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A delegation from the Songlai Association Paris Guqin concluded their cultural pilgrimage tracing the ancient roots of the guqin (a seven-stringed zither) with a visit to Yangzhou, a city steeped in the instrument's legacy, on Aug 12.
Members of the Songlai Association Paris Guqin pay a visit to Ma Weiheng, a venerable guqin artisan in Yangzhou, on Aug 12. [Photo/yznews.cn]
In France, the association has become a beacon of Sino-French cultural dialogue, hosting elegant gatherings and performing at cross-cultural events to share the classical beauty of Chinese artistry through the guqin's timeless melodies.
Yet, their passion extended beyond performance — they yearned to witness firsthand the art of guqin-making. It was this desire that drew them to Yangzhou, where they hoped to learn from master Ma Weiheng, a national-level inheritor of the guqin.
During their visit to Ma, they embarked on a 3,000-year journey through the instrument's history, marveling at its evolution as a symbol of Chinese cultural identity. Ma also unveiled a revered Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) guqin, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship.
A member of the Songlai Association Paris Guqin plays the guqin. [Photo/yznews.cn]
The climax of the visit was a mesmerizing performance by French guests, who played Chinese guqin classics with remarkable finesse, earning heartfelt accolades from Ma.
Since its inception in 2018, the Songlai Paris Guqin Association has blossomed from a modest gathering of Chinese enthusiasts into a vibrant community of over 100 members, including more than 30 international devotees. This growth mirrors the guqin's rising global resonance, as its haunting melodies and philosophical depth captivate hearts worldwide.
