| Erhu (Two-stringed Fiddle) |
| An ancient feature of Chinese music also found in Vietnam and parts of Southeast Asia: the "Hu" (a small cylindrical drum) sounds off as the bow moves between two strings: the fretless stem allows for its characteristic slippery notes and whiny texture. The Banhu and Jinghu are distinct variants of the "Hu" family. Featured in Beijing opera as are the Gaohu (high-pitched Fiddle) and Zhonghu (Midrange Fiddle) commonly used in Southern China. |
| Yangqin (Hammered Dulcimer) |
| Possibly of Persian origin. The Yangqin has been used and elaborated in China over the last 500 ears. The player uses a pair of thin bamboo strikers to produce clear and crispy or dribbling effects. |
| Dizi and Xiao (Vertical or Horizontal Flutes) |
| A wide range of Chinese flutes made simply of hollowed out bamboo or wood with finger holes. The flutes come in various lengths and thickness producing a variety of pitches and textures. |
| Xun (Jar Pipe) |
| The oldest know form of pottery instrument in China, the Xun has a history, which goes back about 6700 years. |
| Sona (Oboe) |
| An ancient reed horn that produce loud wailing effects much featured at traditional Chinese weddings and funerals. |
| Sheng (Wind Pipes) |
| Probably the oldest Chinese instrument, a wood pipe arrangement modified by metal extension: adds body to an ensemble but itself produces haunting effects. |
| Pipa (Iute) |
| Pear-shaped guitar know for its sharp plucking and dramatic strumming effects. Liuqin (Small Iute) A smaller version of the Pipa. This four-stringed guitar is distinguished by its very light high tone. |
| Zhongruan (Four-stringed Guitars) |
| Around bodied four-stringed guitar. Usually plucked to produce mellow mid range tones. The Zhongruan serves as a light bass support in small ensemble. |
| Gong Chimes |
| An instrument consisting of ten small gongs, each one tuned to a different note, suspended on a frame. |
| Percussion Orchestral Music |
| although it was known as "performance of metals", was played on arrangements of bells, drums and stone chimes. This orchestral music was very elaborate. and, in old day, was for the entertainment of the emperor and the feudal lords only. Lesser nobility had to be content with drums, The sonorous volume of bells and chimes combined to from majestic sounds. When drums were added, they had an incomparable effect of honoring the exalted positions and authority of the emperor and the feudal lords. |
