Sounds of traditional string instruments like the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle), guqin (a seven-stringed zither), and guzheng (a multi-stringed zither) colour the memories of visitors to China. Through the universal language of music, we created an experience that merges the rich cultural history of China with the vibrance of present-day Xi’an.

An array of mechanical frets and strings tensioned on columns, which recreate familiar sounds of traditional Chinese instruments. The rhythm is generated through strings played with mechanical pluckers crafted to create perfect tones and harmonies. The frets project and retract, and press onto the strings, creating a rhythmical sea of musical notes, whilst the bespoke light pixels light up visual patterns in response to the participant’s movements and gestures.

Each column can play 15 notes in the pentatonic scale. When played together, they form beautiful harmonies in surround sound.

The team

Design & Engineering Satyajit Das, Ed Briggs, Claudia Cortes, Andrew Walker, David Gardener

Coder Rob Clouth

Project Manager Jennifer Sin

Thanks to Output and Xi’an Airport