Type 56 is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. The receiver is machined from steel, the two lugged bolt locks into receiver walls. Type 56 has AK47-style controls with reciprocating charging handle and massive safety-fire selector lever at the right side of the receiver. The furniture was made from wood, and compact version with underfolding metallic buttstock was also available. The only viosible diference from Soviet AK47 is a permanently attached spike bayonet, which folds under the barrel when not in use.

The Type 56 is a cheap copy of a cheat assault rifle. It's quality is far from that of the AK47. But as a cheat assault weapon, it's ideal for low budget criminal organisations like the Hong Kong triads. Although the weapons isn't the best in the world it still packs a punch.