Why has the Mongolian long song tradition been recognized by UNESCO?

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Wide autumn valley with golden grass in the foreground and low, tree-covered mountains of the Greater Khingan Range in the distance under a clear sky. — Inner Mongolia Da Hinggan (Greater Khingan) Range, southeast of Hailar, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.

The Mongolian long song, known as urtiin duu, has been recognized by UNESCO as an "intangible cultural heritage" because it serves as a vital expression of Mongolian culture and traditions.1

Singing is a central aspect of traditional Mongolian life, functioning as a form of entertainment, communication, historical recollection, and group fellowship. The urtiin duu style is characterized by its drawn-out, free rhythm and extensive melodic ornamentation. This tradition demonstrates the close affiliation of individual Mongols with their heritage, often performed as a gregarious activity during social gatherings, such as around campfires after an evening meal.12