Discover how Midu Echoing, a traditional Chinese folk song from Yunnan, became a viral Phonk remix sensation worldwide.
A traditional Chinese folk song, “Midu Mountain Song” (Midu Echoing, 弥渡山歌), has captured the attention of listeners worldwide. Originally from Midu County in western Yunnan, this song is part of China’s national intangible cultural heritage, which was recognised in 2011. Its roots trace back to local farmers and herders who sang improvised songs while working in fields or herding livestock. Today, the folk song system of Midu includes hundreds of tunes, such as Little River Flows, Gengzi Tune, and Honey Drop Tune, blending Yi, Bai, and Han musical elements.
The song’s lyrics are poetic and vivid, reflecting nature and devotion:
山对山来，崖对崖，蜜蜂采花深山里来，蜜蜂本为采花死，梁山伯为祝英台
Mountain faces mountain, cliff meets cliff. A bee gathers flowers, flying from the deep hills. A bee is born to die for blossoms, as Liang Shanbo gives his life for Zhu Yingtai.
Roots and New Life
In 2025, Chinese creator YangYinYue (羊音乐) adapted the song into a Phonk‑style remix, combining the traditional melody with modern beats. The remix keeps the original folk spirit while adding a dance‑friendly rhythm, making it perfect for short videos on platforms like Douyin, TikTok, and YouTube.
The Phonk version, known internationally as Midu Echoing, has gained over 10 million plays on Spotify. English-speaking music reviewers, including KalexWillzy, praised the remix:
“Flow is very good. Take traditional culture folk music, add modern song and modern elements. The string guitar for me is MVP. It’s a good vibe.”
This highlights how the remix preserves cultural depth while appealing to a global audience.
A Viral Trend
Recently, the song sparked the “Midu Mountain Song Gesture Dance” on Douyin. Its cheerful melody and simple hand movements quickly drew celebrities, influencers, and everyday users to imitate and share. The hashtag accumulated billions of views in just days.
Internationally, TikTok and YouTube users joined in. Many wore Chinese traditional clothing while performing wrist spins, hand gestures, and palm movements. Fans on social media platforms like SoundCloud and TikTok expressed excitement, posting comments in the style of: “It is too good to resist.”“DAMN SO GOOD.”“Wow, I saw this song on TikTok, and it’s also Chinese!”
The success of Midu Echoing shows that traditional music can still reach people today. Social media platforms help local songs travel beyond their region and connect with new audiences around the world.
Image: Screenshot from Spotify / YangYinYue official page
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