The Salar vocal folk music is a unique intangible cultural heritage of the Salar ethnic minority in Qinghai Province, China. The objective of this interdisciplinary study is to investigate the role of education and literacy in the preservation and transmission of Salar vocal folk music in Qinghai Province, China. The research site, Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, serves as a cultural epicenter where Salar traditions have thrived for centuries, providing an authentic setting for immersive fieldwork. Key informants include Salar musicians, educators, community leaders, and government officials who play vital roles in the preservation and transmission of this heritage. Data was collected through participant observation, interviews, and documentation of Salar vocal folk music performances. Musicological analysis and preservation and transmission theory were applied to the data, revealing the historical roots, cultural significance, and current challenges faced by Salar vocal folk music. The study culminates in guidelines for the preservation and transmission of this tradition, emphasizing government support, modernization, education, innovation, diverse communication, and legal safeguards.