A performance of Guqin is staged at Ni Yunllin Temple of Huishan ancient town on Nov 25. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A performance of Guqin (also known as Chinese zither) was staged at Ni Yunllin Temple of Huishan ancient town on Nov 25.

The performance was given by famous Guqin artists such as Wu Jiong, Niu Wenjing, Sun Zhuoping and Fei Xia, and included masterpieces such as Wuye Wu Qiufeng (Leaves Dancing in the Autumnal Wind), Yuge Diao (Fisherman's Song), and Loushi Ming (Eulogy to the Humble Room), much to the delight of the watching audience.

The Chinese zither represents the zenith of cultivated learning in ancient times. As the most ancient instrument in China, the zither has long been a favorite of the literati. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Chinese zither represented the zenith of cultivated learning in ancient times. As the most ancient instrument in China, the zither has long been a favorite of the literati. The Chinese zither was more of an individual instrument for solace and personal appreciation.

The performance reached its climax with the composition Pingsha Luoyan (Wild Geese Landing on the Shallow Shore) played by Wu Jiong, an inheritor of the Guqin playing technique, which is an intangible heritage of Wuxi. With a relaxed rhythm, the first part of the piece depicts a calm Yangtze River under a clear autumn sky. The second part progresses into livelier rhythms to imitate the chirping of many birds. The third part presents a thematic scene of wild geese leisurely landing on the shallow shores of the Yangtze, as a gentle breeze makes the water ripple. Wu's moving performance was agreed by many of the audience of music lovers to be a fitting end to the concert.

Ni Yunllin Temple, Huishan ancient town. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]