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…

The first time I heard a Chinese bamboo drum in San Francisco’s Chinatown, I thought someone was playing with coffee stirrers. Then I saw it—a musician striking a bamboo tube, prod…

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…

In China, the bamboo flute’s notes carry the mist of江南 waterways and the winds of the Loess Plateau. This simple bamboo tube, played for 9,000 years, is more than an instrument—it’…

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…