An instrument of knowledge

Two years later, the trio established the Zide Guqin Studio. Driven by their creative ideas and sharp vision, they decided to make videos introducing the versatility of the traditional instrument to the general public.

They first experimented on a short film series titled Guqin Clinic, and gradually developed their unique style, creating music videos that focus on the beauty of the instrument and reach a wider audience.

According to Tang, also the studio's artistic director, the videos can be divided into four main categories — faithful renditions of ancient pieces, adaptations of ancient pieces, modern music rearranged for the guqin and other folk instruments, as well as original compositions.

"The majority of ancient Chinese music pieces that have survived to this day were written for the guqin. This is not only due to its unique tablature, but also because, in the past, only learned individuals who had the ability to make written records played this instrument," Tang says.