enough for sharing the Chinese culture and stories ❤❤❤

[@Nicofilms]

❤

[@omni3670]

What a privileged scoop of sorts! Nico, you're a brave girl to try the food and liking them too. Jack is the Chinese kids' pied piper wherever he goes. Congrats too for his improving Mandarin. Nice to see you guys blend in with the locals, not feeling awkward and enjoying all you see and here. And them taking you in like family. Bravo!

[@hangtuah888]

Wrong comparison to the Pied Piper as those children who followed him are still missing. Any chance we should put them on the Missing Children list? 😂😂😂

[@omni3670]

@@hangtuah888 Hahaha...you say, you say warrior! I DON'T KNOW! But pied piper as in the smaller realm, not the PIED PIPER hehehe😂😂😂The Hang Jebat that's the real hero though. Not the pretender leh! AGAIN, I'm just an ignoramus yo! Jack himself should know lah! But no offence. Like they say, ai yo yo bergurau ja! Ai yo yo!!

[@Nicofilms]

hahaha I know what you mean he seems to have a way with children and they follow! It was such an incredible experience, a real treasured memory.

[@debscatena]

I love this video, the whimsical natural approach that Nico and Jack have to Chinese spontaneity and life styles of minorities, the relationship between indigenous and welcoming of foreigners, as well as the relationship with all around you two!! Fabulous!

[@Nicofilms]

Aww thank you so much!

[@zl7491]

It's like watching a documentary. The quality of your vlogs are superb.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MariaAlvarez-sm8bv]

Nico and Jack, you have made my day. What a fantastic and exiting video showing how much Chinese people enjoy singing, playing music and dancing. This is one of the best videos I've seen illustrating all these fascinating aspects of the popular and authentic Chinese culture.

[@Nicofilms]

Aww thanks so much I'm pleased you think so. We had so much fun making this one and learning more about it. It is one of our favourite to date.

[@splattered1]

Compared to past content which are already great, this is a whole new level...

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much I'm pleased you think so!

[@Konamakona]

It’s not an ordinary vlog, it’s a great documentary

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! That means a lot!

[@beninchina]

The photography and editing is amazing!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot!

[@hangzeng1491]

Respect! This amazing and touching video deserves to spent one more day for preparing. You really have the strong ability to get along well with older generation and children.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! Yeah it was a long edit but definitely worth it!

[@vertikultursg8532]

What an eye opening, gonna visit China someday. Maybe spend a year going around China

[@jonah_lau]

Welcome! ❤

[@walterbenicio6408]

Wonderfull video and people . It is stunning to watch and see how chinese people enjoy their traditions and culture. You are a blessed couple to take place on it. 🙏🤗

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much!

[@sargiedelosangeles8507]

What a meaningful content! I loved how you enjoyed and accompanied Lao xe (and his loved for singing) and the people of Guangxi. Watching this video shows how you embraced their culture, people and their food. Thanks to Nico and Jack of putting the effort to this content and video! Another great aerial shot of this wonderful City! 😊

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! We really enjoyed this one!

[@mariacao6152]

Thank you so much for making this wonderful video!! Really enjoy to watch it ~ And thank you for showing us the Zhuang culture which is so fascinating! Keep making the fantastic videos 🎉🎉

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! pleased you enjoyed it.

[@KK-gb5mj]

山歌Hill songs are originated from those farmers singing on the opposite sides of the hills for communications

[@iamcanadianedmonton]

it is worth saving, i really like these kinds of traditional songs. but preserving tradition is not an easy task. love from canada.

[@Nicofilms]

No it is certainly not! But I'm pleased to see people trying.

[@frankc5659]

You guys made my eyes moist. What a phenomenal video!

[@Nicofilms]

Aww thank you so much, this comment made mine haha

[@skcheng6882]

This is excellent!! Enjoyed it from start to finish and want to see more!! Thank you so much for doing it. It means so much to the audience as well as to the locals I think.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! That is very kind.

[@lindyralph8792]

Thank you so much for this beautiful video, I think it's your best one yet. The storytelling was spot on and the charachters and scenery were beautiful. It was just delightful and brought a smile to my face which I needed today. Now there is another place to add to my list of places to go in China. xx

[@Nicofilms]

Aww thank you so much that is so kind. It is certainly one of our favourites too!

