Xinhua Mountain Songs, a national-level Intangible Cultural Heritage in China since 2008, represent a significant folk music tradition from Hunan Province. Introducing them into school music education is a vital strategy for fostering cultural confidence and diverse aesthetic appreciation among youth.The purpose of this study is to analyze the current state of protection and inheritance of Xinhua Mountain Songs from the perspective of intangible cultural heritage safeguarding, and to explore their function and significance within campus aesthetic education. The research questions include: (1)What protective measures are currently employed for Xinhua Mountain Songs, and which have proven most effective? (2) What is the most core challenge in the inheritance process of Xinhua Mountain Songs? (3) As an important transmission pathway, what is the key rationale behind the "Reverberations on Campus" approach in attracting the younger generation?This study employs a narrative research method. Through profound exchanges with one core inheritor who has been dedicated to the transmission of Xinhua Mountain Songs for decades and one young inheritor who encountered the songs through the "Songs Enter Campus" initiative, the study systematically outlines the multiple practical issues encountered in the protection and inheritance of Xinhua Mountain Songs. The findings indicate that: (1) While current protection focuses on inheritor training, policy support, and documentation, the "Reverberations on Campus" initiative is regarded as the most promising practice for directly engaging youth and alleviating the inheritance gap.(2) The core inheritance challenge remains low acceptance and a lack of motivation among younger groups, leading to an aging demographic of inheritors.(3) The key to sustainable inheritance lies in balancing "preserving the essence" with "introducing innovation" to maintain traditional charm while resonating with contemporary aesthetics. This research is still ongoing, and final conclusions are pending further analysis. Subsequent work will deepen the argumentation by incorporating core data from preliminary investigations on inheritor cultivation and school practices, hoping to provide new insights and directions for research in this field.