The music of China dates back to the dawn of Chinese civilization. It gained its existence from the Central Asia region. Chinese vocal music is sung in solo with a non-resonant voice, accompanied with solo instruments or with a bowed stringed instruments cymbals, flutes, gongs, and drums.

The vocal songs are expressed in rhythmic music. Chinese instruments are either played solo, or collectively in large orchestras (as in the former imperial court) or in smaller ensembles (in teahouses or public gatherings). Normally, there is no conductor in traditional Chinese music, or use of musical scores or tablature whilst in performance.

Music was generally learned orally and memorized by the musician(s) beforehand, then played without aid, meaning total accuracy and teamwork was required. But nowadays, music scores can be used, or a conductor if the number of musicians is large enough for that need. The musical instrument that is famous of this area are the Bamboo pipes and qin and made out of materials based on hide, bamboo, wood, silk, gourd, metal and stone. Bowed strings, woodwinds, plucked strings and percussion are the basic instrument that constitutes the Chinese orchestra.

Some names of traditional Chinese instruments: Erhu (Chinese fiddle), Pipa (Chinese lute), Dizi (Bamboo flute), Yangqin (Chinese dulcimer), Guqin & Guzheng (Chinese zithers), Xun (clay vessel flute), Hulusi & Bawu (Bamboo pipes), Suona (Chinese trumpet) etc.

Today, the music continues a rich traditional heritage in one aspect, while emerging into a more contemporary form at the same time. Beijing’s various musical performances opens up a world into Chinese culture.