The Chinese Bronze bells, or bianzhong, were an important percussion instrument in ancient China. Bronze bells are divided into one or more groups in which there are dozens of big and small bells, each with a different tone.

In the early the Shang Dynasty (16-11th century BC), there existed serial bells, which were made up of three bells. Along with the development of the times, the number of bells increased.

In ancient China, the bianzhong was an exclusive musical instrument for the upper class and it was regarded as the symbol of power and social class. The ancient instrument was used in royal performances and it was rarely seen among the common folk. The instrument was most commonly played during wars, royal meetings, and sacrifices.

The largest set of bianzhong was unearthed in 1978, in the tomb of a marquis buried in 433 B.C. It consisted of a set of 64 bronze chime-bells, structured in three layers and mounted on a lacquered wooden frame.

The first and uppermost layer of bells are called niuzhong, (bells with bronze loops for vertical suspension) while the second and third layers layers of bells are called yongzhong (bells with handles for suspension at a slight angle).