Music & Performance

The Chinese bamboo zither, also called daoqin or fisherman’s drum, is a traditional percussion instrument with roots in Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE) Daoist storytelling. Its crisp, ge…

Ever heard of the Chinese yangqin? At first, I thought it was some ancient speaker system. Then I saw it—a mesmerizing instrument with a crisp, bell-like tone, like a mountain stre…

In China, the dongxiao weaves the spirit of scholars and the mist of ancient rivers into its haunting notes. This bamboo pipe, played for 3,000 years, is a “spiritual totem” of sol…

Imagine a sound so powerful it cuts through village chatter, wedding cheers, or funeral tears—a sound that’s both a blazing sun and a mournful autumn breeze. That’s the suona, a Ch…

The Butterfly and Flower Dance, or Die Fei Hua Wu, is a breathtaking Chinese classical dance that blends nature, emotion, and artistry. Created by choreographer Jiang Nan, it debut…

Biyu Youlan, or Green Rain and Hidden Orchid, is a stunning Chinese classical dance that blends tradition with modern flair. Created in 2011 for dancer Tang Shiyi, it uses a single…

The Chinese fan dance, particularly the masterpiece Fan Dance Danqing, captivates audiences with its blend of elegance and cultural depth. Using a simple folding fan and flowing sl…

The Chinese bianzhong, a set of tuned bronze bells, is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient instruments. Originating over 3,000 years ago, it blends music, science, and sp…

The Chinese erhu, often called the “Chinese violin,” is a two-stringed instrument with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Its haunting, soulful sound captures the ess…

The Chinese pipa, a four-stringed lute with over 2,000 years of history, is a cornerstone of Chinese musical heritage. Known for its pear-shaped body and vibrant sound, the pipa ca…