Guizhou Lusheng

Guizhou Lusheng

　　　In the ethnic minority villages across Guizhou, there has long been a reputation as the “Land of Lusheng” and the “Land of Song and Dance.” The lusheng is one of the ancient musical instruments cherished by ethnic minorities. During festivals and holidays, they hold various colorful lusheng gatherings, playing the instrument and dancing to celebrate their traditional festivals. The lusheng has a history of over a thousand years. As far back as the Tang Dynasty, ethnic minorities in Guizhou began making lusheng, and many skilled lusheng performers emerged. In ancient times, envoys who came to the capital to pay tribute even brought the lusheng to perform in the imperial court, earning high praise from court officials.

　　With the changes of time, while retaining its original style, the shape and playing techniques of the lusheng have seen new improvements. Today’s lusheng comes in versions with six, ten, or twelve pipes, with lengths ranging from two feet to over ten feet. The melodies of the lusheng maintain an ancient, melodious charm, yet also feature varied tunes and lively rhythms—especially when accompanied by the deep, resonant sounds of the mangtong (a type of horn), which adds depth and volume, creating particularly enchanting tones. The dances have also evolved significantly—not only featuring vigorous kicks and bold footwork, but also graceful and unrestrained movements. Lusheng gatherings in Guizhou’s ethnic minority regions are grand events, attracting anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands of participants. From miles away, the melodious hum of the lusheng can be heard.