Da Yu Hai Tang is a popular model of the Xiaozheng series, themed after the Chinese animation of the same name — for teenagers and lovers of guofeng style, combining portability with character.
Mid-tier Xiaozheng assembly, with the thematic finish and colour confirmed instrument by instrument. Pitch and action standards follow the series.
The voice is clear and stylistically flexible: guofeng repertoire and modern pop both sit well, and the natural agility of the mini format is obvious on this model.
For younger players, watch posture and plucking angle. Mini bodies are light and shift under a heavy hand; keep the instrument seated against the case's non-slip pads.
For sizing and where a small guzheng fits, see choosing the right guzheng size.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 6800, which is a higher price in the range of the 9 models in the Mini guzheng series (prices run CNY 4000 to CNY 18000).1-Metre Carved Guzheng (CNY 18000) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. To keep the budget down, start from Glazed Glass (CNY 5980). Dawn Ink sits at the same price with a different look and voicing — pick on taste. Bulk pricing is explained in How to order.
FAQ: Can a student alternate between a mini and a standard instrument? Yes, but choose a mini whose string positions and fingering stay close to a standard guzheng, or the change of action will interrupt their progress. For performance goals, keep the standard instrument primary.
Suitable for: the mini guzheng suits a child’s first lessons, a beginner’s start and travel playing — light, portable and good for practice in limited space. For a child’s instrument or a portable setup, tell us your scenario through the enquiry form and we will help you pick a size.
I mainly wanted it because it is small, and it fits at home, it came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock!
I compared several sellers, and went with this one, the seams on the back are very even, and you can tell the work was done with care. The crate was very large, and I could not move it on my own.
Bought it for my child to start on, and the size is just right, I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too, the grain on the soundboard looks natural, the finish is thin, and you can tell it was applied by hand, it drifted quite often at first, and took three tunings to settle. I'll be back.
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. There is a slight difference between the colour and the website, but it is acceptable, very happy with it!
I had been watching this shop for a long time, and finally ordered, the bridges are smoothed off nicely, and do not catch your hand when you shift position, my child practises an hour a day, and likes it more the more she plays, very happy overall!
I read through the reviews before buying, and it was not a mistake. It feels very solid overall, and it does not shift even when you play hard, this much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with, very happy with it.
A friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it. I'll be back.
I take it on business trips to practise, and can play in a hotel room, customer service even showed me how to tune it, so I was not nervous picking it up for the first time.
A friend recommended them, she said hers has given no trouble in three years, it lives in the teaching room, where students take turns on it, and it takes the wear.
It looks even better made in person than in the photos, you can see the details far more clearly, I'd buy again!