[@nicolasch.3470]

Thank you, Nico This episode let me experience the Zhuang culture in Guangxi, not only hear the beautiful singing, but also see the passionate cuisine, which contains the beauty of culture.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you! We are glad that you felt immersed in it.

[@dondrumpf5422]

Wow... Hechi!! Great adventure and story-telling!! Thank you both, so very much, for bringing this ancient tradition of Chinese minority people to the world!! You are good persons with good intentions, you are so blessed!!

[@dondrumpf5422]

And, thank you so very much for your hard works, Jack and Nico!! God bless you!!

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dondrumpf5422]

@@Nicofilms Happy holiday!! Just couldn't wait for your next adventure!!

[@ASH148]

love how you guys interact with the locals. keep up the good work.

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks so much!

[@user-iq5hq9ly2x]

Such a beautiful video, so cute, even as a Chinese I can learn a lot from it

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you that means a lot!

[@vicentewu3903]

Not only the laoshi is a worth preserved art, so are your videos, easily outmatch bbc documentary ❤

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you that is very kind!

[@jonah_lau]

每一次，都被Nico的剪辑震撼。很好奇你和Jack的专业是什么？太精彩了。讲故事的能力超强。

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you very much! Jack is self taught filming and editing he learnt it all from KZbin. I studied Fashion Promotion which is like fashion advertising and marketing.

[@terencetong4896]

nico is like the modern day macro polo, a very good writer

[@Nicofilms]

haha thank you very much!

[@tailstraveladventures79]

So interesting and beautiful! ❤ I’m also super impressed by Jacks language skills 👍🏻

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks so much!

[@jasperswarp]

Nice video, I go to Guangxi every few years, Guilin is definitely worth a visit too. My Chinese friends brought me to a silkworm warehouse also, interesting and bizarre. 😄 I love black sausage, never had the pork blood sausage before, something for me to try when I go back soon.

[@Nicofilms]

It is a beautiful province we have been a few times and it never gets old. Oh you should try it, it was really good!

[@raymondlianto9882]

Great stories great people.

[@corinachan8533]

Thanks for this great video. I saw the film, 'The Songfest' which is like 'Liu Sanjie' in the 1960s and can still remember the dueling songs like they sing here. I particularly remember the song at the 16:08 mark sung by these two ladies in red which was predominant in 'The Songfest' film - what's more, I actually have the CD soundtrack of this film here in London which I went to great lengths to acquire finally finding it in Singapore.

[@Nicofilms]

Oh that is so cool I will have to check that out!

[@AmarantaAZ]

对歌题材广泛，体裁纷繁无定式，艺人们凭着自己的才华，搜奇抉怪，编出神妙的词句来取胜。但是必须通俗、押韵，字字明白，声声入耳，唱起来好懂好听，紧紧扣住受众心弦，充分展示斗歌的独特风格和优势。山歌内容大致描述风景、习俗、地理，也有唱文字、科技、时事等。

[@Nicofilms]

They are very talented!

[@johnli6782]

Preserving beauty and innocence. It's just so delightful.

[@smileface369]

鸡人快点滚回来别污染欧美空气

[@Tube4mj]

I really enjoyed this adventure. Your production is excellent, great interviews and footage. The sharing and participating in the local culture of the people is super. Beautiful scenery. Keep up your good work and cheers from Australia.

[@Nicofilms]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!

[@terencetong4896]

really like these videos. better than food blogger who say 'oh that taste so good' for everything put into mouth

[@Nicofilms]

Haha thats us when we eat we never know what to say because it is always so good!

[@history_aspects]

such great content!!

[@justinsandu894]

excellent vedio, thanks! give us more wonderful episode. like you both.

[@maneil9297]

another wonderful piece, love it

[@zakotanesbitt]

Very cool! Amazing content Nico & Jack! Love your videos, I feel like I was there with you ^_^

[@weasel6660]

Love your shooting and photography style, so neat !

[@2004rhyy]

this is so beautiful!

