Guan Pinghu, born on March 4, 1897, in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China, was a notable guqin player. He began learning from his father, Guan Nianci, and later studied under Ye Shimeng and Zhang Xiangtao. Before 1949, he taught at Yenching University. In 1952, he joined the Zhongyang Yinyue Xueyuan (Central Conservatory of Music) and contributed to the Beijing Guqin Yanjiuhui (Beijing Guqin Research Institute). He recreated pieces such as "廣陵散" and "碣石調幽蘭", which became core repertoire in guqin music. His recordings, known for their subtlety, have had a lasting influence. In 1977, his performance of "流水 " was included on the Voyager Golden Record, sent into space by NASA. He passed away on March 28, 1967.
