The bronze drum, which appeared in the 7th century BC, is a percussion instrument popular in Guangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hunan and other southwest minority areas. Bronze drums are all made of copper. Generally, the drum surface of a bronze drum is about 50 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height (some are larger). The drum cavity is hollow and bottomless. There are copper ring ears on both sides. Exquisite patterns are carved on the drum surface and the percussion body. According to different shapes and patterns, bronze drums can be divided into eight types: Wanjiaba type, Shizhaishan type, cold water type, Zunyi type, Majiang type, Beiliu type, Lingshan type and Ximeng type. A bronze drum with a height of 67.5, a surface diameter of 166 cm and a weight of 300 kg was unearthed in Beiliu, Guangxi. This is the largest bronze drum in the world today. There are 1400 bronze drums collected all over the country, and there are more than 200 folk drums scattered in south-central and southwest China. China is the region with the largest number of bronze drums found, the earliest casting and use of bronze drums and the longest history. In ancient times, the aristocratic rulers of ethnic minorities used to use the number of bronze drums as a symbol to represent their ruling power.

Later, it spread to Southeast Asia, such as Yangon, and played a great role. Generally used for sacrifices, musical instruments, summoning, weddings, festivals, etc.