The suona, the Chinese oboe that is sometimes called a trumpet, is the loudest Chinese instrument, and is so passionate and lively that it frequently sets the rhythm and beat for a band. The instrument is typically used in the woodwind section of traditional instrument orchestras in China.

It is fairly difficult to know with precision when the diabolo was invented. Historians however agree that in China, where it was discovered, the game of diabolo has been practiced for more than 4000 years.

The guzheng, (pronounced "goo-zheng"), is a plucked string instrument that is part of the zither family.

One of the most characteristic sounds in classical Chinese music comes from the pipa.