ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Chinese flutes

Okay, so the Chinese flute is a musical instrument made in China. It is kind of like a long, skinny tube with holes in it. People blow into one end, and the air goes through the tube and out the other end, which makes a sound.

The Chinese flute is usually made of bamboo, which is a kind of plant that grows really tall and skinny. When the bamboo is cut and dried, it becomes hard and hollow. That's what the Chinese flute is made from.

To play the flute, you hold it sideways and blow into one of the holes. You cover up other holes with your fingers to make different notes. It's kind of like playing a game of "Whack-a-Mole" – you have to move your fingers around really quickly to cover the right holes and make the right notes at the right time.

People in China have been playing the flute for a really long time – even before the United States became a country! The flute is really important in Chinese music, and it is often used in traditional Chinese performances and ceremonies. Some people believe that playing the flute can also help you become more focused and calm.

That's pretty much all there is to know about the Chinese flute. It's a neat instrument that people in China have been playing for a very long time. If you ever get a chance to try playing one, you might like it!