Yangqin is a Chinese hammered dulcimer with a trapezoidal soundboard, and is played with two bamboo sticks.

The instrument was originated from Persia , which is the present Iran . The Yangqin, a rather new instrument by Chinese standards, was transferred from Persia , as an adaptation of the Persian SANTUR.

The original was introduced into China from the southeastern coastal province of Guangdong late in the Ming dynasty (c. the 16th century). It spread later throughout the inner areas.

The earliest type was arranged in two choirs (two rows of bridges), each having 8, later 10-12, courses (2 or 4 strings per courses), and its tones arranged in a pentatonic scale.  In the 1960's it developed into a type with 3 choirs, 10 course each, or a type with 4 choirs, 12 or 13 courses each. Special devices such as the grooves with balls on both sides were added for the convenience in modulating.

Over 400 years of development and changes, the Yangqin now has four or five bridges with sets of strings on each bridge pitched whole steps apart and neighboring sets of strings on adjacent bridges pitched a fifth apart.

Sliders and rollers are used to make modulation possible and to facilitate quick and accurate tuning.  Its range is over 4 octaves and tuned with full chromatic capability.   Under the box is a damper to control lingering tones.