Manas: The Kirgiz epic that echoes through generations

The heroic epic of "Manas" is more than a story – it is a living cultural monument. As one of China's three great oral traditions, this vast work spans over 230,000 lines across eight chapters, serving as an encyclopedia of Kirgiz history, culture and daily life. It chronicles the saga of the hero Manas and his descendants across seven generations, celebrating an indomitable spirit of unity, perseverance and the struggle against evil.

Meet Tuohenali, a dedicated heir to this tradition. A prefecture-level inheritor from Xinjiang's Akqi County, he began his journey at age three. As the great-grandson of the legendary Manas performer Jusup Mamay, Tuohenali has spent 28 years perfecting his art. Today, he is committed to ensuring his great-grandfather's powerful voice "reaches everyone's heart, like the wind," preserving the epic for generations to come.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Zhao Ying

Videographer: Han Xu

Cover photo: Jia Jieqiong