Chen Xueqi becomes a regular performer of Salty Water Song. [Photo by Sun Junjun]

On July 3, in Shenglong Village, Dongshen Town. Speaking of her daughter who is attending college, Chen Xueqi's mother could not hide her delight. "My daughter is an heir to Salty Water Song," she said.

Chen Xueqi, 21, is a vocal music student in Zhaoqing University. "Salty water songs are casual, usually improvised, and can be sung without accompaniment. I have grown fond of Salty Water Song just because of its natural and unrestrained characteristics."

Her love of Salty Water Song is also associated with the musical atmosphere she stays in. "I attended Shenglong Primary School in Dongsheng Town, an inheritance base for Salty Water Song, where I was taught and took a fancy to Salty Water Song." Chen began to learn Salty Water Song since grade three, as the school opened special courses.

"For a while, teachers also took us to call on some older singers in our village. This made me feel how amazing salty water songs are." As the older singers quit the stage one after another in recent years, Chen Xueqi has become a regular performer of Salty Water Song.

Salty Water Song has a long history in Dongsheng Town, Zhongshan. It made the list of the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage projects in 2006. However, the succession of Salty Water Song has already been in the crisis of dislocation.

"Salty Water Song singers are getting older, while fewer and fewer people would enjoy the songs. Basically, I am the only one still singing Salty Water Song among my schoolmates." The 21-year-old girl can feel the serious responsibilities on her shoulders.

"For the inheritance of Salty Water Song, we should add new elements in this new era to its traditional style," Chen said. "But I first need to improve myself in music. Whether I can carry forward Salty Water Song, I will never stop singing."

Talking about the future, Chen Xueqi has a plan. "I want to be a music teacher and return to Shenglong Primary School to teach Salty Water Song."