Also called "laba", suona is a Chinese folk wind instrument with a long history. According to historical records, suona was initially popular in areas like Persia (present-day Iran) and other Arabian countries. Around the 3rd century AD, suona found its way in China. In the fresco featuring a singing and dancing scene found in the 38th cave of the Kizil Grottos in Baicheng of Xinjiang, there are suona-playing images.

In the Jin and Yuan Dynasties, suona was introduced to the Central Plains of China. In the late Ming Dynasty, suona became a key instrument in operatic music and was widely used among the people. It was even used by the famous general Qi Jiguang in military music. In the Qing Dynasty, suona became one of the musical instruments of the imperial court. Today, it is widely used among over 20 ethnic minorities in China. At the same time, it is a universal instrument, popular in more than 30 countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. 

Today, there are various sunona types, all are extremely expressive, because the skills of nearly all wind instruments can be applied to suona playing. Another interesting fact is that the pipe, whistle and horn of suona can be torn apart and played separately. Thus, the sounds of different roles can be imitated. 

In the famous piece One Hundred Birds Singing in Homage to the Phoenix (Bainiao Chaofeng), the clear and melodious suona sounds with rich gradation imitate the warble of the birds to perfection. It is a signature piece of Chinese folk music. The bass and median tones of suona are bold and unconstrained, while the high-pitched tones are sharp and tense, with strong rendering power that is ideal for expressing lively and joyous scenes as well as strong emotions of great happiness or sadness. That's why suona is one of the most popular instruments among the people and is commonly used at weddings and funerals as well as in opera accompaniment.