Chinese Instruments

Pipa 琵琶 The pipa became popular as Silk Road trade and travel
brought Buddhism, and great change, to the region. It
is thought that the instrument originated somewhere in
western or southern Asia. The instrument was popular
in Chengdu, the capital of the Tang Empire (618–907).
Paintings and artwork of the Tang era depict the pipa
being played bymusicians in flowing robes.

Dizi 笛子 Dizis are generally made of bamboo, and they

generally have six or more finger holes. One hole is
covered with paper so that the flute has a peculiar
buzzing sound that people like.

Modern dizis may have a range of about two and a half

octaves. Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it has
been used for theatrical performance. You may see
these being played in the cities and countryside for fun.

Dulcimer 扬琴 Dulcimer, a kind of strike-stringed instrument, was

firstly introduced to China by Persian (an ancient
Arabic country) at the end of Ming Dynasty. In the
performance, it plays a role like the piano. Two jean
bamboos (a kind of elastic small bamboo hammer) are
used to stri
ke the strings.
Guqin 古琴 Also called heptachord, Guqin is one of the oldest
plucked instruments in China, which appeared not late
than Yao and Shun period. Players pluck the string by
right hand and press by left hand.

Huqin 胡琴 Huqin is a kind of Mongolian arco instrument. Due to

its gentle and resonant sound that is full of prairie
flavor, Huqin is a good choice for solo, accompaniment
and instrumental ensemble. Now Huqin is very popular
in Inner Mongolia.