“Jasmine Flower” is a folk treasure from Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, with origins tracing back to the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. Initially passed down orally, its lyrics first appeared in Zhuibaiqiu: Flower Drum, while the musical notation was first recorded in the Xiaohui Collection. The song evolved from the “Fresh Flower Tune” of Liuhe, Nanjing, which was collected and arranged by He Fang in 1942 and officially adapted and renamed Jasmine Flower in 1957. The lyrics poignantly depict a young woman’s conflicted feelings toward jasmine flowers through simple yet elegant language. Set to a melody in the delicate, flowing style of Jiangnan silk – and – bamboo music, it showcases the charm of traditional Chinese music. The song is composed in the A Zhi pentatonic mode and follows the classic four – part structure of “introduction, elaboration, transition, and conclusion.”

Jasmine Flower is not only an emblem of local culture but also a symbol of Chinese culture, celebrated both domestically and internationally. In 1982, it was recommended by UNESCO as an outstanding global song. It has been performed at major events such as Hong Kong’s handover and the Olympic Games, and has even traveled into space aboard a U.S. spacecraft. Although different regional versions vary in style, each adaptation enriches the vibrant tapestry of Chinese folk music.