Jiangnan Sizhu (Silk-and-bamboo Music)

Jiangnan sizhu is a traditional instrumental music played by an ensemble of silk-stringed and bamboo wind instruments, popular since the Ming and Qing across the Jiangnan region centred on Shanghai. It was jointly declared by Shanghai and Taicang (Jiangsu) for the first national ICH list in 2006.

The ensemble typically combines erhu, flute, xiao, pipa, yangqin and sheng; its style is clear, refined and flowing, with the eight classic pieces such as Zhong Hua Liu Ban and San Liu the best known.

Jiangnan sizhu reflects the tradition of literati gatherings and townsfolk music-making in the Jiangnan area, a key root of Shanghai's musical culture.

The teahouses and silk-and-bamboo societies around the City God Temple and Yu Garden were its traditional venues, and folk music clubs continue the tradition today.