Master craftsman preserves classical music culture

Wang, who lives in the Huichuan district of Zunyi, Guizhou province, began his journey to guqin mastery at age 12, under the tutelage of his grandfather, a master craftsman. His favorite pastime as a boy was watching the older gentleman work with wood, and he treasured the instructions, explanations and wisdom.

Since 2008, he has been making instruments full-time. Wang can produce five to 10 collectable guqin to sell in a year. The handmade instruments have been sold in America and Canada at prices that can reach hundreds of thousands of yuan.

Located within Xinpu Wetland Park in Zunyi, the workshop appeals to crowds of guqin lovers, who visit and learn.

Meanwhile, Wang's wife, who graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music, is offering courses in playing the guqin both in the workshop and at the Zunyi library.

Making guqin is an ancestral craft in Wang's family. As his progenitors did, he often works alone in his workshop. He uses hand tools, a small router and a band saw to refine each delicate instrument.