The many charms of an ancient instrument

She uploads the videos to popularize the instrument, so that more people are able to appreciate its charms and also learn about it, which also helps deepen their understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

One top comment on one of her videos says: "The moment the first note is struck, there is a sensation that seems to reach the soul. The distant, ethereal sound of the guqin creates an instant resonance in me."

Xu believes that the mesmerizing sound of the guqin has the power to fill the heart with peace, and says that, contrary to the tranquil and solemn quality of her videos, she is actually outgoing and vivacious in real life.

"Every time I practice the guqin, I find sanctuary. When I close my eyes as I play, the deep resonance of a single note can give me the sensation of enlightenment, so that when I open my eyes again, everything seems more lucid," Xu says.

"Studying a particular piece also involves learning the history and culture it embodies. When I started to learn about the mindset and aesthetics of the guqin players of the past, I began to truly grasp the breadth and depth of traditional Chinese culture."

While she continues to teach and make videos, Xu feels that she needs to improve her own ability to strike a balance between tradition and innovation.

This includes honing her techniques, so that she is able to more faithfully interpret and present ancient music, as well as leveraging the strengths of the guqin, and preserving its integrity as she makes adaptations.

In 2021, Xu was taken on as a private student by Zhao Jiazhen, a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and a national-level inheritor of the guqin.

"I feel happy that through my videos, I've been able to draw people into guqin music, and some have even started learning to play. This brings me immense joy," Xu says.

Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn