URUMQI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- A performer of the Twelve Muqams in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has helped keep this distinctively Uygur cultural heritage alive.

Twelve Muqams, known as the "Mother of Uygur Music," is a group of classical music pieces combining Uygur singing, dancing and music. They are considered a treasure of Chinese ethnic music.

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