On the edge of the “Roof of the World”, nestled between the mountains and rivers of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, lives Gaerdong, a young Tibetan. Coming from a humble family background, Gaerdong has never received formal musical education. Yet, driven by his passion for music, Gaerdong has carved out his own path in the realm of folk music. As we commemorate the 66th anniversary of the democratic reform that ended feudal serfdom in Xizang Autonomous Region, the second episode of “Voices of a Million Youth” shines a spotlight on this Tibetan youth. Today we are taking you to hear the voice from the plateau.

Gaerdong’s music blends together the spirit of the plateau and the soul of an ethnic group. Each note of the folk tunes and rock pieces he independently produces pulses with the distinct rhythm of Tibetan culture. From ancient legends to the lives of herders, and from majestic snow-capped peaks to boundless grasslands, Gaerdong tell their stories through melodies. Whether flowing with grace or blazing with fervor, the melodies carry the plateau’s vastness and deep affection, making listeners intoxicated with them.

At the beginning of 2023, Gaerdong made a brave decision: to launch a solo concert tour. With a vehicle bearing all his possessions and dreams, he set forth alone on an epic journey across 108 Tibetan prefectures and counties spanning Sichuan, Qinghai, Yunnan, and Xizang. Along the way, this young musician met fleeting scenery racing past his window, the weariness and solitude of the journey, and the heartfelt applause and tears of audiences at every performance.

On August 24, 2024, Gaerdong brought his tour concert to its final stop in Lhasa. This moment marked not only a milestone in his musical journey but also a sincere declaration of Tibetan music to the world. To enable this plateau-born emotion to reach every corner worldwide, the filming team of the Sichuan International Communication Center (SICC) determined to capture Gaerdong’s musical pilgrimage in the form of tracking shots.

The filming team closely trailed Gaerdong’s steps, documenting his relentless journey day and night. Those long drives were more than mere movement through space—they were an expedition of musical inspiration taking root.

The lens captured every precious moment of Gaerdong on stage. The dances performed on the plateau signify the Tibetan people’s passion for life and reverence for nature. Meanwhile, the shimmering tears in the audience’s eyes gleam as the most heartfelt tribute to this Tibetan’s music.

This documentary is not just the musical stories of Gaerdong alone. It is a reflection of every ordinary individual who harbors dreams, cherishes life, and follows convictions. Through his own experiences, Gaerdong tells us that dreams transcend origins; with love and perseverance in mind, anyone can radiate light along the path they choose.