Tuojiang Haozi, a traditional Chinese folk song from the Tuojiang River Basin in Sichuan Province, China, holds significant cultural value as it originates from the labor chants of boatmen navigating the Tuojiang River. This study explores the literacy preservation and transmission of Tuojiang Haozi amidst rapid modernization and changing socio-economic landscapes. The research objective is to investigate literacy preservation and transmission of the Tuojiang Haozi Chinese folk song in Sichuan Province, China. The study involved qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews with three key informants: an ethnic music composer and researcher, a native resident and inheritor, and a follower of a renowned Tuojiang Haozi researcher. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observations, followed by thematic analysis to identify key themes related to cultural and musical literacy, community engagement, and academic practices. The results highlight the challenges of preserving Tuojiang Haozi in the face of modernization and the declining relevance of traditional vocations while emphasizing the potential of educational integration and digital technology in sustaining this cultural heritage. The study suggests the need for innovative community engagement strategies and further research on the role of digital platforms in preserving intangible cultural heritage.