BRIDGING TRADITION AND INNOVATION: CHENG GONGLIANGS ROLE IN THE GLOBALIZATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION OF GUQIN CULTURE

The guqin, as Chinas oldest plucked string instrument, was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. Its inheritance and development hold significant cultural importance. Cheng Gongliang, a nationally recognized inheritor of guqin art, has played a pivotal role in modernizing and globalizing its heritage.Within China, the guqin is seen as a key part of classical music, while internationally it is categorized as traditional Chinese music. The guqin has profoundly influenced the development of Chinese music, integrating humanistic thought, historical legacy, and aesthetic values. Despite its importance, global research and dissemination of the guqin remain limited. Only a few Western scholars, such as Robert van Gulik and Cecilia Lindqvist, have studied and introduced the guqin to the West. Compared to Western classical instruments like the violin and piano, the artistic value and cultural significance of the guqin have not yet achieved widespread recognition. Since the late 20th century, Chinese guqin musicians have engaged in international exchanges to promote its global presence. Cheng Gongliang, a leading figure in this effort, has explored innovative approaches while honoring the guqins historical traditions through international tours and cross-cultural dialogue. With the rapid advancement of technology, the introduction of AI technology has further expanded the methods and pathways for disseminating guqin culture.This article uses case studies, literature review, fieldwork, and cultural analysis to examine Cheng Gongliangs contributions, highlighting his role in preserving the guqins aesthetic heritage and enhancing its global impact.