Best China Cymbals of 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
Top 10 China Cymbals
Zildjian Planet Z Series 18" China Cymbal
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.
Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Metal China Cymbal
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.
Meinl HCS 14 Inch China Cymbal
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.
Stagg 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.
Meinl HCS 18 inch Trash China Cymbal
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.
Meinl 18 Inch Classics Custom Dark China Cymbal
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.
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.
Meinl Classics Custom Dark Trash China Cymbal
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.
Stagg SH-CH8R Splash Cymbal for Warm Sound
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.
Paiste PST5 18 Inch Raw 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.
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.

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.