Chinese folk artists gathered in Beijing Wednesday to pool wisdom on the inheritance and growth of traditional art forms as the China Quyi Artists Association (CQAA) celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Jiang Kun, president of the association, called for more inspiring works representing the essence of the times.

"Quyi" refers to various forms of narrative and singing folk arts, such as Chinese ballad singing, comic dialogues and clapper talk, which are popular among the general public.

Initiated in July 1949, the CQAA evolved to its current organization after several name changes.