Loading

The Guqin: China’s most revered musical instrument 古琴

Guqin (gǔ qín, 古琴), also known as Qin or the Chinese zither, is the most revered and prestigious instrument in China. It has been played for over three thousand years of history. Legend tells that the origin of the instrument could be dated back to China’s pre-history period (about 5000 years ago) when Fuxi, Shennong and Huang Di (The yellow emperor) were involved in its creation. The guqin has been included in Unesco's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Guqin is inseparable from the Chinese intellectual history, it has been one of the most beloved instruments played by noblemen and scholars in the past. With its cosmological and metaphysical significance, the Guqin is recognised as an instrument which could help to regulate the body, the mind and cultivate characters. It is practiced in intimate settings and in nature, and it is one of the most important parts of traditional Chinese lifestyle and wellbeing.

In today’s China, Guqin is becoming more and more popular among the Chinese people, and is an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations. You can hear some guqin music here.

士 無 故 不 徹 琴 瑟。 A gentleman does not part with his qin or se without good reason. Liji (Book of Rites): Quli Summary of the Rules of Propriety part 2禮記‧曲禮下.