Nuan He is the standard model of the Kaoji (Graded Exam) series, built for students preparing for graded examinations and a mainstream choice for studio procurement.
What matters in an exam instrument is consistency: stable pitch, even action, and durability under hard use. These are assembled to a single standard, with string height and string-position variance kept below what a player can feel.
The tone is neutral and honest — changes in finger pressure show up truthfully in the sound, which is exactly the feedback exam training needs. The volume suits a full classroom without becoming harsh.
In group teaching, number each instrument and fix stand heights. Check bridge contact each term and clear any dust that has collected.
For exam grades and sizing, see graded exam guzheng buying guide.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 5000, which is the entry price in the range of the 8 models in the Kaoji series (prices run CNY 5000 to CNY 8560).Among the Clouds (CNY 5500) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. Lady of Refinement sits at the same price with a different look and voicing — pick on taste. Bulk pricing is explained in How to order.
FAQ: How far will an exam-series instrument take a student? The series covers the full cycle from beginner to upper-intermediate, and the corresponding grade range is noted on each product page. Students aiming at music-specialist school admission should choose the upper models of this series.
Suitable for: the Grading series is for young students, training centres and exam candidates — stable tuning and comfortable action make it a reliable choice for grading and daily practice. Batch orders for studios and schools are quoted by quantity with a specification list. Send your quantities and scenario through the enquiry form.
It came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock. It looks even better made in person than in the photos, you can see the details far more clearly.
The resonance is better than I expected, and it holds up on something like Fighting the Typhoon.
I have been learning for two years, my teacher said not to spend too much, and this one is just right. The tone overall is on the warm side, rather than bright, which I prefer, I'd buy again!
I read through the reviews before buying, and it was not a mistake, a friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it, the top is bright without being shrill, and the bass really goes down, the sustain lasts a long time. Five stars!
I compared several sellers, and went with this one. It handles the graded exam repertoire with no trouble. The colour is a shade darker than the photos, but it feels better made, this much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with, I'll be back.
I changed instruments before the summer exams, and my child adapted quickly. The grain on the soundboard looks natural, the finish is thin, and you can tell it was applied by hand, after-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare!
This is my second purchase here, and the feel is just as I remembered, the tuning pins are set just right, neither loose nor stiff. The tuning holds very steadily, two months of playing and it has barely drifted. At this price it holds its own against anything, I'd buy again!
Bought it for my child's graded exams, and the teacher says it is enough, the strings feel a little soft under the fingers, so a child can press them without strain, compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away!