The U.S. edition of b.glenish! highlights women who shine in their own unique way, sharing their lifestyles and beauty secrets through interviews. In this feature, we spoke with Chinese zither Guzheng & Guqin artist Bei Bei, who uses music to bridge tradition and modernity, connecting hearts across cultures. She shared her passionate journey centered around the traditional Chinese instruments, Guzheng and Guqin, as well as her perspective on living life as a woman today.
Discovering Guzheng – A Life in Harmony with Music
What kind of work are you involved in here in the U.S.?
I perform traditional Chinese instruments such as Guzheng and Guqin. My activities span a wide range from recording music for films, TV shows, and video games, to producing original albums, teaching Guzheng, running The Guzheng Shop (a Guzheng retail business), and volunteering through a nonprofit organization I founded called the East West Cultural Association of America. Life is incredibly busy and fast-paced, but thanks to that, every day is exciting and far from boring.
When did you first encounter Guzheng & Guqin?
I was six years old when I first heard a friend playing Guzheng. I instantly fell in love with the sound. What captivates me most is Guzheng’s tone, expressive range, and its ability to deliver both dynamic and deeply emotional performances. I started learning Guzheng at the age of seven, and later, during university, I also studied Guqin as a minor.
What is the difference between Guzheng and Guqin?
Both are traditional Chinese string instruments, but Guqin is considered even older than Guzheng, with a history of over 3,000 years.
Guzheng typically has 21 strings and uses movable bridges placed on its body to adjust the pitch. It is also said to be the ancestor of the Japanese koto and is known for its bright and vibrant tone.
In contrast, Guqin has 7 strings and no bridges. Sound is produced by pressing and sliding the strings with the fingers, much like a guitar. It has a deep, calm, and meditative tone, reflecting its historical association with Chinese scholars and philosophers.
Connecting Hearts Through Music Beyond Cultural Boundaries
What brought you to the United States, and how has your experience been since then?
I came to the U.S. to study music business and recording technology (engineering).
When I first arrived, everything from the language to the culture was completely different, and it was truly overwhelming. I was mentally exhausted, barely sleeping, and even developed acne for the first time in my life! (laughs)
But as I deepened my understanding of others through music and human connection, I gradually began to gain confidence. It took time, but little by little, I became more open and social.
Living in the U.S. has taught me the importance of independence, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Over time, the experiences I’ve accumulated have started to bear fruit. I’ve even had the opportunity to contribute musically to Disney films like Mulan and Turning Red.
I heard you’ve performed in various U.S. communities. How have American audiences responded to Guzheng & Guqin, two musical instruments from a different culture?
I gave five performances at local libraries in May this year, sharing the sounds of Guzheng and Guqin with audiences of all ages. Not only did long-time fans attend, but many people who happened to be at the library or learned about the event through its newsletter also came by. I was touched by how warm and open the response was.
It was a truly meaningful experience. Not just because I was able to introduce more people to the beauty of these traditional instruments, but because I genuinely felt how music can transcend cultural boundaries and connect hearts. After the performances, I received many thoughtful questions, which made it a great opportunity to help others learn more about traditional Chinese music.
Living in such a multicultural society like the U.S., I hope to continue creating music that serves as a bridge, one that brings cultures together, sparks empathy, and opens space for dialogue and understanding.
The Soothing Sounds of Guzheng
Music is often said to have a healing effect. How do you think playing Guzheng has influenced your own mental and physical well-being?
I truly believe that playing Guzheng helps create harmony between the mind and body by encouraging deep concentration and regulated breathing. It becomes a moment to reflect inward, calm the heart, and regain the strength to move forward.
Personally, I went through a very difficult time in my early 30s after experiencing betrayal by a close friend. It was emotionally devastating. During that period, playing Guzheng became a form of healing for me. I deeply felt the power of music to soothe and restore.
I also taught a student to use Guzheng for sound bath. He incorporated it with other instruments that he plays in his healing sessions. The response has been truly positive. Many have said things like “I feel lighter” or “It helped me relax.” These responses reaffirm Guzheng’s ability to bring about emotional and physical healing.
