Across China, cultural traditions like the Lei family’s music are under threat. Rapid urbanization means village life, the bedrock of Chinese culture, is rapidly disappearing, and with it, traditions and history.
By 2010, that figure had dropped to 2.6 million, a loss of about 300 villages a day
In the past few years, the shift has accelerated as governments have pushed urbanization, often leaving villagers with no choice but to move.
Numerous local officials are under investigation for corruption linked to rural land sales.
“The goal is to make sure these cultural heritages don’t get lost,” she said. “It would be a great pity if they are lost just as our country is on the road to prosperity.