In the bustling streets of Tianjin Municipality in north China, the soulful sounds of the sanxian—a traditional three-stringed lute—are getting a modern makeover. At the forefront of this musical revolution is folk music content creator Chu Qi Gui Zi, whose innovative fusion of ancient melodies and contemporary beats has captivated millions across social media platforms.
Chu began her journey with the sanxian at the tender age of 13. Now, she proudly carries the torch as the inheritor of a large sanxian performance technique, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage in Tianjin’s Hedong District. With a dream to share the sanxian’s unique charm far and wide, she has traveled to over 20 cities across China, including Genhe, Harbin, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
Her performances are a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. Donning elegant Hanfu attire paired with edgy sunglasses, Chu strikes a striking image as she plays electronic dance music on the sanxian. This stark contrast not only defines her visual aesthetic but also serves as her signature style, capturing the attention of youth and reigniting interest in traditional Chinese instruments.
“I want to show that our heritage can be cool and relatable,” Chu shares. “By blending the old with the new, I’m hoping to inspire others to appreciate and perhaps pick up these traditional instruments.”
Through her creative videos and electrifying performances, Chu is injecting new vitality into the sanxian, ensuring that the echoes of this ancient instrument continue to resonate with a new generation.