During your busy daily life, how do you make time for yourself and maintain your emotional balance?
I try to stay active in ways that suit my lifestyle, going for walks or doing yoga three to four times a week, strength training once a week, and occasionally taking dance classes. Moving my body, even just a little, helps me stay energized and balanced.
Before bed, I play Guqin to calm my mind and center myself. I used to practice meditation, but these days, playing Guqin has become my form of meditation. It’s a precious time just for me, where I can find peace and reconnect with myself. I feel happiest when I’m fully present in the moment and accept who I am.
You have such radiant, porcelain-like skin. Is there anything you especially prioritize in your daily self-care routine?
As a performer who often appears in public, I’m quite mindful of my skin condition, so skincare has become an essential part of my daily routine.
Since I have dry skin, hydration is my top priority. I really like b.glen 「QuSome Moisture Gel Cream」. It keeps my skin hydrated and leaves a fresh feeling on my face. Of course, sun protection is also important. I always wear a hat when I go outside. I also try to get quality sleep and limit sugary foods in my diet. Lately, I’ve been using b.glen’s 「QuSome Retino A」to care for aging skin, and I make sure to get a facial treatment every few weeks.
When my skin feels healthy, it really lifts my mood, and I genuinely appreciate it when someone compliments my complexion. While I’m grateful for the genetics I inherited from my parents, I also believe that music and proper breathing techniques have a positive effect on my skin.
Life as a Mother and a Musician
As a working mother with a daughter, how do you balance your identity as a mother with your sense of self?
I try not to separate “myself as a mother” from “myself as an individual,” but rather to integrate the two in a balanced way. For example, I make time for work and exercise while my daughter is at school. Those little adjustments help me stay grounded.
Of course, being able to continue my own activities is partly because we have just one child, but more than anything, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my husband. He actively shares in parenting and household responsibilities, and it’s thanks to his involvement that I’m able to maintain this balance.
As both a mother and a musician, is there anything you hope to pass on to your child?
I believe the most important thing for a woman is self-confidence. With confidence, you can make sound decisions and find the strength to bounce back from challenges. I also hope my daughter grows up to have good friends and to be someone who has a positive impact on others.
She’s currently learning piano and ukulele, rather than Guzheng. I’ve tried teaching her a little Guzheng, but she doesn’t seem too interested just yet. She is interested in playing Guqin, so hopefully, one day she’ll learn one or both instruments.
As for me, I love what I do and feel passionate about my path, so I intend to keep pursuing it. Being able to touch someone’s heart or move them emotionally through music brings me deep joy. I hope my daughter also finds something she can be passionate about, no matter what it may be. It doesn’t have to be music. More than anything, I want her to live a happy life and grow into someone who brings goodness to others and the world.
Gracefully Living as Your True Self
Beauty isn’t just about appearance, it’s also reflected in how we live. What does “living beautifully” mean to you?
To me, living beautifully means living in a way that doesn’t hurt or harm others. It’s about having compassion, staying mentally strong, and walking your own path with integrity. It also means not comparing yourself to others but listening to your inner voice and continuing to pursue your dreams. Of course, reaching the goal is important, but I truly believe the journey itself holds the most irreplaceable value and meaning.
I want to keep believing in myself, making thoughtful plans, and moving forward toward my goals, even if it’s one small step at a time. In today’s noisy world, overflowing with information, staying focused is more challenging than ever. But I think that’s exactly the challenge we all need to face. By quieting our minds, we can begin to discover what we truly want and what matters most in our lives.
Could you share your dreams for the future or the kind of life you envision for yourself?
Right now, what I cherish most is the time I spend with my daughter. In the future, once she goes off to college and I have more time to myself, I hope to travel the world and share my music through performances. I think it would be a truly beautiful experience. I’m currently taking small steps toward that dream, preparing little by little so that one day it can come true.
Listen to Bei Bei’s Guzheng and Guqin performances:
https://youtube.com/shorts/bFo_ts-p1dY?feature=share