Naxi ancient music is composed of Baisha Xiyue, Dongjing music, and Huangjing music (Huangjing music has failed to be handed down). Taoist ritual music, Confucian ceremonial music, even poems in the Tang (618 – 907) and Song (960 – 1279) dynasties are emerged into Naxi ancient music. The musical instruments played by the artists are more than 100 years old. Several of the instruments are exclusive to Naxi people, such as Sugudu (苏古笃, a kind of stringed instrument), wooden clappers (tishou), small cymbals (xiaocha), etc.

Originally, Baisha Xiyue was a type of funeral music. But nowadays, you will hear it at the ceremony of festivals, religious festivals and so on in Naxi area. Dongjing music is a fusion of Taoism and Naxi folk music.

Usually, the elder artists in purple robes professionally play the old musical instruments in earnest. Above the stage are hung the pictures of the deceased players who were members in the association. About three quarters of the audience are foreigners. The artists are dedicated. No matter how many persons are in the theater, they will play Naxi ancient music.