Dongxiao is a term used to refer to a specific type of Chinese vertical end-blown flute. It is characterized by its construction from bamboo and is distinguished by the presence of holes, which are signified by the prefix "dòng" in its name.
While it shares historical roots with other instruments, the xiao is distinct from the dizi, a side-blown bamboo flute that was also associated with the name xiāo in ancient times. An alternative ancient name for the instrument is shùzhúdí.