The Ruan（阮） is a traditional Chinese lute, often referred to as the “Eastern Guitar” for its warm, mellow, and resonant sound. Unlike most plucked instruments, the Ruan belongs to a family of instruments ranging from high to low registers, much like the violin family in Western classical music. As one of the principal plucked instruments of the Chinese orchestra, it is admired for its rich tonal depth, broad range, and expressive versatility. Equally suited to lyrical melodies, rhythmic accompaniment, and virtuosic solo performance, the Ruan is an essential voice in both traditional and contemporary Chinese music.
Sally (Yue) Xi 