Unlike the bullpup QBZ-95, the QBZ-03 is a weapon of conventional design.

The weapon is designed to be easily used by soldiers already familiar with previously issued assault rifles and machine guns.

The weapon has a faster rate of fire compared to QBZ-95.

Operating system is similar to Type 81 assault rifle featuring rotating bolt locking and short-stroke gas piston.

[1] In 2015, the manufacturer displayed a version with a quad-rail hand guard; the short rear section screws onto the upper receiver.