There are two types of cymbals in ancient times. One refers to the "cymbals" in the Yin and Zhou dynasties (different from the cymbals called cymbals now), "Shuowen": "zheng, cymbals, like bells, in the handle, up and down." Actually The zheng and cymbal at that time were different in shape.

Zheng is used in military affairs, see Li You's "Inscriptions on Zheng" of the Later Han Dynasty: "Shen strict orders, oath divisions and brigade; to strictly discipline, all the people listen"; the second refers to the ancient gong-shaped musical instruments passed down from the southern nationalities, Tang Duyou "Tang Duyou" Tongdian said: "Zheng... is like a big copper stack, hanging and hitting it, using a drum, called Zheng." Song Chenyang's "Book of Music" also records that Zheng is a musical instrument from the south.

Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and other countries have woven zheng. Zeng is also used in honor guard bands. "Ming Hui Dian Da Jia Lu Book": "The golden zheng is surrounded by copper and bamboo, and the red stalk is used to tie the zheng to the ridge. The diameter of the zheng is nine inches and five minutes." This kind of Zheng used to promote music is hung on the double dragon frame It is shaped like a gong and is pronounced by hitting it with a mallet.