In a Chinese ensemble the guzheng often takes on different roles: melody, harmonic underpinning, rhythmic colour. Its volume, clear articulation and long sustain are strengths in solo playing, but in an ensemble they need to be moderated.
When the guzheng carries the melody, balance volume and timbre against the other instruments. When it provides harmony or support, leave space — do not sit on top of the main line for long stretches.
Blending with the plucked section makes rhythmic alignment critical. Because the guzheng sustains longer, small rhythmic discrepancies turn muddy once they stack up, so ensemble playing usually calls for crisper damping.
With bowed and wind sections, blend of timbre matters more than volume. Adjusting where and how firmly you strike can bring the guzheng closer to the overall sound.
Before rehearsing, work out what your role is in each passage. That usually improves rehearsal efficiency more than repeating the technically difficult bars.