The qudi is the dominant form of dizi from Southern China. Its general technical characteristics include:
- Strong legato playing;
- Use of dayin and dieyin to articulate notes;
- General prohibition of using tongue articulations;
- Grace notes tend to be appoggiatura in nature.
Stylistically, the qudi as a Southern China instrument plays strong melodies with a flowing nature. Expect to see sixteenth notes that make use of various pentatonic scale arpeggios to bring about the easy-flowing nature.
Timbrally, the qudi has a mellow feel despite playing mostly in concert octave 5/6.