From stage to square

Clips of her have spread on social media platforms like Douyin and WeChat, where she has been dubbed the "national daughter". Her following has grown, drawing not just local people but dedicated travelers from as far as East China's Fujian province.

In the two months since October, she has performed in parks across Beijing, attracting larger crowds each time.

Many older audience members affectionately call her "daughter", because some say that "listening to her play the flute feels like watching my own daughter showcase her talent". The title makes Sun feel a warm and intimate connection.

Audiences often record her performances and share them online, with some even livestreaming the shows. This intimacy brings its own pressure. "The reach is so much wider now. I fear playing poorly, so I practice more intensely," she admits.

The elements are another challenge. Winter cold warps the bamboo and affects pitch and tone. She now carries a backup set of flutes.

The trend she represents is catching on. On the same afternoon at Tianqiao, seven musicians gave a pop-up concert, to similar acclaim. Sun has also invited colleagues to join her.