Bangzi

Bangzi is a term in Chinese that may refer to more than one thing. In everyday usage, it can mean a wooden stick or club (棒子) used as a simple tool or weapon. In music and theatre, it most often refers to a wooden percussion instrument (梆子) or to a style of performance named after it: Bangzi.

The bangzi instrument consists of a pair of hardwood blocks that are struck together with sticks to produce a sharp, penetrating sound. It functions as a time-keeping and accent percussion in northern Chinese opera and folk ensembles, helping to drive rhythm and tempo.

Bangzi opera is a regional form of Chinese opera named after the bangzi percussion. It originated in central China and is characterized by brisk tempos, strong vocal projection, and a percussion-driven accompaniment. It has several local variants and remains part of China's diverse tradition of regional operas. In modern contexts, bangzi elements appear in performances across northern and central China, though the genre remains less prominent than major operatic traditions such as Peking opera.