YOUNG jinghu performer Zhao Wei at the Qingdao Beijing Opera House won a gold prize at a recent national jinghu competition.

    The jinghu is a Chinese bowed stringed instrument of the huqin family, used primarily in Beijing opera. It is the smallest and highest pitched instrument in the huqin family.

    Zhao’s performance has impressed many people and professionals over the years. He has also won a list of prizes.

    Zhao said he started learning the jinghu when he was very young. It was difficult to learn at first but gradually he fell in love with it.

    Zhao is expected to be apprenticed to Wu Rujun, a Beijing opera master.

    (Jane Lai, Wang Ping)