Nestled within the historic lanes of ancient Huitong Village, in Zhuhai, a city in South China's Guangdong Province, the Courtyard of Lyre emerges as a sanctuary, where time-honored tradition meets contemporary healing.
Founded in 2022, through the visionary efforts of Deng Zhiying, this once-dilapidated space has been thoughtfully revitalized into a serene haven for musical immersion and inner restoration.
The earthy fragrance of aged wood greets the senses upon entrance to the courtyard, while gentle melodies of the lyre weave through the air, creating an atmosphere of profound tranquility. Here, visitors find a rare opportunity to restore their physical and mental vitality, discover new inspiration, and cultivate the inner composure they need to navigate modern life's complexities.
The music, warm and enveloping as a spring breeze, tenderly soothes the soul and eases bodily tension, creating a holistic experience so transformative that even the village's typically restless cats settle peacefully nearby, captivated by the lyre's resonant frequencies.
Deng's vision for the space stems from her conviction, "in our era of rapid technological advancement and increasingly demanding lifestyles, we need the balancing power of culture and art more than ever. We need the tranquility, focus and creative vitality they inspire."
That became her mantra, and her guidance, as she created a sanctuary specifically designed to open both ears and minds, and to allow others to share in her secret of drawing strength from music's serene power.
The choice of Huitong Village as the courtyard's home is particularly meaningful. The area not only boasts beautiful scenery and preserved traditional charm, but it also represents a unique convergence of Chinese and Western cultural influences.
The Courtyard of Lyre embodies the essential harmonies that characterize the special location; the balance between past and present, local and global, humanity and nature, and education and community.
Deng's journey began in a high-tech company in Zhuhai, far from the world of music. With a deep-seated passion for psychology and education, her life took an unexpected turn when she discovered the lyre, a stringed instrument that originated in ancient Greece more than 5,000 years ago.
"I couldn't play any instrument before the lyre," Deng says. "It completely transformed my life's path. The first time I heard its music, the serene and pure tones felt like a beam of light illuminating my weary heart, instantly filling me with a profound sense of inner strength."
Driven by her profound admiration for the instrument, Deng's quest for knowledge about the lyre led her across Europe. She visited the renowned workshops of German luthiers, and she attended lyre-related conferences.
Her journey culminated in a pivotal trip to the International Lyre Conference, in the Netherlands, in July 2018. She met her "lyre soul mate," Thomas Pedroli, during that conference. Since then, Pedroli has regularly visited China, providing crucial support to the growing community of lyre learners in China.
"If it weren't for the lyre, I don't think I would have ever ventured abroad," Deng reflects. "It has not only led me to the world of music, but also to the world." Deng and Pedroli's efforts have introduced the lyre to more than 20 cities in China, and to the development of three, patented lyre instruments, each with independent intellectual property rights. In essence, they have worked together to firmly plant the seeds of this ancient music on modern Chinese soil.
The Courtyard of Lyre was designed and built in a way to preserve the rustic charm of rural settings. Reclaimed materials and natural elements were used during construction to create a breathable, minimalist and organic ambiance. This space fosters a sense of tranquility and relaxation for every visitor, and it offers a unique spiritual connection to music.
As a psychological counselor, and as a woman volunteer in the Huitong community, Deng collaborates with others in the community, and with the social mental health center, to organize the annual public-welfare event, Listening to Lyre — Special Session for Mental Health Week.
Through the serene, and beautiful, music, she helps individuals, who are facing stress and/or emotional difficulties, regain their inner balance and rekindle their passion for life.
The Courtyard of Lyre has rooted Western lyre culture in the ancient Chinese village; in so doing, it has created a model that attracts enthusiasts from across China, and beyond. Visitors from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and even overseas Chinese communities in Malaysia, are drawn to this unique experience.
They often bring their families, and reside in homestays, to savor rural cuisine and explore the scenic spots of Zhuhai, all of which contribute to the local cultural tourism industry. Inspired by this exemplary rural cultural atmosphere, many return to their communities and establish similar spaces, which helps spread the power of music to more people.
"The establishment of the Courtyard of Lyre was born from a personal passion. But being able to unlock the healing function of music, give back to society, and contribute to social harmony, prosperity and rural revitalization — this is a profound happiness. My hope is more people will discover a life that shines brightly because of their own passions," Deng says.
Photos from Interviewee
(Women of China English Monthly December 2025)
Editor: Wang Shasha
