Folk art showcases unique ethnic cultural heritage in Xinjiang (1/7)

An artist adjusts her tamboura at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Aken Aytes, or Aken Songs, a folk art form is popular among the Kazakh ethnic group in northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The performer is also called an Aken, which means "poet" in Kazakh, as the lyrics are always beautiful, humorous or inspiring. They sing songs while playing the tamboura.

Aken Aytes was added to the national intangible cultural heritage list in China in 2006.

Artists perform Aken Songs at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Artists perform Aken Songs at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Artists perform Aken Songs at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Artists perform Aken Songs at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Artists perform Aken Songs at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)

Artists perform Aken Songs at a park in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Aug. 3, 2024. (Photo: China News Service/Liu Xin)