[@wolfyan8521]

Really love the videos Noco and Jack made on this channel，they are so exquisite. I think you deserve a lot more followers.❤❤❤

[@thiampohlim1427]

Amazing video

[@weifan9533]

Thanks for making such a video. I'm not Zhuang but I have Zhuang friends and I'm learning the language, and I agree with what you said. Zhuang culture and Zhuang language are threatened by the rapid expansion of modern city life. The traditional Zhuang folk songs (called "fwen" in the Zhuang language if I'm not mistaken) are gradually disappearing. I really feel that China needs to do more to protect the minority languages, particularly those in the south cause they are at the forefront of Sinicization.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you for sharing I agree I really hope the cultures and traditions can be saved.

[@weifan9533]

@@Nicofilms Thanks for your appreciation. I love learning Zhuang it's such an interesting language. By learning it I'm saving it.

[@Nicofilms]

@@weifan9533 Yes you are! I hope others continue to as well.

[@juliet009]

SO beautiful!!!Thanks!!!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks!

[@user-uw2st5qy4k]

What a great video! Thank you for all the effort you two put into making them.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much!

[@fatdoi003]

Thanks Nico + Jack... this is gold

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much!

[@cnbigonion]

A very warm video. Thank you!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks so much!

[@Edmodn]

Thank you Nico for this excellent episode !!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@gyla3865]

Wow... this video is amazing. I've never seen such an intimate video of Guangxi. I'm adopted from here and it's really something to feel like some stuff like the singing comes natural to me

[@pzaustinj451]

nice video, thanks for showing that! love from Guangxi🥰

[@CamelZYY]

im just loving this videos!!! even i am a chinese but you guys show me the lovely story which i didnt discover! sooo good content!

[@mglee1431]

❤️ love your video content.

[@Nicofilms]

Aww thank you so much this is so kind of you. We really appreciate it!

[@angellau3618]

Very good content. Love your video❤

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@carlli7035]

👍A good one for video and information.

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot!

[@halnicholas3791]

Wow, just wow. Beautifully done video! Really makes me want to get to Guangxi sometime.

[@Nicofilms]

You should! It is a beautiful place!

[@killualaura]

Thank you for promoting Guangxi Zhuang culture! I think ancient Greeks have a very similar singing form like "dui ge".

[@user-mm4um7yi8m]

I really enjoyed your videos 🎉 Wish Jack & Nico keep sharing your life stories!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks so much I'm pleased you enjoy them!

[@LaowaiDaveJCP]

Amazing piece of work. You guys are awesome ❤️🔥

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Meoryou112]

more people need to see your channel!

[@Nicofilms]

I agree! haha let's share it as much as possible!

[@albertwu9084]

The best episode of the year !

[@Nicofilms]

❤

[@rorschachgotnicemask9449]

Great quality as always! I LOVE videos like this, especially when it's over 15mins😁

[@Nicofilms]

Haha some people love it some people think it is too long it is hard to know what is best. When it is this long though it is like twice the work haha

[@rorschachgotnicemask9449]

@@Nicofilms As long as you guys please yourselves, we'll be happy too. The spirit is more important. What I love most is your passion to explore a totally different culture😁

[@Nicofilms]

@@rorschachgotnicemask9449 Thank you so much!

[@sabrinastraveladventures4263]

Another incredible vlog! You guys are sooo talented! I’m loving it Thank you 🙏🏼 Sabrina🇫🇷🇬🇧

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks so much!

[@obito-uchiha_]

U guys are awesome. It's so heart touching.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much!

[@Game_Changer_00]

More, more video like this please, beautiful place, beautiful food, beautiful people, thank you very much Nico and Jack for this video

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot! Yeah we would love to make every video like this but it certainly take a lot more effort.

[@user-nv4fl2wu4l]

Great video

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks!

[@leekimwah]

Definitely one of you best videos. Love your adventurous spirit. Kwangsi is where my granddad came from. Jack’s Mandarin has improved a lot.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much we loved this one too!

[@samyuan7012]

Fantastic video. You are showing a very different angel of normal Chinese farmer’s life. Even the Chinese state channel are not presenting the “dui ge” culture any more. But I found the song my grandfather used to sing to me is similar to that rhyme the signing king sang. 😂 Missed him so much!

[@AlexKeith17]

Very nice video Nico. Honestly really touches me the respect you have for Chinese culture. Way to go to see more than just the Han majority, but to experience the Zhuang people !

[@xichen9459]

剪辑的真好！！

[@user-mc6cl5go3i]

This is incredible video

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you very much! It is one of our favourites!

