Xiao

The xiao is a Chinese end-blown vertical flute made from bamboo, typically from the Zizhu species of southern China. Bone and jade examples excavated from sites more than two thousand years old confirm it as one of the oldest instruments in the Chinese tradition, a continuous presence in court and literati music throughout the recorded history of the culture. Compared to the dizi, the xiao is quieter and more contemplative. Without a membrane, its tone is clean and cool, suited to solo and chamber music of the classical tradition. It is played across East Asia, with related variants in Japan and Korea carrying their own distinct playing histories.