Teochew music originates from Guangdong province, China. While it has many sub-genres, a major component is string-ensemble music known as xianshi music, which can be traced back to the Song dynasty.

Other sub-genres include waijiang music, with Hakka influences, and temple music, in which wind and string instruments are used for Buddhist religious rituals. Another sub-genre adds an ensemble of drums and gongs (luogu), along with a double-reed horn (suona), and is often performed at outdoor festivities and religious occasions.