What is Yangqin?

Yangqin is an instrument that originated in Central Asia but got prominence in China. But few theories are there to oppose the fact that it had been invented by the Chinese solely without any foreign influence. Some research discovered the instrument may have been introduced by land, through the Silk route, or by sea, through the port of Guangzhou (Canton). Yangqin is the hammered dulcimer. It is played by hitting strings with a pair of bamboo mallets, the size of a chopstick. Models vary in size, range, and quality. They usually include an ornate folding stand. It is also sometimes called the “Chinese piano”. It is having slightly over 4 octaves.

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