Folk is no longer heard in China's mainstream music scene, but thanks to well-followed talent shows on television, the genre is now attracting a following and its popularity is boosted anew throughout the country.
In an article by State-owned Xinhua News Agency, it is said that the charm of folk music in China is renewed because of the contestants in different TV shows who are into this kind of songs.
An example is 31-year-old folk artist Zhao Lei.Zhao's performance is a stark contrast with those of his competitors who belted out high notes. With only his calm voice, simple attire and modest, sincere smile, he was able to capture the ears and hearts of his audience.
Bar singer Moxizishi, 38, also found fame through a music competition he joined back in 2014. According to him, these television shows are vital platforms in reliving the glory days of folk music.
However, apart from televised singing competitions, China's thriving music festival scene has also helped in giving folk artists an avenue to promote their own brand of music. In 2014, around 150 festivals were held and were participated in by over 3 million people.
The evolving digital world has also become an advantageous venue where folk musicians can introduce their music to a wider audience.
Music journalist Wang Zheng said: "University students and the urban middle class are big fans of folk music. They are more than willing to pay for, and downloads, music."Wang added that the Internet is "a very good thing for independent artists."
Nonetheless, Moxizishi argued that what makes folk songs attract more fans is their timeless musical appeal.
"Folk songs are a kind of poetry, with both strength and humanity. They tell the stories of both individuals and a whole society. In times of rapid change, songs about love, life, nature and the nature of existence bring people relief, and even redemption," he said.
In the global scene, folk found its way to the headlines when legendary folk musician Bob Dylan won the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature.
According to Moxizishi, the American singer's music "is full of compassion and love of people; it is not just emotional expression but also a criticism of society."
Sharing the same sentiment, singer Zhang Quan said: "Only when people listen to the deeper meaning beyond melody and lyrics will the folk song have a real renaissance."