Best China Cymbals of 2025

Nicole Kim Avatar
Nicole Kim
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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China cymbals are an essential part of any drummer's arsenal. They are known for their explosive, trashy sound and are often used to accentuate certain parts of a song or to add extra energy to a performance. China cymbals are typically larger and thicker than other cymbals, with a flared shape that produces a distinctive sound. They are available in a range of sizes and styles, from smaller, more subtle models to larger, more aggressive options. Whether you're a professional drummer or a beginner, a China cymbal can add a unique and exciting element to your playing.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Avedis Zildjian 18" I Series China Cymbal Cover #TOP 1
Avedis Zildjian 18" I Series China Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Wuhan WU10418 18-Inch Lion China Cymbal Cover #TOP 2
Wuhan WU10418 18-Inch Lion China Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Wuhan WU104-16 China Cymbal Cover #TOP 3
Wuhan WU104-16 China Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 China Cymbals

#TOP 1

Avedis Zildjian 18" I Series China Cymbal

ZIL ILH18CH
Gold
18'' China
Avedis Zildjian 18" I Series China Cymbal Cover
Avedis Zildjian Company 18 inch I Series China Cymbal

The Zildjian 18" China Cymbal is designed with inspiration in mind, as its name suggests. Made from B8 alloy, this cymbal offers durability and a bright tone. Its thinner weight allows for a washier sound, which can enhance your drumming with more expressive tones. This feature is especially useful for creating dynamic soundscapes in various musical styles. With its emotive sound quality, you can bring more depth to your performances, making it a great choice for drummers looking to elevate their sound.

What We Like
Durable B8 alloy construction
Washier and expressive sounds
Enhanced dynamic soundscapes
Lightweight for easier handling
#TOP 2

Wuhan WU10418 18-Inch Lion China Cymbal

WU10418
Bronze,black
-inch
Wuhan WU10418 18-Inch Lion China Cymbal Cover
Wuhan WU10418 18-Inch Lion China Cymbal

Introducing the Wuhan 18-Inch China Cymbal, model WU10418. Crafted with precision and expertise, this cymbal is made of high-quality cast B20 alloy, resulting in a dark, explosive, and trashy sound. Handcrafted using traditional methods that have been passed down for over two thousand years, this cymbal offers a unique and authentic playing experience. The 18-inch size provides a powerful and resonant sound that will cut through any mix. Whether you're a professional drummer or a beginner, this cymbal will enhance your performance and add depth to your music. The brilliant finish and unobtrusive logo add a touch of elegance to its appearance, making it a standout piece in your drum kit. Upgrade your sound with the Wuhan 18-Inch China Cymbal and experience the rich and dynamic tones it has to offer.

What We Like
High-quality cast B20 alloy
Dark, explosive, and trashy sound
Handcrafted using traditional methods
#TOP 3

Wuhan WU104-16 China Cymbal

WU10416
gold
-inch
Wuhan WU104-16 China Cymbal Cover
WUHAN WU104-16 China Cymbal

The Wuhan WU104-16 China Cymbal is a 16-inch cymbal made by Wuhan, a renowned brand in the industry. Crafted with high-quality cast B20 alloy, this cymbal produces a dark, explosive, and trashy sound. Its handcrafted design follows traditional methods that have been perfected over two thousand years. The cymbal is buffed to a brilliant finish, with an unobtrusive yet attractive logo. With its unique sound characteristics, the Wuhan China Cymbal is perfect for drummers who want to add a distinctive and expressive element to their playing. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or any other genre, this cymbal delivers a powerful and dynamic sound that adds depth and texture to your music.

What We Like
16-inch size
Dark, explosive sound
Handcrafted traditional design
#TOP 4

Zildjian S Dark China Cymbal - 18"

Zildjian S Dark China Cymbal - 18" Cover
Avedis Zildjian Company S Series 18 Inch Dark China (SD18CH)

The Zildjian Dark China Cymbal, 18 inches, by Avedis Zildjian Company, features a dark finish that sets it apart. This China Cymbal, known for its unique sound, adds depth to your music. With its 18" size, it delivers a powerful punch in your performances. The brand, Avedis Zildjian Company, ensures quality and reliability. Elevate your music with the Zildjian Dark China Cymbal.

What We Like
Unique dark finish
Powerful 18" size
Quality by Zildjian
#TOP 5

Meinl 18” China Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass

HCS18CH
Brass
Meinl 18” China Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass Cover
Meinl 18” China Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set, Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (HCS18CH)

The Meinl HCS 18" china cymbal produces a trashy, gong-like sound, suitable for adding special effects to your drum set. The cymbal is made of durable brass alloy that can fit any musical style from rock to pop to jazz. It is an outstanding entry point for beginner drummers as well as a solid, musical, and reliable fit for advanced players. The cymbal sizes range from 12" - 18". Meinl HCS cymbals are made in Germany with 100% renewable energy.

