The Liuqin looks like a miniature pipa, but it has the shape of a willow leaf, this is where the Liuqin got its name from. It also has two sound holes on either sides of the strings. The Liuqin is also called tu pipa (unrefined pipa) because of its appearance of a small pipa. The Liuqin is widely used in musical theatres.

The performer plays it with a pick made traditionally of horn, but more commonly today, plastic. A modern Liuqin's front is made of tung wood and the reverse side, of red sandal. The four strings are steel wires. The frets, increased from 7 to as many as 24, are arranged in half step intervals. The plectrum is made of horn.

The sound of Liuqin is a little like mandolin, high pitched, bright and it can produce an exciting and agitating tune when played loudly, and a sweet and touching tune when played softly. Liuqin often played in Chinese operas.