The Nangun or southern staff is a variation of the northern staff. Today, it is featured in contemporary wushu exercises and forms.

Nangun is based on staff techniques coming from Southern Chinese martial arts. Its movements put more importance to hitting as compared to the cutting and swinging techniques of the northern staff.

Traditionally, the a Chinese staff is made out of a material called wax wood, rather than bamboo as many people might think. Wax wood is strong, yet flexible, making it ideal as a material for the gun.

A Chinese staff is made with one thick end as the base and a thinner end near the tip, and is cut to be about the same height as the user. Today, more modern versions may be purchased made with metal and rubber parts.