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Guqin, a very quiet instrument, is a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument of the zither family.

It has traditionally been favored by scholars and literati as an instrument of great subtlety and refinement, as highlighted by the quote "a gentleman does not part with his qin or se without good reason".

Historically, it has been regarded as a symbol of high-class art form.

Traditionally, before a performance the player had to shower and burn incense in the room to keep his minds peaceful and concentrated. It was also believed that by doing those things, the player's heart, mind, and spirit would be in tune with nature.

As it was considered the best instrument for expressing one's inner world, it was always associated with bosom friends. The term "Zhiyin" (literally "to know one's music"), which originated in a story involving Guqin and friends, describes a close and sympathetic friend today.

It is sometimes referred to by the Chinese as "the father of Chinese music" or "the instrument of the sages".

Guqin is not to be confused with the Guzheng, another Chinese long zither also without frets, but with moveable bridges under each string.