Yang Zhongping - Dingqin Maker and Player in Lianghe County, Dehong

Mr. Yang Zhongping – Guardian and Innovator of the De’ang Ethnic Musical Tradition

Mr. Yang Zhongping (杨忠平), born in 1957 in Menglai Village, Ergu City Old Hamlet, Hexi Township, Lianghe County, Dehong Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is a distinguished De’ang ethnic folk artist. He is a provincial-level representative inheritor of intangible cultural heritage (third batch) and the foremost master of both the making and performance of the traditional De’ang instrument Dingqin (丁琴).

? Key Information at a Glance

? Inheritance and Innovation

Yang Zhongping’s skills were first cultivated under the careful guidance of his father, Yang Dexian. Yet, he did not stop at preservation—he made groundbreaking improvements to the Dingqin, transforming its musical potential.

• Solving Traditional Limitations: The old Dingqin suffered from a narrow pitch range, low volume, and irregular tonal structure, restricting its expressive power.

• Core Innovation: Yang expanded the instrument’s tonal system from 3 frets to 7 frets, vastly widening its range and volume. This advancement allowed the Dingqin to perform more standardized and expressive musical works.

• Aesthetic Refinement: While retaining the Dingqin’s rustic charm, he redesigned its appearance to enhance stage presence and artistic appeal.

? Artistic Achievements and Influence

• On the Stage: In 2002, at the first song-and-dance competition in Dehong Prefecture, Yang won first prize with his Dingqin solo “Saike Diao” (meaning “Dingqin and Tree Leaves”), mesmerizing audiences with the beauty of De’ang music.

• Cultural Ambassador: His artistry has drawn the attention of institutions such as Shanghai Oriental TV and the Central Conservatory of Music, who have interviewed and documented his work. He has also participated in numerous cultural exchange performances both in China and abroad.

• Passing on the Craft: Dedicated to continuity, Yang has formally taken six apprentices, ensuring that the skills of Dingqin making and performance will endure for future generations.

? Conclusion

Mr. Yang Zhongping is more than a craftsman—he is a cultural guardian, innovator, performer, and teacher. Through decades of dedication, he has breathed new life into the ancient Dingqin, bringing it from village rituals to broader stages across China and beyond. His work exemplifies the resilience and creativity of the De’ang people, making him a truly outstanding bearer of their cultural heritage.