What We Like
Produces a trashy, gong-like sound for special effects
Durable brass alloy that fits any musical style
Outstanding entry point for beginner drummers
#TOP 6

Zildjian S Series China Cymbal - 18"

ZIL S18CH
Natural
Zildjian S Series China Cymbal - 18" Cover
Zildjian 18" S China

Zildjian China Cymbal 18" is a top-quality cymbal with a bright finish and a balanced tone. The B12 Alloy construction ensures durability and a clear sound. The H Hammered design adds depth to your music. Perfect for creating unique accents and effects in your drumming. Elevate your performances with this versatile cymbal.

What We Like
Bright Finish
Balanced Tone
Durable B12 Alloy
#TOP 7

Zildjian 18" Planet Z China Cymbal

ZP18CH
Brass
18'' China
Zildjian 18" Planet Z China Cymbal Cover
Avedis Zildjian Company 18 inch Planet Z China Cymbal

The Zildjian Planet Z China Cymbal is perfect for beginners. Its bright and focused sound helps develop your ear. With an updated design, you get a refreshing look and sound. This cymbal range offers top-notch quality at an affordable price, making it a great entry-level option. Proudly made in the USA from brass, these cymbals deliver cutting tones with precise control, enhancing your overall sound.

What We Like
Bright and focused sound
Updated hammering and lathing pattern
Superior sound quality at entry level
#TOP 8

Meinl Cymbals HCS 18” Trash China Cymbal with Holes

HCS18
Brass
18 inch
Meinl Cymbals HCS 18” Trash China Cymbal with Holes Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS 18” Trash China Cymbal with Holes for Drum Set — Made in Germany — Traditional Finish Brass, 2-Year Warranty (HCS18TRCH)

Upgrade your drum set with the Meinl HCS Trash China Cymbal. Designed for beginner and intermediate players, this cymbal offers impressive sound and durability. Unlike cheap stock cymbals, the Meinl HCS cymbals provide a more authentic sound that resembles what you hear in actual songs. With its bold, trashy sound and hole cut-outs, this 18" china cymbal adds energy and accents to your playing. Made in Germany with high-quality MS63 brass alloy, it delivers a clean, bright, and crisp tone. The well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks contribute to a defined sound without ear-piercing overtones. Featuring a beautiful shimmering surface and the same logo treatment as professional lines, this Meinl HCS cymbal is a top-quality choice for any musical style.

What We Like
Impressive sound
Durable and long-lasting
Bold and trashy sound
#TOP 9

WUHAN WU104-13 China Cymbal

WU104-13
-inch
WUHAN WU104-13 China Cymbal Cover
WUHAN WU104-13 China Cymbal 13-Inch

The WUHAN 13-Inch China Cymbal is crafted from high-quality B20 alloy, delivering a bold, explosive sound that's perfect for adding unique accents to your music. Each cymbal is handcrafted using traditional methods that date back two thousand years, ensuring that you receive a product steeped in history and quality. Its brilliant finish not only enhances its visual appeal but also features a subtle logo that won't distract from your performance. Weighing just 1.0 lb, this cymbal is lightweight, making it easy for you to transport and set up for gigs or practice sessions.

What We Like
High-quality sound
Traditional craftsmanship
Brilliant finish
Lightweight design
#TOP 10

Meinl 16" China Cymbal - Classics Custom Extreme Metal

CC16EMCH-B
Brilliant
Meinl 16" China Cymbal - Classics Custom Extreme Metal Cover
Meinl 16" China Cymbal - Classics Custom Extreme Metal - Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (CC16EMCH-B)

The Meinl Extreme Metal China Cymbal is a heavyweight cymbal that can easily cut through any loud mix. Its increased thickness and extra hammering give it a fearless attack and a fiery, trashy sustain. With its brilliant finish and fully lathed surfaces, this cymbal delivers a shimmering cut and a classic, clean sound. The extra deep hammering darkens the tonality, providing power, volume, and clarity. Made from the B10 bronze alloy, this cymbal has a balanced sound with plenty of volume. Its stunning mirror-like finish not only shapes the sound but also adds a stunning look to your kit. Made in Germany with 100% renewable energy, the Meinl Extreme Metal China Cymbal is a high-quality cymbal that will last a lifetime.

What We Like
Heavyweight
Fearless attack
Shimmering cut
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a China cymbal used for?

A China cymbal is primarily used as an effect cymbal, often during transitions, drum solos, or at the end of a song. While the sound of a China cymbal may not be pleasing on its own, it adds a unique and important element when integrated into a larger drum set and band.

2. What is the difference between ride and China cymbal?

The main difference between a ride cymbal and a China cymbal is the sound they produce. Ride cymbals have a soothing, ring-like sound, while China cymbals have a more trashy sound. Ride cymbals are typically used to lead the rhythm section, while China cymbals are used for accents and special effects.

3. What is the difference between a swish and a China cymbal?

While both the swish cymbal and China cymbal have similarities, they have distinct differences in their design and usage. The swish cymbal is thin with a little taper and has equally spaced holes and rivets along the bow. This design, similar to a China cymbal, gives the swish cymbal a unique sound and purpose in drumming.

Editor's Notes

During our china cymbal research, we found 24 china cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,083 customer reviews through our big data system to write the china cymbals list. We found that most customers choose china cymbals with an average price of $123.67.

The china cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of china cymbals, including Avedis Zildjian Company, WUHAN, Meinl Cymbals. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Nicole Kim Avatar

Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.