Due to urbanization, many villages in Yunnan province are disappearing along with the old ways of life that once prevailed.

In light of this trend, traditional local art forms need to be preserved so that they are not lost to future generations, said Yang Liping, one of the nation's most renowned dancers and a native of the southwestern China province.

"The intangible assets like folk songs and dances must be taught orally to inspire true understanding among the students," she said.