The music of Kucha, which had been introduced into China during the Northern Wei period, enjoyed great popularity in the Sui and early Tang dynasties, and was performed on its own or incorporated into large-scale orchestral works presented at court. Most percussion instruments used in Chinese music today, such as the small drum beaten with wooden sticks, as well as cymbals and clappers, were adopted during the Tang dynasty along with the music of Kucha and other oases in the Western Regions (present-day Xinjiang Province). The small harp played by one of the musicians is also an instrument associated with music from these regions.

One of the most popular Tang dances was the huxuan ("whirling") dance, which was performed on a small mat or carpet, and the representation of it was a favorite decoration on all kinds of works of art from the late sixth to the late eighth century. Eighth-century writers often mention this dance; the great poet Bai Jui (772–846) immortalized it in verse. Most scholars agree that this dance was introduced into China from Sogdia, but there has been little speculation as to its ultimate origin.

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