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Intangible cultural heritage: Penglai daganhao (bugle)

(chinadaily.com.cn)Updated: 2015-03-13

Pengai daganhao. [Photo/JiaoDong.net]

In Penglai, a place known for the ancient Chinese mythology of Baxianguohai (Eight Immortals crossing the sea), the masculine sound of a bugle can often be heard. Bugle is the renowned Pengai daganhao, a popular musical instrument that asks for complicated performing skills and strong local features.

Pengai daganhao, also known as a horn, is a copper-pipe musical instrument without valves or other pitch-altering devices. It's simple in structure, but requires complicated performing skills. In ancient times, daganhao was used for military activities, such as drills, training and wars. It gradually evolved into a much-loved public musical instrument.

Now daganhao is widely used in folk custom activities, including weddings, housewarming parties and sacrificial ceremonies, as well as festivals and events for high officials or dignitaries.

The Penglai daganhao has made great contributions to enriching people's cultural life. It offers profound historical, cultural and scientific values.