Carved from gourds, craftsmen in Shanxi province keep pigeon whistle making tradition alive and singing in modern age 

He Ganglin works at his home workshop in Taigu district in Jinzhong city, Shanxi province. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

High above the rooftops of Shanxi province, the sky sings with a haunting, multi-toned drone that ebbs and flows with the synchronized banking of a flock of pigeons. This distinct acoustic tradition – once the ambient soundtrack of ancient Chinese cities – is surviving into the 21st century thanks to a handful of dedicated elderly craftsmen and a surprising digital e-commerce boom.

At his workbench in the Taigu district of Jinzhong, 70-year-old master artisan He Ganglin meticulously carves a dried gourd. When finished, his creation will be a translucent, feather-light instrument weighing a mere 7 grams, yet when attached to a bird in flight, it will produce a resonant, melodious chord.

Pigeon whistles, or ge shao as they are known in Chinese, are a unique traditional folk handicraft in China, boasting a history stretching back over a thousand years. These whistles, also called pigeon bells, are attached to the tails of pigeons.

As the birds fly, the wind rushing through the whistles' opening causes the air inside to vibrate and resonate, creating sounds often described as "aerial symphonies".

"The pigeon whistle is more than just a toy or a handicraft," He said, his wrinkled face etched with pride. "It embodies the regional culture of Shanxi, the symbolism of peace, and the spirit of perseverance of traditional artisans."

Historical records indicate that pigeon whistles appeared as early as the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Shanxi, situated at the crossroads between the Central Plains and the grasslands, was a strategic border area.

Pigeons were used to deliver messages, and the whistles identified pigeons, sounded border alerts and guided homeward-bound birds.

During the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the rise of Shanxi merchants made Taigu and Pingyao national financial centers. Pigeons were the fastest means of communication.

He said that gourds, bamboo and reeds were abundant in the Jinzhong area. Using locally sourced materials kept costs down and ensured the superior timbre of the whistles.

The creation of a single pigeon whistle involves over 10 meticulous steps, including cutting, hollowing, grinding, gluing and painting.

The polishing process demands repeated and precise work, until the surface is as smooth as a mirror. However, the carving of the sound chamber is where the real artistry lies.

"A pigeon whistle is like Shanxi opera – it's a folk instrument in itself," He said. The creation process is labor-intensive.

Each whistle takes two to three days to complete. Though almost weightless, the finished product can produce a sound that echoes across the sky.

Despite his exquisite craftsmanship and the intricate process, He maintains affordable prices, selling some of his creations for as little as 10 yuan ($1.47).

"I'm not doing this to make money," he said, "I want ordinary people to be able to afford them and appreciate them." He often offers discounts or repairs old whistles for free, especially for elderly or less fortunate enthusiasts.

Traveling to markets throughout Shanxi, his dedication and reputation are well-known. Many local seniors voluntarily help him promote and sell his pigeon whistles, driven by a desire to preserve this delightful old craft.

Guo Fengnian, 75, has been raising pigeons for over 60 years and is one of He's loyal customers. "You can't raise pigeons without pigeon whistles," he said. "I just love hearing that unique sound in the sky."

The sound of pigeon whistles has resonated over Taigu for centuries. These instruments are deeply embedded in the local culture, their melodies heard at weddings and funerals, bustling marketplaces and in the everyday lives of neighborhoods. To better protect the folk art, the pigeon whistle making techniques of Fenyang in Shanxi and Beijing have been listed as city-level intangible cultural heritage.

Qi Mingfa, 71, a self-taught pigeon whistle maker for over a decade, is a representative inheritor of the Fenyang pigeon whistle making technique.

"Making pigeon whistles requires patience, meticulousness and a commitment to innovation," Qi said. The whistles he makes are exceptionally lightweight and aesthetically pleasing, with over 30 different types, suitable for adorning pigeons or as collectors' items.

The ancient art is also attracting younger generations. Feng Luming, 21, is a rising star among pigeon whistle artisans. Growing up surrounded by pigeons, he developed a deep interest in the craft. He taught himself by disassembling old whistles and studying their internal structure. "At first, I focused on replicating the appearance, then slowly adjusted the air holes and refined the sound, learning the craft bit by bit," he said.

After mastering the basics, Feng frequented pigeon markets and visited older artisans, honing his skills through exchange and practice. He believes that the harmonious blend of high and low notes created by releasing pigeons wearing different types of whistles produces a unique and romantic soundscape that belongs only to the skies.

The preservation of pigeon whistle making has faced challenges. Many young people are unfamiliar with the ancient craft. However, through online e-commerce platforms, Taigu pigeon whistles are reaching customers across the country and even in countries such as Thailand and Canada.

For many pigeon whistle makers, the craft has transcended the pursuit of livelihood. "I just want to pass on the pigeon whistle making technique and let more people understand and appreciate this traditional craft," He said.

Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn

He carves a pigeon whistle at his home. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY 

He attaches a lightweight whistle to a pigeon. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY