From Novice to Industry Benchmark: Qian Junjian’s Global Instrument Venture with Huangpi

In October, at YunyuZhiyin Intelligent Musical Instrument Co., Ltd., located in Huangpi District’s Lingkong Industrial Park, Wuhan, 60 machines precisely cut Italian spruce wood, with wood chips falling rhythmically to the sound of machinery.Qian Junjian, an entrepreneur from Huangqiao, Jiangsu, has spent twelve years building his enterprise based on "integrity and pragmatism." Starting as a music student who had never touched a piano, he now leads a company with annual sales of ¥200 million, exporting to 50 countries. His journey reflects the rise of Chinese musical instrument brands on the global stage.

His company, INNEO Group, is now a National Key Cultural Export Enterprise, recognized as a National High-Tech Enterprise and a National Science and Technology-based SME. Its subsidiary, Yunyuzhiyin, established in Huangpi for eight years, holds five invention patents and was named a Provincial Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and New SME. In 2024, its export value reached $15 million, with 95% of products sold to over 50 countries.

University Dreams: Creating Opportunities

Born in 1980, Qian’s connection with music began unexpectedly in 2000 upon entering the Music Department of Nantong University. Without prior piano experience, he taught himself by translating staff notation into numbered musical notation and mastering improvisational accompaniment within a year.

Driven by persistence and initiative, he founded the Mengzhou Art Association, which attracted over 1,000 members in its first year. He also initiated Nantong’s first original song competition, winning the top prize. "If conditions aren’t right, create them yourse-lf," he said—a mindset that later fueled his entrepreneurship.

After working in instrument manufacturing and foreign trade, Qian identified risks in the OEM model. In 2013, he founded INNEO International, starting his entrepreneurial journey.

Rooted in Huangpi: Building a Dream in Fertile Ground

In 2017, Mr. Qian established Yunyuzhiyin in Huangpi, attracted by local government support. Soon after production began, humidity-related wood drying challenges emerged. Collaborating with Wuhan Polytechnic University experts, a customized "step-by-step drying technique" was developed, improving drying efficiency by 10%.Breaking from the tradition of handcrafted, high-cost violins, Qian adopted a standardized approach, automating 70% of the process. This enabled high-quality, affordable instruments, with annual violin sales reaching 60,000 units—over 90% exported. The proprietary brand PHOENIX now represents over 80% of production, with mid-range (¥1,000+) and high-end (¥3,000+) models gaining international acclaim.

(Pic selected from Shanghai International instrument Expo)

By 2024, Yunyuzhiyin’s revenue exceeded ¥200 million, with taxes paid over ¥4 million. PHOENIX violins, made with European materials and full IP, became a “Chinese name card” globally. Its smart pianos topped Amazon sales upon launch. In 2025, the company was designated a National Key Cultural Export Enterprise.

Brand Vision: Echoing Eastern Melodies Worldwide

Mr. Qian views instruments as cultural vessels. Yunyuzhiyin integrates R&D and craftsmanship, using a "multi-annual-ring selection method" and incorporating Huangpi architectural principles into violin design. The company has contributed to drafting four national industry standards.

(Pic selected from Shanghai International instrument Expo)

Qian also gives back to the community through training programs and donating violins to rural schools. “Entrepreneurship is not just about personal gain, but creating social value,” he stated.

(Pic selected from Shanghai International instrument Expo)

At the recent Shanghai Musical Instruments Exhibition, INNEO International received over $10 million in on-site orders and $60 million in annual Intentional orders, with high-end violin and cello orders doubling from the previous year.

(Pic selected from Shanghai International instrument Expo)

Looking ahead, Mr. Qian aims to rank among China’s top three violin manufacturers and top five smart electronic instrument producers by 2025. His long-term vision includes building an "Eastern Cremona" ecosystem, promoting Chinese instrument standards worldwide.From campus music clubs to global resonance, Qian Junjian’s story mirrors the ascent of Chinese instrument brands—refined through challenges, like the clear, rich tones of a well-crafted violin.

Core Business Areas:

Retail musical instruments; software development and sales; AI application development; intelligent instrument maintenance and parts; technical services; advertising; cultural exchange activities.