Erhu: China's Two-String Bowed Instrument Explained

Erhu: China's Two-String Bowed Instrument Explained

The erhu is a two-string Chinese bowed instrument played vertically, with the bow hair passing between its strings and a small resonator traditionally covered with skin.

Instruments hubChinese Musical Instruments

The Big Picture

The erhu's expressive sound comes from a very different construction from a violin.

It has only two strings, no fingerboard beneath them, and a bow permanently positioned between the strings. The instrument appears in solo music, ensembles, Chinese orchestras and some opera traditions.

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Erhu at a Glance

TopicOrientation
Chinese二胡
FamilyHuqin (bowed) family
Common settingsSolo, ensemble, teaching, sometimes opera/concert
Erhu

*Erhu players in a Peking-opera musical context. CC BY-SA 2.0. Native size; not upscaled.*

What It Is

Erhu is explained here as a named instrument tradition—not as a synonym for all Chinese music.

Construction and Sound

The erhu’s bow passes between the two strings. The snakeskin (or alternative) membrane on the resonator shapes its vocal, singing timbre. It appears as solo instrument, in Chinese orchestras and in opera pits.

History (Short)

Instrument histories are long and regionally complex. Prefer museum and institutional descriptions over tourism slogans about “thousands of years unchanged.”

How Travelers Hear It

Concerts, conservatory students, teahouse programs and tourist shows. Quality varies widely.

Common Misunderstandings

  • One photo proves mastery level — false.
  • Western instrument analogies are exact — they are only rough aids.

FAQ

What is an erhu?

Erhu (二胡) — see the definition above.

Related guides

Instruments hub · Chinese Music

Last reviewed: September 2026. Volatile venue, schedule and ticket details change—confirm with official operators before travel.