Abstract
This study explores and analyzes the current challenges in preserving and transmitting Shaanxi Guzheng musical instruments and proposes effective strategies for cultural sustainability. The Shaanxi Guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, faces significant challenges due to modern influences such as globalization and the rise of digital technologies, declining interest among younger generations, insufficient emphasis on traditional repertoire within educational frameworks, and the pervasive influence of Western music. This research utilized a qualitative approach guided by the PRISMA framework, incorporating a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with key informants, including Guzheng players, educators, and cultural scholars. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns. The findings highlight significant obstacles, such as the influence of modernism and the diminishing cultural enthusiasm among younger generations, cultural erosion, and educational inconsistencies. To address these issues, the study proposes several strategies: enhancing educational programs by integrating traditional music into school curricula, leveraging modern technology through digital platforms and online archives, promoting cultural awareness via public performances and media campaigns, reviving the master-apprentice transmission model, and securing government and institutional support. These strategies aim to create a sustainable framework for preserving and transmitting Shaanxi Guzheng music, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy for future generations. The research also discusses how these strategies can serve as a global paradigm for the conservation of traditional musical instruments.
Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Cultural Sustainability, Music Education, Preservation Strategies, Shaanxi Guzheng, Traditional Chinese Music.