Traditional folk instrumental music performances are often combined with folk weddings and funerals, gods-welcoming games and other customs and life, as well as palace ceremonies, religious ceremonies, etc., and rarely take the form of pure instrumental music performances. The practicality of national instrumental music has resulted in many instrumental tunes being changed for different occasions.

Traditional folk instrumental music has titles, which can be divided into two categories: title and meaning. The nominal title only names the music to show the difference between A and B. It has no direct connection with the music content, such as "Gongchishang", "Four Duanjin", "Nine Links", "Ten Scenes of Gongs and Drums", etc. Significant titles indicate the content of the music through the title of the song, section titles and titles, such as "Flowing Water", "The Overlord Removes His Armor", "Race the Dragon to Win the Gold", etc.