Jianzi (Chinese shuttlecock) is an ancient Chinese game. Since the Han Dynasty, people in China have played a game similar to soccer, called Jujiu. Jianzi is related to this ancient sport. The traditional jianzi is made of rooster feathers inserted into a big feather stem sewn onto an old coin (with a hole in the center) wrapped in cloth. Since more modern materials are available nowadays, jianzi is also made with a variety of materials.
Watch how Gangzheng’s mother makes a jianzi. Make one just like that, or download the instruction sheet and try with these more available materials. You can also make a simpler one with newspaper or tissue paper. Learn to play just the way Gangzheng does!
Qianyun is an aspiring Yueju Opera student. She performs often and sometimes in other countries, too!
Yangqin (Chinese dulcimer) is an instrument that accompanies Yueju performances. Yangqin was introduced to China over the Silk Road around 600 years ago, and has become a main instrument in traditional Chinese music ensembles. Click on the player under the yangqin and listen to some Chinese music. Come to the museum and try to play on a real yangqin!
Listen to "The Beautiful Maiden" Performed by: Boston Chinese Youth Dulcimer Ensemble
Jianzi (Chinese shuttlecock) is an ancient Chinese game. Since the Han Dynasty, people in China have played a game similar to soccer, called Jujiu. Jianzi is related to this ancient sport. The traditional jianzi is made of rooster feathers inserted into a big feather stem sewn onto an old coin (with a hole in the center) wrapped in cloth. Since more modern materials are available nowadays, jianzi is also made with a variety of materials. 
Yangqin (Chinese dulcimer) is an instrument that accompanies Yueju performances. Yangqin was introduced to China over the Silk Road around 600 years ago, and has become a main instrument in traditional Chinese music ensembles. Click on the player under the yangqin and listen to some Chinese music. Come to the museum and try to play on a real yangqin!
