"Dong Dongkui" and "Da Liuzi" of Tujia Ethnic Group

“Dong Dongkui” is a traditional single-reed, elytron-shaped bamboo instrument of the Tujia ethnic group. It is typically about 15 centimeters long, with a diameter of 1–2 centimeters. The body has three or four finger holes, and one end is hollowed out to form a single sound hole.

Despite its simple structure, the instrument produces a bright, cheerful, and melodious tone, making it especially popular among Tujia women and children. It is widely regarded as a charming expression of everyday folk life in Tujia communities.

Legend of Dong Dongkui

In Tujia folklore, the origin of “Dong Dongkui” is linked to a touching love story dating back to the Qin Dynasty.

During the construction of the Great Wall, soldiers were sent to recruit laborers from various regions, and a young Tujia man named Dong Dong was taken away. His pregnant wife, Ba Lie, was left behind and suffered maltreatment from her mother-in-law. Lonely and helpless, she often climbed a mountain facing north, hoping to see her husband return.

To express her longing, she carved a small bamboo flute and played it daily, pouring her sorrow and hope into its sound. She continued playing until one day she died alone on the mountain. Deeply moved by her devotion and tragedy, local people began making similar flutes in her memory and called them “Dong Dong Gui”, where “gui” means “to return,” symbolizing the wish for Dong Dong’s return.

Over time, this instrument became known as Dong Dongkui, and also referred to as Da Liuzi, Da Jia Huo, or Da Jia Ye in different local traditions.

Da Liuzi: A Vibrant Tujia Percussion Ensemble

In addition to the bamboo flute tradition, Da Liuzi is also a popular folk percussion ensemble in Tujia cultural areas, especially in northwestern Hunan Province.

It is a traditional musical form composed of instruments such as:

• Ma Gong (horse gong)
• Tu Gong (earth gong)
• Large cymbals
• Small cymbals

A typical performance involves three to four performers, forming either a three-person or four-person ensemble. A larger version, known as the five-person Liuzi, may also include a Suona (a traditional Chinese double-reed wind instrument), blending wind and percussion to create a more festive and powerful sound.

Performance Style and Cultural Role

Da Liuzi features a rich repertoire of songs, including:

• Wedding music
• Spring Festival celebrations
• Waving Festival performances
• Various ceremonial and daily-life occasions

The rhythm changes according to different songs. The Ma Gong leads the rhythm, while cymbals and Tu Gong respond in coordination, creating layered and dynamic sound patterns.

A well-trained group can perform over 100 different traditional tunes, showcasing remarkable musical diversity.

Cultural Significance

With its bright rhythm, flexible structure, and expressive melodies, Da Liuzi is often praised as the “symphony of the Tujia people.” It reflects not only musical artistry but also the cultural spirit, emotions, and communal life of the Tujia ethnic group.

Both Dong Dongkui and Da Liuzi remain important symbols of Tujia intangible cultural heritage, preserving centuries of storytelling, emotion, and musical tradition.