Inscribed in 2009 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Nanyin music, a traditional opera sung in the Minnan (south Fujian) dialect, has existed for more than 1,000 years and is considered to be the most ancient musical art form in China. With its unique musical and notation system Nanyin music is regarded as a "living fossil of ancient Chinese music."

The music dates back to theHan Dynasty(206 BC - 220 AD). It originated as royal palace music but eventually established itself in southern China when court musicians migrated south as a because of civil wars. Nanyin musical practices and instruments have been preserved for centuries, incorporating elements of Xianghege song (a performance companied by speaking, singing and music) of the Han Dynasty, the Qingshengyue music of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), and the seating position of theTang Dynasty(618-907).