The guzheng is one of the     1    (popular) instruments in China. It has     2     history of more than 2,500 years. The earliest records of the guzheng     3    (find) in the Warring States Period (战国时期). The musical instrument later became a     4    (wide) played instrument in China and found     5    (it) way to other countries.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the guzheng and a number of other traditional Chinese instruments experienced a major overhaul (改造) to expand their sound range and improve their expressiveness. The redesign of the guzheng was led by Professor Wang Xunzhi from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.     6     the help of his students, he recorded a large number of traditional guzheng music. Wang spent a few years     7    (design) the new guzheng and completed it in 1958.

The new instrument     8     is commonly used today, is 160 centimeters long and has 21 strings (弦). The most important change is the new set of strings that are made of steel coated with nylon. This allows the instrument     9    (produce) a greater sound similar to that of a piano. Most guzheng     10    (performer) use this kind today.

The 24 solar terms originated and were first used in China. They were created thousands of years ago     1     the basis of practical needs of agriculture. Ancient Chinese people used them     2     (guide) agriculture production, special climate signs     3     even healthy living tips. In 2016, the 24 solar terms     4     (add) to UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List. Now, they have been brought to life thanks to a creative designer from Guizhou Province.

On the eve of this year’s Qingming Festival, Shi Changhong released his version of re-produced and packaged characters for each solar term in     5     form of “moving art” of gifts. Since their first release on March 29, the gifts     6     (win) great praise among the general public.

“The 24 solar terms are a deeply rooted concept that covers Chinese     7     (wise) My intention is to increase Chinese people’s self-awareness of learning     8     (much) about our fine traditional culture than ever.     9     (actual), the 24 solar terms work is only a part of my whole design program ‘Charm China’,     10     I started over a year ago,” Shi told China Daily.