A piano key usually produces only one note, often with a short lingering sound, but a guqin string has 13 major notes and each note has many variations depending on subtle finger movements.

The guqin (gu meaning ancient, qin meaning zither) is a plucked string instrument without frets and having a range of around four octaves. It is distinct from the guzheng, which has frets.

A guqin master provides hands-on instruction to a student on the playing techniques of this ancient Chinese instrument. Photo: VCG. Editor's Note: The pursuit of beauty has been a ...

A new book about the guqin was published on Sunday. It took 10 years to write, and it provides a detailed introduction to the traditional Chinese instrument.