Yaji

The London Youlan Qin Society, established on 13th July 2003, is a London-based voluntary cultural organization It is Europe’s first and only such Society, which aims to promote interest in and understanding of Chinese music, its culture and arts, philosophy and social meaning, especially of the qin in the UK. The qin or guqin, the Chinese 7-stringed zither, is one of China’s most significant classical instruments, and was declared by UNESCO in 2003 as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”. The society is committed to facilitating the education, exchange and development of Chinese musical culture and arts between the UK, China and the rest of the world. Its president is Dr Cheng Yu, a leading UK Chinese musician and research associate at SOAS, University of London.

We hold regular yajis (informal gatherings of qin enthusiasts) to play music, discuss issues and exchange ideas.