The Underrated Yulinglong: A Tang Dynasty Treasure

Imagine holding a musical instrument that has survived for over a thousand years. That is Yulinglong, one of the finest ancient guqin (Chinese zithers) kept in the Palace Museum. Made during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), this instrument is not just a tool for making music—it is a living piece of history.

Yulinglong follows the Phoenix Momentum Style, a design that became popular in the mid-Tang period. The qin is 122 centimeters long and has a slender, well-balanced shape. Its lines flow gracefully, like a phoenix pausing just before spreading its wings—elegant, restrained and full of quiet power.

The soundboard is made of paulownia wood, a material prized for its lightness and resonance. Small markers made of mother-of-pearl are inlaid along the surface to indicate finger positions, while rosewood fittings at the tail show the high level of detail in its construction. The tuning pegs, also made of rosewood, were attached with adhesive in later repairs—proof that generations of caretakers have worked to keep this qin alive.

Inside the instrument, there are two soundholes: a round one called Longchi (dragon pool) and an oval one called Fengzhao (phoenix marsh). These are not just decorative names—they follow ancient acoustic principles that help produce the qin's warm, mellow tone. What makes this qin truly special, however, is a secret technique used inside the sound chamber. A raised node amplifies the sound near the dragon pool, while a carved groove beneath the phoenix marsh fine-tunes the resonance. 

Yulinglong is more than an instrument. It is a bridge between past and present—a testament to Tang Dynasty artistry, acoustic science, and the enduring beauty of Chinese culture.