A rural choir stole the hearts of millions of viewers at the Spring Festival Gala earlier this year. The Niuniu choir, made up of young Yi girls from Sichuan, amazed audiences when they sang an original song, ‘Jade Plate.’ CGTN correspondent Jen Copestake travelled to Puge County to meet the girls and their teacher.

Hidden away in a valley of farms, in Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, is the home of the Niuniu choir. The Central Primary School of Dacao Township is located in a remote part of Sichuan, surrounded by the mountains. Over 300 children go to school there, aged between 6 to 13 years old. They are all from the Yi ethnic group.

40 of the girls sing in the Niuniu choir. In the Yi language, “Niuniu” means daughters or girls. Their choir master, Jibu Xiaolong, grew up in the mountains. “For us Yi people, music permeates our lives,” Jibu Xiaolong told CGTN correspondent Jen Copestake. “Whether it's a sister getting married, a coming-of-age ceremony, or an elder passing away, we express our innermost thoughts through music or chanting. I grew up here, immersed in this culture.”

Xiaolong pursued a singing career in cities like Beijing and Chengdu before returning to his hometown to teach children music. He says singing helps the children express their emotions and gain confidence.

“I fear not the jackals in the deep forest, I climb over mountains and valleys to see the rainbow.”

“Brave Girls” is an original song composed by Xiaolong for the choir. “When I feel sad, I sing this song. Singing makes me feel braver,” said Wang Ying, a member of the Niuniu choir.

Singing in the choir has built strong friendships between the girls, and has given them extraordinary experiences too.

After receiving an invitation to perform in the Spring Festival Gala, the girls spent a month in Beijing preparing.

“The Spring Festival Gala is the most prominent stage in China. On the day the children set off, none of us could sleep, and the moment we finally stepped onto the stage for the gala, I felt that not only the children and myself but also our parents and villagers were extremely proud of us,” Jibu Xiaolong said when recalling the experience.

When asked about how it felt at the Spring Festival Gala, one girl said, “I wasn't nervous. Seeing such a big stage made me feel very happy." Another member smiled, “the stage was huge. And it was elevated, I was a bit afraid of the height.”

Before the CGTN crew left Dacao Township, the girls were kind enough to try and teach Jen one of their songs. It was an unforgettable experience to sing with the Niuniu choir.