Digitizing Intangible Cultural Heritage: An Ethnographic Exploration of Dabenqu’s Transformation into Online Engagement in Dali, China

This ethnographic research examines the digitalization of Dabenqu, a traditional Bai ethnic group folk singing practice, through the lens of the Zhao family’s adaptation to the opportunies posed by digital transformation. It explores how the Zhao family, as inheritors of this intangible cultural heritage, have navigated the intersection of tradition and digital innovation. The study traces the evolution of Dabenqu from its traditional village performances to its adaptation and dissemination via multiple digital platforms, including WeChat, Kuaishou, and Douyin, encompassing online performance videos, recorded rituals and ceremonies, and live streaming. The paper delves into the implications of digital media in preserving and transforming Dabenqu, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in maintaining cultural integrity while reaching a global audience. This research offers new insights into the role of digital technologies in sustaining the vitality of this folk tradition and contributes to the broader understanding of the digitalization of intangible cultural heritage.