Four Generations Keep Erhu Tradition Alive in Wuxi Family

In the heart of China's Jiangsu Province, the Qian family is striking a chord with cultural preservation—four generations of them. From 90-year-old patriarch Qian Fuji to his 8-year-old great-grandson Qian Zhichen, their shared love for the erhu, a traditional two-stringed instrument, bridges decades of history and harmony.

Dubbed 'China’s violin,' the erhu has been a soundtrack to the Qians’ lives for generations. While none are professionals, their daily practice sessions—filled with folk melodies and laughter—have turned their Wuxi home into a mini-concert hall. 'It’s not about perfection,' says Fuji, who began playing as a teen. 'It’s about passing the melody of our heritage to Zhichen’s hands.'

This family’s story hits a high note as China sees renewed interest in traditional arts among Gen Z. With viral erhu covers of pop songs trending on platforms like Douyin (China’s TikTok), the Qians’ journey feels timely. 'Our strings connect past and future,' Zhichen giggles, already mastering basics taught by his great-grandpa.

Their tale isn’t just about music—it’s a live wire of intergenerational bonding and cultural pride. As Fuji says: 'When we play together, every note feels like home.'

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Four generations of erhu enthusiasts in one family

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