Baozi is a foreign blogger living in China, named after the steamed bun — "delicious and friendly", he says. He currently lives in Dehong, Yunnan — a Dai and Jingpo autonomous prefecture on the China-Myanmar border, quiet and colorful.
In Dehong he fell for the hulusi — the Dai bamboo flute. He studied with local teachers, going from silence to full renditions of "Moonlit Phoenix Bamboo". His videos paint a peaceful border life: blue sky, bamboo houses, rice fields and mellow flute music.
He also embraces local life: Dai clothing, markets, the Water Splashing Festival. "Dehong taught me slow living — follow the seasons, don't rush," he says.
A German playing the Dai hulusi in a Yunnan border town — culture takes root quietly in sincere love.
Baozi (b. around 1990), German, became famous for learning the hulusi, a traditional Chinese bamboo instrument, in Yunnan. He chose the Chinese name "Baozi" (steamed bun) because it is warm and memorable.
His Yunnan connection: he came to Yunnan years ago and was drawn by the climate, ethnic culture and music, deciding to stay. He lives around Dali and Lijiang, studying the hulusi.
Why hulusi: the hulusi is a traditional instrument of the Dai, Yi and other Yunnan minorities, with a soft, melodious tone. He fell for its sound at first hearing - "like mountain water" - and took lessons from a master.
His videos: he films "a German learning hulusi in Yunnan" and "experiencing Yunnan ethnic music", recording his practice and exchanges with local musicians. His playing is not professional, but the sincerity moves viewers.
What he represents: his choice shows a "slow culture" - in a fast world, a German quietly learning a traditional instrument in Yunnan. His presence proves Chinese culture has a quiet, penetrating appeal.
Lesson: learning an instrument is the most direct way into a culture. In his hulusi notes lies his deepest respect for Yunnan.
Baozi also has a plan: to master Yunnan classics like "Phoenix Tail Bamboo in Moonlight" on the hulusi and hold a small concert in Germany, introducing Yunnan music to European audiences. He often says "music needs no visa" - a line that moves many netizens. The passport of culture is never a travel document but love.
In short: the moment he played the hulusi, the mountains, waters and winds of Yunnan all became his language. May every learner find their own "hulusi".
For learners: the hulusi is not hard - it only takes breath and patience. Baozi shows through his own experience that the best way to learn any traditional art is not "crash course" but living and feeling slowly like locals. His hulusi notes are the power of slowness.
