Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes

Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes

Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes are a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　    Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes are one of the “Three Treasures of Guizhou.” Originating during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, they won a silver medal at the 1886 London International Exposition for their beautiful, smooth tone and exquisite craftsmanship, and then a gold medal at the 1923 Panama International Exposition. (Guiyang)

　　A renowned specialty of Guizhou, Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes are as famous as Moutai and are one of the “Three Treasures of Guizhou.” With their clear and melodious tones and exquisitely refined craftsmanship, these instruments are among the finest in traditional Chinese ethnic music, representing the fusion of the cultures of the Dong, Han, Miao, and Tujia peoples in Yuping. Many artisans have contributed to their development. The making of Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes involves three processes—forming, carving, and finishing—over seventy steps. Originally limited to one type of flute and one type of xiao, the range has now expanded to include seven flutes, twelve xiaos, and over a hundred varieties.

　　 Specialty Culture: Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes are famous both at home and abroad. Legend has it that as early as the 1st century AD, xiao and di were played in Wuxi, the ancient site of Yuping. The instruments were first made during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty and stand out uniquely among Chinese musical instruments. In 1913, they won a silver award at the International Arts and Crafts Exhibition in London, UK; in 1915, they earned a gold award at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, USA, held to commemorate the opening of the Panama Canal. They are among the first Chinese ethnic folk instruments to win international acclaim. Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes appeal to both refined and popular tastes. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, they were listed as tribute items favored by royalty. Among the public, they were often exchanged as treasured gifts between close friends or kindred spirits. The dragon and phoenix patterns carved on the instruments are said to be inspired by the legendary love story of Xiao Shi and Nong Yu, who summoned a phoenix with their xiao playing.

　　Legend has it that three hundred years ago, a man surnamed Zheng in Yuping met a Taoist priest who called himself the “Deer Hide Immortal” at a market. The two hit it off immediately and became fast friends. The Taoist often wandered the mountains, chanting and expressing his discontent with the ruling court. One day, he picked a bamboo stalk from the mountain, crafted it into a xiao, and played it, resonating deeply with his friend. Before leaving for distant travels, the Taoist passed on the craft of making xiao and di to his friend surnamed Zheng. Since then, the Zheng family began making and selling xiao and di themselves. This may be the origin of the poetic line “An immortal visited Yuping and left behind an ancient tune.”

　　 Production Craftsmanship: The selection of materials and production of Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes are highly meticulous. They are made from a rare type of water bamboo that grows in the shade along mountain streams, receiving little sunlight. This bamboo has long sections, thick walls, consistent diameter throughout, and is about the thickness of a human thumb. The timing of bamboo harvesting is crucial, typically two months after the Start of Winter, as the bamboo contains less water and sugar at this time, making the resulting instruments less prone to cracking or mold.

　　The production process is even more rigorous, involving dozens of steps from cutting the bamboo to final crafting. Finally, poems and paintings are engraved onto the surface of the instruments. The ancient bronze hues of the tubes, paired with various patterns and verses, give them an elegant and classic appearance. Among Yuping Xiao and Di Flutes, the “Dragon Phoenix Screen Xiao” is particularly popular. It comes as a pair—one male and one female. The male is slightly thicker and produces a rich, powerful tone, while the female is slightly thinner, offering a mellow, subtle, and enduring sound. When played together, the pair sounds like a couple singing in harmony—perfectly synchronized and enchantingly melodious.