Guzheng, the Chinese Zither, is a traditional Chinese music instrument originated during the Warring Period over 2500 years ago in China. It has many descendants all over Asia, such as the Japanese koto and Korean kayagum. Because of its melodic qualities, the Guzheng was extremely popular for both court and folk music.

Its scale was pentatonic, using the notes DO, RE, MI, SO, and LA with a major note for each of its five strings. The sound box is made of paulownia wood; the strings, varying in number from thirteen to twenty-five, used to be made of silk, but are nowadays metal wrapped with nylon. There's a moveable bridge under each string to tune the sound. They are tuned to a pentatonic scale with a range of more than four octaves. The player plucks the strings on the right hand side withe the right hand, while the left hand presses the strings on the left hand side to produce varietion of vibrato.

In 20th century, guzheng has achieved historic development. Throughtout the history, guzheng keeps its vitality by interweaving its music with rich folk foundation and creative performers in each generation. In the late 20th century, with the tremendous change of social and cultural environment, besides being continuously popular in the mass, guzheng music began to be taught in professional music conservatories. The mix of professional musicians and folk musicians produces an unprecedented improvements and enrichments in the guzheng music. The most outstanding example is the emergence of numerous new pieces. At the end of 20th century, guzheng has become the major Chinese instrument with richest pieces documentaries.

This is the rear and front view of guzheng:

This is a demonstration of playing guzheng:

This is guzheng music sample: Evening Song of the Fisherman (Yu Zhou Chang Wan)

This music piece describes a scenario that in the evening, under the shinning of setting sun, the fishermen come home with their boat full of fish. They are very happy, and come together to celebrate their harvest.