Magical Flute of China: Portrait of Dizi Master Tang Jun Qiao

Because it sounds great, is easy to learn, light to carry and inexpensive, the Dizi (Chinese Bamboo Flute) is one of the most popular Chinese instruments in Asia. The Dizi (also called D'Tzu or Zhu Di), is a side blown wind instrument made of Bamboo. The Dizi has a very simple structure: 1 blowhole, 1 membrane hole, 6 finger holes, and two pairs of holes in the end to correct the pitch and hang decorative tassels. Most special about the Dizi is the "Mo-Cong" (membrane hole), which is located between the blowhole and 6th finger hole. The Mo-Cong was invented in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) by Liu Xi, and he named the flute the "Seven Star Tube". What makes the Mo-Cong special is its thin membrane covering. Some people mistake this membrane for rice paper, but it is actually made from the inner tube of a bamboo or reed plant. When the Dizi is played, the membrane vibrates with the Dizi, producing a sweet, bright tone. In addition it helps to deliver the Dizi sound far away. Liu Xi stated the purpose of his great invention as "To help produce better tone quality". You can also adjust the membrane to get the just the "right" tone for the specific musical mood.