Last summer, when I went back to China, I had only one goal in mind: learn how to play the guzheng (古筝). Now the reason for my sudden obsession with the guzheng was much like many other young people’s obsessions with ancient Chinese instruments- Chinese dramas. I was determined to be like my favorite C-Drama character Xia Ziwei (夏紫薇), who frequently plays the guzheng in the hit T.V. series My Fair Princess (还珠格格). However, I would soon learn that the guzheng is so much more than just a scene in a drama, so for this issue’s Culture Corner, I’m going to highlight some of the amazing history that comes with the guzheng.

The guzheng is a Chinese zither which is a stringed instrument with a flat soundboard. It originated in China around the 6th century B.C.E but was popularized during the Qin Dynasty. The typical guzheng has 21 strings with moveable bridges, not to be confused with the guqin, which has 7 strings and no bridges. Guzheng players wear fake nails on their fingers to pluck the strings, following a circular motion to create a rich and vibrant sound. Throughout Chinese history, the guzheng was used as a form of entertainment amongst royal courts, as well as an indicator of one’s educated status. It was a symbol of elegance and sophistication, the mark of a truly great scholar. Today, the guzheng has seen a revival amongst the current generation of Chinese people, in both the traditional style and modern style. Thanks to the efforts of historians and musicians alike, the beauty of the guzheng is now immortalized in Chinese culture.