An Intangible Cultural Heritage Instrument from Shandong, China
Design · Make · Play
Our project "Design, Make, and Play — Intangible Cultural Heritage Instrument Yimeng (China) Clay Whistles" has been selected for the International Society for Music Education World Conference 2026.
ISME, founded in 1953 under UNESCO, hosts the most prestigious and influential gathering in global music education.
Learn More →The Yimeng Clay Whistle (沂蒙泥哨) is a traditional clay wind instrument originating from the Yimeng Mountain region of Shandong Province, China. With a history spanning over 340 years, this ancient craft transforms simple clay into musical instruments that produce beautiful, resonant sounds.
Made from local clay using techniques passed down through generations, each clay whistle is hand-shaped, air-dried, and kiln-fired. The instrument belongs to the ocarina family — in fact, the word "ocarina" itself comes from the Italian word for "little goose," tracing its roots back to ancient Chinese clay whistle traditions that traveled along the Silk Road.
In 2014, Yimeng Clay Whistle was recognized as a Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage of Shandong Province, marking an important milestone in the preservation and promotion of this unique art form.
Full History →
Shape your own unique clay whistle. Let your imagination run wild to create original forms that express your creativity.
Learn the traditional craft of clay whistle making — from molding and firing to decorating with paint and patterns.
Master the technique of playing your handcrafted instrument, from solo performance to ensemble collaboration.
As the founder of international clay whistle cultural exchange under the Belt and Road Initiative, Zhang Zongpei has been bridging cultures through music since 2011.
In 2014, he organized the First International Clay Whistle Festival, bringing this endangered art form onto the world stage. Since then, Yimeng clay whistles have traveled to Italy, Japan, South Korea, and across Europe for cultural exchange programs.
Each year, outstanding student works and clay whistle ensembles are showcased at the International Clay Whistle Festival in Italy, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and expanding students' international horizons.
Read More →"Let everyone enjoy music. Let everyone make clay whistles. Music elevates the nation, craftsmanship empowers health."
The Yimeng Clay Whistle School Alliance integrates traditional craft into school curricula, aligned with China's national education reform. Through hands-on creation and music-making, students develop creativity, teamwork, and an appreciation for cultural heritage.
Free clay whistle donations to rural schools promote aesthetic education and cultural access for all children.
About Us →
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