Editor's note: Chasing Muqam is a CGTN Digital documentary series that explores the legacy of Muqam, a traditional Uygur art form blending song, music, and dance. Nadim Diab travels across Xinjiang to meet those preserving this cultural treasure.
In the latest episode airing this February 2026, CGTN's Nadim Diab ventures to Shache County – a desert town in southern Xinjiang recognized as the cradle of the Twelve Muqam. The segment captures Diab's immersion in a vibrant weekly gathering of local Uygur artists, where rhythmic melodies echo through sunbaked courtyards.
Viewers witness a revelation central to Muqam's survival: mastery transcends technical precision. "The artists taught me that true Muqam flows not from practiced fingers," Diab reflects, "but from memories of family gatherings, harvest celebrations, and generations sharing stories through music."
This year's installment highlights how communities sustain the art form despite modernization pressures. Elder musicians mentor youth in intricate compositions passed down orally, while cultural festivals amplify Muqam's relevance for new audiences.
