Huluxiao is an ethnic piped instrument in China. It is the most popular and frequently performed instrument among the Dai, Achang, and Wa ethnic minority in southeastern China. Hulu, in this case means calabash, which indicates the shape of this instrument. The history can be traced back to the early Qin Dynasty before 221 BC. However, people can still find similar structural characteristics to the ancient instruments alike in today's huluxiao.

The form and structure of huluxiao are unique. It is made of a calabash, bamboo tree pipes and several pieces of metal reeds. A bamboo pipe is inserted at the end of the neck as the mouth. The calabash is the resonance box. There are three bamboo pipes of different thickness in the bottom. The pipe in the middle is the thickest and has seven sound holes in it.

Huluxiao is as low as other similar instrument. The sound produced by the main pipe is soft and graceful. The music produced by the other two pipes adds to the beauty of the music. The roulade gives the listeners the feeling of light and elegant silk. Therefore, huluxiao is called hulusi as well. Si here is the Chinese translation of silk.

Due to the differences among ethnic peoples and regions, there are even more variations of huluxiao in form and performing in Yunnan province. Still, they have one thing in common; they are often used to play the folk songs. It is also exceptional in performing fluent melodies and soft chords, through which feelings and thoughts find their best expressions.

Later, musicians have reformed on huluxiao, but the traditional tones and styles are remained and the range and volume is expanded. Through the visiting performances of Chinese musicians, this ethnic musical instrument has been brought to many performances worldwide.