High Mountains and Flowing Water: Boya and Ziqi

Yu Boya finds a true friend in Zhong Ziqi, who understands the mountains and rivers in his qin music. Their story explains the Chinese idea of a zhiyin, a friend who truly understands one's heart.

HSK 5–6

Illustration inspired by High Mountains and Flowing Water: Boya and Ziqi.

Story preview

  1. 春秋时期，有一位著名的琴师，名字叫俞伯牙。

    chun1 qiu1 shi2 qi1 you3 yi1 wei4 zhu4 ming2 de5 qin2 shi1 ming2 zi5 jiao4 yu2 bo2 ya2

    During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a famous qin musician named Yu Boya.

  2. 伯牙琴艺高超，许多人都称赞他。

    bo2 ya2 qin2 yi4 gao1 chao1 xu3 duo1 ren2 dou1 cheng1 zan4 ta1

    Boya’s skill was extraordinary, and many people praised him.

  3. 可是，伯牙心里常常觉得孤独。

    ke3 shi4 bo2 ya2 xin1 li5 chang2 chang2 jue2 de5 gu1 du2

    Yet in his heart, Boya often felt lonely.