Best China Cymbals of 2025

Hayden Bryant Avatar
Hayden Bryant
Last Updated: 9 Feb 2025

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China cymbals are a type of cymbal that is commonly used in drum kits for various genres of music. They are characterized by their unique sound, which is often described as explosive, trashy, and oriental. China cymbals are typically thinner and have a flatter shape than other cymbals, with a bell that is turned up at the edge. They are popular for adding accents and emphasis to drum beats, and are often used in rock, metal, and punk music. If you are a drummer looking to add some flavour to your kit, china cymbals could be worth considering.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zildjian Planet Z Series 18" China Cymbal Cover #TOP 1
Zildjian Planet Z Series 18" China Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Metal China Cymbal Cover #TOP 2
Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Metal China Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Meinl HCS 14 Inch China Cymbal Cover #TOP 3
Meinl HCS 14 Inch China Cymbal
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 China Cymbals

#TOP 1

Zildjian Planet Z Series 18" China Cymbal

ZP18CH
Brass
18'' China
Zildjian Planet Z Series 18" China Cymbal Cover
Zildjian ZP18CH Planet Z Series - China Cymbal, 18"

The Zildjian 18" China Cymbal is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate players entering the world of cymbals. Redesigned in 2020, it offers bright, cutting tones that provide you with more control and a focused sound. Crafted from brass, this cymbal delivers superior sound quality at an entry-level price, making it accessible for all. Its bright, trashy, and fast characteristics allow you to create impactful accents in your music, adding a new dimension to your sound palette.

What We Like
Great for beginners and intermediates
Bright and cutting tones
Superior sound quality
Affordable entry-level price
Adds dimension to sound
#TOP 2

Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Metal China Cymbal

CC18EMCH-B
Brilliant Finish
18 inch
Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Metal China Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Extreme Metal China Cymbal 18 inch (Video) for Drum Set (45,72cm) B12 Bronze, Brilliant Finish, Made in Germany (CC18EMCH-B)

The Meinl Classics Custom China cymbal is designed for those who play with intensity. Its heavyweight construction ensures that it cuts through even the loudest mixes, making it perfect for powerful performances. The brilliant finish provides a shimmering sound while enhancing the cymbal's visual appeal. Additionally, the extra deep hammering adds a darker tonality that balances the cymbal's brightness, giving you a rich and versatile sound that stands out in any ensemble.

What We Like
Heavyweight for loud mixes
Brilliant reflective finish
Darkened tonality for balance
Made from durable B12 bronze
#TOP 3

Meinl HCS 14 Inch China Cymbal

HCS14CH
Traditional Finish
14 inch
Meinl HCS 14 Inch China Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS China Cymbal 14 inch (Video) for Drum Set (35,56cm) Traditional Finish Brass, Made In Germany (HCS14CH)

The Meinl HCS China Cymbal offers bold, trashy sounds that can enhance your drumming with exciting bursts of noise. Perfect for beginners and students, its durable brass alloy ensures it withstands the impact of drumsticks while maintaining a clear tone. Made in Germany using green energy, this cymbal reflects quality craftsmanship. With a wide range of sounds available, you can easily explore various styles, making it a versatile choice for any aspiring drummer.

What We Like
Bold, trashy sound
Durable brass alloy
Environmentally made in Germany
Wide range of sounds
Ideal for beginners

Stagg 14-Inch SH Regular China Cymbal

SH-CH14R
Copper
-inch
Stagg 14-Inch SH Regular China Cymbal Cover
Stagg 25011250 14-Inch SH Regular China Cymbal

The Stagg 14-Inch China Cymbal is crafted from B20 alloy, ensuring a durable and high-quality instrument. With its impressive 14-inch diameter, this cymbal is designed to produce a very open, rich, and warm sound, perfect for enhancing your music. The regular finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall sound quality. When you choose this cymbal, you can expect to elevate your drumming experience with its exceptional tonal characteristics.

What We Like
High-quality B20 alloy
Rich and warm sound
14-inch diameter
Aesthetic regular finish
#TOP 5

Meinl HCS 18 inch Trash China Cymbal

HCS18
Traditional Finish
18 inch
Meinl HCS 18 inch Trash China Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals HCS Trash China Cymbal 18 inch (Video) with holes for Drum Set (45,72cm) Traditional Finish Brass, Made In Germany (HCS18TRCH)

The Meinl HCS Trash China offers a unique trashy sound effect, ideal for those energetic bursts when you want to make an impact. Its hole cut-outs provide a shorter sustain, perfect for crashing and stacking sounds. Designed specifically for beginners and students, this cymbal is made from a durable brass alloy, ensuring it withstands the rigours of learning. Additionally, the HCS range gives you access to a full spectrum of cymbal types and sizes, allowing you to explore various sound options and develop your skills.

