Residing in Pingwu County in China's Sichuan Province, the Baima Tibetan ethnic group stands as one of the oldest in East Asia. This community is the custodian of an ancient cultural heritage, with practices like intricate hat-making and belt-weaving being passed down through generations.

From a young age, Baima Tibetans engage in dancing and singing, an inseparable part of their lives. However, the absence of a written language has posed a challenge to the preservation of their unique culture.

Geru, a Baima Tibetan, said, "When I was young, I studied how to sing these folk songs. I memorized every single sentence, and I received specialized training in the vocal techniques." Yet, with fewer young people delving into the ancient folk songs, preserving the original culture has become increasingly vital. 

Geru lamented, "We are turning 60 years old. If the younger generation does not embrace Baima Tibetan folk songs, our culture will fade away. As guardians of our heritage, we feel obliged to pass on this culture." 

One of the defining aspects of Baima culture is their traditional garments. The craftsmanship behind the felt hat, adorned with white rooster feathers, has evolved over thousands of years. It takes about two days to make one hat, a cherished skill passed down within families through generations.

Belt-weaving is another ancient folk craft that holds great significance for Baima Tibetans. Baima local Youhua explained, "This belt has been passed down from our ancestors. Originally, Baima Tibetans did not have buttons on their clothes, and the belt served the same purpose as buttons, keeping the garments in place." 

Weaving a belt is a meticulous process that usually takes around 20 days. Each traditional pattern carries a unique symbolic meaning, leaving no room for error during the weaving process. 

Local Zhang Mei emphasized, "If even one thread is mistaken, the entire pattern of the belt will be altered." 

Despite the rich cultural heritage, the Baima Tibetan ethnic group faces the challenge of an increasing number of young people leaving their ancestral residence for urban living. To tackle this, the locals aim to organize diverse cultural events to raise awareness about the ancient culture of the Baima Tibetan ethnic group. Through efforts to preserve their traditional arts and customs, they hope to retain the essence of their identity amid the winds of change.