Niutuiqin is a stringed folk musical instrument that dates all the way back to ancient China. It is popular among the Dong ethnic areas in Guizhou and Hunan provinces, as well as Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Its shape is like that of a leg of a cow, so it is called niutuiqin. Niu means cattle, and tui means leg. The traditional instrument is made of cedar, the lower part is hollow, and it is covered with the cedar or tung wood. The neck is wide, and the head is square. There are two pegs made of hardwood, which are used to fix the strings. The bow of the instrument is made of bamboo.

Compared with the other instruments, niutuiqin is different in producing the music by friction between the bow and strings made of palm fiber. Therefore, the sound is soft and delicate, and a little husky, which makes the tone very unique. The performance style of the organ is nearly the same as that of the violin. The performer should put the end of the organ right under the left shoulder, with the left hand pressing the strings and right hand drawing the bow. The range is smaller than that of the violin.

Local people make Niutuiqin, and the materials and sizes vary. Dong people have made continuous improvements to the instrument. The resonance box was expanded, and steel strings and horsetail bows replaced palm fiber ones. Some musicians added a metal frame at the end of the instrument, so that the performer can hold the instrument firmly under the arm. In so doing, the performer may feel less weight on his or her left hand and more skills can be developed.

In the cultural lives of the Dong people, niutuiqin has played a very important role. Nearly every young male owns such an instrument. When there is a festival or holiday, they will play the organ, singing and dancing all the way to their relatives�� houses. It is said that once people hear the music performed by the organ, they will come for the music, gathering around and enjoying the cheerful moment.