What We Like
Trashy sound effects
Durable brass alloy
Made with green energy
Full range of sounds
Great for beginners
#TOP 6

Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Dark China Cymbal

CC18DACH
Dark Finish
18 inch
Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Dark China Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark China Cymbal 18 inch (Video) for Drum Set (45,72cm) B12 Bronze, Dark Finish, Made in Germany (CC18DACH)

The Meinl Classics Custom China cymbal is designed to thrive in loud environments, perfect for rock and metal styles. Its durable construction allows you to crash ride with confidence, while the dark finish and extra hammering create a unique sound with shadowy tones. Made from B12 bronze alloy, it offers a powerful and consistent tone, ensuring you cut through dense mixes effortlessly. This cymbal is not only built to last but also boasts an eye-catching finish that will withstand years of performance.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Powerful sound for loud dynamics
Unique dark finish
Consistent tone from B12 bronze
#TOP 7

Zildjian A Zildjian Series 19 Inch Ultra Hammered China Cymbal

ZIL A0369
Metallic Silver
Zildjian A Zildjian Series 19 Inch Ultra Hammered China Cymbal Cover
Zildjian A Zildjian Series - 19 Inch Ultra Hammered China Cymbal

The Zildjian A China Cymbal offers a powerful sound that can truly enhance your drumming experience. With its new inverted "volcano" bell and extensive hammering, this cymbal produces a trashy tone that stands out in any musical setting. You'll appreciate the loud volume and short sustain, perfect for cutting through mixes during performances. Its brilliant hammered finish not only looks stunning but also adds to the overall sonic character, ensuring your sound is both unique and captivating.

What We Like
Loud, penetrating sound
Trashy tone quality
Short sustain
Brilliant hammered finish
#TOP 8

Meinl Classics Custom Dark Trash China Cymbal

CC16DATRCH
Dark Finish
16 inch
Meinl Classics Custom Dark Trash China Cymbal Cover
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark Trash China Cymbal 16 inch (Video) for Drum Set (40,64cm) B12 Bronze, Dark Finish, Made in Germany (CC16DATRCH)

The Meinl Dark Trash China Cymbal is designed for those who enjoy a powerful sound. Its unique construction allows you to cut through dense mixes effortlessly, making it ideal for rock and metal genres. The dark finish and extra hammering enhance its tonal complexity, providing a broad range of rich, shadowy tones. Made from durable B12 bronze alloy, this cymbal ensures longevity while delivering an explosive sound that energises your performances.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Rich, shadowy tones
Ideal for rock and metal
Powerful sound projection

Stagg SH-CH8R Splash Cymbal for Warm Sound

SH-CH8R
metallic silver
-inch
Stagg SH-CH8R Splash Cymbal for Warm Sound Cover
Stagg SH-CH8R Cymbal

The Stagg SH-CH8R Cymbal is known for its very open and warm sound, which can greatly enhance your music. You will find it easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced drummers alike. Its design allows for easy storage, ensuring that you can keep your equipment organised without hassle. This cymbal not only delivers quality sound but also offers convenience in your drumming setup.

What We Like
Warm and open sound
Easy to use
Convenient storage design

Paiste PST5 18 Inch Raw China Cymbal

Paiste
652618
Paiste PST5 18 Inch Raw China Cymbal Cover
Paiste PST5 18 Inch China Cymbal

The Paiste PST5 China Cymbal is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their sound with a great accent cymbal. Its raw and dark tone adds a unique character to your music, making each performance stand out. As the heaviest weight china in the PST5 range, it delivers a powerful presence that can cut through any mix. Additionally, its lively and fairly washy quality allows for exciting dynamics, bringing your playing to life and offering you a versatile tool for creative expression.

What We Like
Great accent cymbal
Raw and dark sound
Heaviest weight in range
Lively and washy quality
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our china cymbal research, we found 50 china cymbal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,315 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 £199.92.

The china cymbals are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of china cymbals, including Zildjian, Meinl Cymbals, Stagg, Paiste.

Written by
Hayden Bryant Avatar

Hayden was born in Liverpool, and he never left his hometown until university. In his freshman year at the University of Manchester, Hayden was the group leader of a popular music group. Hayden is responsible for the popularity of his music, and this is because of his natural ability to play with keys and strings. He graduated with BFA in 2016 and returned in 2018 as a lecturing staff in the School of Music.