Modern Beats Meet Timeless Craft
Chu Qi Gui Zi, a folk music content creator in Tianjin Municipality on the Chinese mainland, began playing the sanxian, an iconic three-stringed lute, at age 13. Now the inheritor of a major sanxian performance technique, an intangible cultural heritage project of Tianjin's Hedong District, she blends electronic dance music beats with classical motifs to create a fresh sonic experience.
Across the Chinese Mainland: A Touring Sensation
Driven by her dream to bring the sanxian to every corner of the country, Chu has performed in over 20 cities, including Genhe, Harbin, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Each stop generated buzz as audiences streamed her performances online, racking up millions of likes and shares.
Hanfu, Sunglasses, and Viral Videos
What makes Chu's performances so eye-catching? The contrast. Donning traditional Hanfu paired with modern sunglasses, she livestreams high-energy EDM edits on the sanxian. This mashup is more than a visual gimmick; it invites younger audiences to discover and embrace age-old traditions.
Reshaping Cultural Heritage for a Digital Era
Chu's success underscores a broader trend: the digital revival of traditional arts. By leveraging social media algorithms, immersive storytelling, and data-driven insights (like tracking audience engagement), creators are rewriting the rules of cultural transmission. For global music enthusiasts, her journey illustrates how heritage and innovation can harmonize to inspire the next generation.
Join the Movement
As digital nomads, travelers, and tech-savvy young professionals seek authentic cultural experiences, Chu Qi Gui Zi's sanxian fusion offers both inspiration and a roadmap. Tune in to her latest videos to see how ancient strings and modern beats can strike a chord across borders.
Reference(s):
Modern music injects new vitality into traditional Chinese instruments
cgtn.com
