National Geographic Traveller (UK)

'The Cicada of February' Performed by the Dong Women of Huanggang Village in Guizhou, China

In the remote valleys of Guizhou, the Dong women of Huanggang Village perform the Grand Song "The Cicada of February," showcasing an 800‑year‑old oral tradition. The polyphonic choral form, central to Dong identity, lacks written notation and relies on intergenerational transmission. As younger residents migrate to cities, the community’s women intensify daily practice to safeguard the repertoire. The performance appears in National Geographic Traveller’s April 2026 issue, highlighting both artistic vitality and cultural fragility.