Ancient instruments are symbolic cultural relics, and people can get a glimpse of the culture and traditions behind their unique sounds. In this episode, Zhang Xuguang, a zither and bowed instrument performer with the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe,  join us to explore the captivating story behind the revival of the soulful sound of a seven-stringed zither whose melody has resonated across a millennium. 

Zhang Xuguang is a zither and bowed instrument performer with the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe. He has been responsible for restoring an ancient seven-stringed zither in 2021, which has been passed down from the Northern Song Dynasty over 1,000 years ago. [Photo taken by China Plus]

The Ancient guqin or seven-stringed zither is called "Bian Meng," which literately translates as "dream-reality confusion." Its exterior has been mended and sound quality has been improved. Now It can be played on big stage again. [Photo courtesy of Zhang Xuguang]