Perform and Make Qiang Flute

　　The Qiang flute consists of two bamboo pipes bound by strings, and is usually played by the Qiang minority living in western China. It is mainly played solo and there are over ten ancient tunes.

　　According to historical records, before the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-AD24), the Qiang bamboo flute had four holes. In the first century BC, a musician named Jing Fang, added a high-pitch hole. In modern times, the flute has developed into a six-hole wind instrument. Judging from this, it is estimated that the Qiang flute has a history of at least 2,000 years.

　　The flute is played by puffing out the cheeks and changing blowing pressure. With one breath, the player can blow the flute for several minutes. A simple tune requires a high level of skill. The flutist can also use his/her larynx to make a vibrato, or use his/her fingers to create a glissandi.

　　The flute is made from the choicest arrow bamboos and the holes are evenly placed according to the length, thickness and size of the bamboo pipes.

　　The Qiang people have no written language. Their history and culture are passed down orally from generation to generation. The Qiang flute is an important way of communication and inheriting ethnic culture. The Qiang flute is a rare national folk musical instrument treasure.