[@user-qs5yb7co3m]

If you are still in Hechi right now, I will recommand u to go to Fengshan (凤山), Leye (乐业). Leye-Fengshan Geopark-P.R.China. Sanmenhai (三门海)，Wanshougu (万寿谷)， Dashiweitiankeng (大石围天坑). Then, you can travel to GuiZhou province, Libo (荔波) super pretty as well.

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot for the tips, actually we were only there for the weekend but maybe next time!

[@maixiong9113]

I like your show is becoming more informative about China 👍 ( educational)

[@Nicofilms]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@user-oz8tg9ek4g]

广西欢迎你！除了风景好，还是水果品种产出最多且便宜地区之一哟

[@user-cb9nx9od7n]

I always astonished by your depth and entaintain about the content relate to China. I was sad and awear about your point of views. You definetly deserves much more than 66K subs. But you know what it is, we live in a word most of us seek for easy and shallow pleasure. But I really hope you can continue your thoughts on how to make videos. It.s just amazing. Mind my english, I am just the ones who are fasinated about the visuals ande sound, language is just tools.

[@ComeForPeace]

Great video. Very informative with fabulous cinemagraphy. I really wish you guys have more subscribers.

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much! I wish that too 😂

[@ComeForPeace]

@@Nicofilms I really dont understand those short sighted officials in Chengdu. You guys can be so amazing in the advertising of the city. It is such a miss opportunity for the city.

[@Nicofilms]

@@ComeForPeace Thanks a lot! Yeah we are gutted we didn't get to move there but who knows what will happen in the future.

[@kunsui6823]

Great video！

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you!

[@gawaton5574]

Well done! !

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks!

[@user-mc6cl5go3i]

视频太棒了！！！！！你们应该有更多的粉丝才对！

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you! Maybe one day!

[@user-bf2sh4hy9w]

Amazing China

[@Nicofilms]

It sure is!

[@stoneman1300]

Hello, I'm from Henan Province, China. I love your channel. Jack's editing is great. The music is just right. China is probably the country with the most diverse types of scenery. Completely different scenery and cultural customs from north to south. I hope the epidemic will end and you can come to Henan. There are Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, and Yuntai Mountain scenic spot, I believe you will like it.

[@lizzie7929]

Interesting Video, Thank you 🥀🌹

[@Nicofilms]

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

[@lizzie7929]

@@Nicofilms 😊😊

[@SashaSteelQueenie]

oh my heart , I long to travel to ~``China , so beautiful full of beauty culture ,and the people are so lovely my heart wants to be there

[@hokeatseng4094]

Great Videos...from both of your hardwork. 💯💯I. In this video there's one thing I did not know and one I know pretty well🤠👹 did know the show Lau sumJ was base on the Guangxi history... Surprisingly the main actress I believe is from Hong Kong and married to a Singaporean and her daughter to a wealthy Singaporean now resites in home city Ipoh in Malaysia which were friends for quite some years ...I remember at every new year celebration she will pick a song from the show and sing to us. I didn't know what was in the old classic movies. Actually. But now I seems to understand more of it. Thanks to Jack .Nico.💯🌿🌟💚✍️

[@andyzhou9147]

Thank you Nico and jack for showing the positive about china unlike serpentza and laowhy86 ( they are sa bi) wo ai Ni

[@Nicofilms]

Well we try to show both it just happens that most of our interactions are positive here thats for sure.

[@wellawong2417]

Good Job :) :)

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks 😁

[@Alice-hh5kd]

Best documentary. Real life recording.

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks!

[@user-fs3im6ir5d]

To be honest, many rural customs are not native to the local people may not be able to get, but it is still very good to feel.

[@khanlam7611]

Our Brave Smart Jack and Nico are kind of Liu san jie 👍

[@Nicofilms]

Haha thanks a lot!

[@user-dk7nr5nu5g]

太棒了！❤

[@phangliuca2362]

Cool 👍

[@tamterence5561]

hahahahaha, so cute they sing each other in a Wechat group

[@kunsui6823]

广西自然景色很美，水果也好吃，好想到广西玩一玩

[@Nicofilms]

It really is!

[@edmondwang]

This is too good!

[@Nicofilms]

Thanks a lot!

[@simonren4890]

对歌 is like the rapping battle. This is so cool.

[@alexfang6981]

Thanks

[@Nicofilms]

Thank you so much!