Dulcimer, or Yangqin, is a string-beaten musical instrument. It has a clear tone, and can play solo, concert and accompaniment. It is very important in the folk and ethnic band.

According to the historical records, there had been a kind of string-beaten instrument which was popular among the ancient Arabian countries. During the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644, it was introduced into China due to our friendships with those east and west Asian countries. At first, it was only welcomed around Guangdong. Gradually, it became well known all over China. Some folk musicians later made improvements, and Satire slowly turned into the Chinese ethnic instrument

Dulcimer is made of wood. It is shaped like a butterfly, and so it is called butterfly dulcimer. While performing, players put it on a wooden frame and hold two bamboo sticks in both hands, which are used to knock the strings.

The performing skills and tones of dulcimer are changeful. The undertone part is deep, and the mediant pure and alt bright. It is good at performing fast rhythms to express resilient, relaxing and joyous feelings.

This instrument has a history of four hundred years. During this period, designers have created new types of dulcimer, such as electronic dulcimer, which produces sounds through switching the sound waves into electronic signals, and then modifying the sounds through the amplifier and letting out them through the loudspeaker. The electronic dulcimer can perform not only accompaniments but also solos, therefore, musicians have spoken well of it.

Dulcimer has carried with it the traditional and ethnic features, which can be found in its makings, performing art and music creations. Today, it has been well received by all people.