Final answer:
The pipa is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument that is commonly used in the sizhu ensemble, creating sound through the vibration of strings.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pipa is a traditional Chinese stringed instrument common to the sizhu ensemble, which refers to a form of Chinese chamber music. Unlike percussion instruments that generate sound through striking, stringed instruments like the pipa produce sound through the vibration of strings. The concept of vibrating strings can also be found in other cultural contexts, such as the shamisen in Japan. Instruments across cultures have evolved to meet venue requirements, as seen with the amplification strategies of banjos and mandolins in bluegrass music.