The musical genre of Twelve Muqam is often considered to be a core feature of Uygur music. Developed nearly 2,000 years ago, it is made up of a mix of poetry, fairy-tale legends, and musical performances. Orchestras can range from just a few people to nearly 1,000. Yarkant County, located in South Xinjiang, is home to this music genre, and statues of its compiler Amanni Shahan can be found almost everywhere in the small town. Incorporating elements of Inland China, India, and Central Asia, Twelve Muqam has long been considered a witness of Xinjiang's frequent exchanges of culture with nearby regions. CGTN's Li Jianhua explains how the music form is playing a pivotal role in modern Uygur sound.