lusheng

Lusheng is a traditional wind instrument from southwest China, associated mainly with the Miao (Hmong) and Dong ethnic groups, and widely found in Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, and adjacent areas. It is a multi-pipe aerophone consisting of a wind chest and a set of bamboo or wooden pipes mounted on a carved stock. The pipes vary in length and are arranged in one or more rows; each pipe is tuned to a specific pitch, enabling melodies and, in many cases, harmonic combinations. The instrument is played by blowing into a mouthpiece that directs air into the wind chamber, and by covering the finger holes on the pipes to produce the desired notes. The design and tuning of lusheng can differ by locality, with scales ranging from pentatonic to more elaborate tunings.

In performance, lusheng is central to many festive and ritual contexts. It is commonly heard in courtship dances, weddings, harvest ceremonies, and singing ensembles, often accompanying dances and vocal music. The instrument is typically played by one or several musicians who may coordinate to create polyphonic textures, sometimes including drone-like lines produced by longer pipes.

Lusheng holds a distinctive place in regional musical culture and has numerous local variants reflecting diverse Miao and Dong traditions. It remains an active element of cultural transmission, with artisans manufacturing instruments and musicians continuing to perform traditional pieces as well as contemporary compositions.