Preserving the Hezhe voices

"I never formally learned Yimakan until much later, but I remember hearing it during family gatherings, especially when we sat together during long winter nights," she says, reflecting on how these experiences shaped her understanding of this art form.

Yimakan is known for its ability to weave together storytelling and song, creating a rhythm that feels both intimate and powerful. At first, You didn't understand what the art form truly was, but over time she learned that it encapsulates everything from myths and legends to the stories of love, war and daily life.

"I grew particularly fond of the myths, which have such a magical quality to them," she says.

In recent years, You has dedicated herself to performing and teaching Yimakan to younger generations. Through her efforts, she has helped revitalize the art form, incorporating elements that appeal to modern audiences while maintaining its core traditions.

The importance of Yimakan has not gone unnoticed by scholars. Hou Ru, an associate researcher at the Heilongjiang Provincial Academy of Social Sciences, began her academic journey with a focus on the Hezhe people in 2012.