Background and Aim: As a vital component of China’s intangible cultural heritage, Hebei folk songs encapsulate historical narratives, regional identity, and collective memory. However, globalization, urbanization, and shifting cultural consumption patterns threaten their transmission, with declining engagement among younger generations and aging inheritors. This study examines the significance, challenges, and strategies for the cultural inheritance of Hebei folk songs, aiming to (1) study the significance and problems existing in Hebei folk songs in the cultural inheritance dimension and (2) to study the methods and suggestions for Hebei folk songs transmission in the cultural inheritance dimension. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach integrating structured interviews, participant observation, and non-participant observation was employed. Interviews with scholars and practitioners provided insights into cultural significance and institutional challenges. Observations at festivals, competitions, and community activities documented spontaneous and organized transmission practices. Data were analyzed by content analysis. Results: Hebei folk songs hold multidimensional cultural significance, serving as vehicles for emotional expression, historical preservation, community bonding, and regional identity formation. However, critical challenges include reliance on oral transmission, aging inheritors, weak theoretical frameworks, fragmented talent management, and insufficient policy support. Proposed strategies emphasize three pathways: (1) revitalizing mass cultural activities (e.g., community competitions, hybrid performances); (2) integrating digital platforms into education (e.g., online resource databases, hybrid teaching models); and (3) fostering university-community collaborations to build cultural resource bases and train inheritors. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgency of adaptive strategies to bridge tradition and modernity. By leveraging community-driven initiatives, digital innovation, and institutional partnerships, Hebei folk songs can evolve dynamically while preserving their cultural essence. Policymakers, educators, and cultural organizations must prioritize systemic support, funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the songs’ viability in a globalized era.
Zhang et al. (Fri,) studied this question.