It is known that the Chinese were especially good with metal work. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the bo, or cymbals, were already popular in China around AD 516 - AD 528. Often remembered as circular discs with red-ribbon handles, the cymbal is an important instrument in operas, religious processions and the accompaniment of folk songs. Usually made of alloys that are indigenous to China, cymbals are now also made of brass due to its sturdiness. Today, the Chinese orchestra uses numerous variations of cymbals including the Western crash cymbals. There are four common cymbals: xiaobo (small cymbals), zhongbo (medium cymbals), shuibo (water cymbals) and dabo (large cymbals).

Cymbals are instruments with no definite pitch. In terms of pitch relativity, the small cymbals command the highest pitch, followed by the medium cymbals, water cymbals and large cymbals.

Also called xiaocha or chaguo, the small cymbals have a diameter of approximately four inches. They produce relaxed and crisp sounds, and are often accompanied by small gongs to create delicate, joyous atmospheres.

The medium cymals, which are also called jingbo (operatic cymbals) for their significance in Peking opera, are also commonly termed naobo or zhongcha. The instrument’s tonal quality is bright and loud.

The water cymbals are thinner compared to the other cymbals, and they produce sounds that have husky and metallic textures.

The large cymbals have edges slightly flipped up. Measuring eight to nine inches in diameter, they produce soul-stirring sounds when struck hard, and withered and cold reverberations when played softly.