Preserving the sound of silk strings

"When I first introduced the art to the children, they were skeptical," Zhu admits.

"They were all into pop culture. Who would want to learn Changde sixian, they asked. But I told them, 'How do I know unless I try?'"

Zhu's first lesson wasn't about singing. Instead, she shared the history of Changde sixian, telling stories and using child-friendly methods to spark their interest.

By the end of the class, something amazing happened.

"I went to fill my water bottle, thinking the kids would run off to play. But instead, they surrounded me, handing me books and papers while asking for my autograph. I felt like a star. At that moment, I realized this tradition could connect with young people in ways I had never imagined."

He Chun contributed to this story.