Jinge, originally known as "Za Jinge" (or assorted brocade songs), is a traditional narrative singing art that thrived across the southern plains of East China's Fujian province — centered in Zhangzhou city and extending to Xiamen, Jinjiang, Longxi and even across the Strait to Taiwan province. Emerging during the transition from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in the early 17th century and peaking in the mid-Qing Dynasty, this art form is revered as a "folk art sibling" to Quanzhou city's Nanyin folk art music.

Performed by seated ensembles accompanying themselves on the pipa, dongxiao and other traditional instruments, Jinge boasts complex melodic systems.

Its repertoire includes classics like The Tale of Chen San and Wuniang and Lady Meng Jiang. Rooted in rural life, Jinge features lyrical yet accessible verses and fluid melodies that are just brimming with rustic charm.

When Zheng Chenggong reclaimed Taiwan from Dutch colonists in 1662, Jinge was brought to the island, later evolving into "Chang Gezai" by blending with local Taiwan folk tunes.

Despite this rich legacy, Jinge has declined since the 1940s, now facing existential threats as public interest wanes. Urgent preservation is needed to safeguard this disappearing soundscape of local Minnan culture.