The Type 83 is a self-propelled howitzer of Chinese origin. It was developed to provide the PLA's armored units with a self-propelled howitzer with a similar all terrain mobility and enough speed to keep up. The Type 83 has been retroactively called PLZ83. The Type 83 was the first self-propelled 152mm howitzer in Chinese service.

The Type 83 is based on the Type 321 chassis which is also used by several other Chinese vehicles. The driver is seated on the left with the engine and drivetrain to his right. The turret is located at the rear and houses the other four crewmembers. A semi-automatic loader assists in reloading.

The Type 83 is armed with a 152mm howitzer derived from the Type 66 which in turn is a copy of the D-20. The howitzer uses standard 152mm ammunition and 30 rounds are carried. The maximum rate of fire is believed to be 5 rounds per minute. The maximum effective range is 17.2 km, but a longer range rocket assisted projectile has been developed and is possibly fielded. A 12.7mm Type 54 heavy machine gun is fitted on the turret roof for self-defense.

The Type 83 is operated under full armor protection, unless the roof mounted 12.7mm Type 54 heavy machine gun is used. The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. There are no smoke grenade launchers and a NBC and and fire supression system are both not present.

The tracked chassis provides the Type 83 with a good off road capability, albeit at low speeds. A Deutz 520 hp diesel engine provides propulsion. The maximum speed is 55 km/h on roads and around 30 km/h in the field.

The Chinese Peoples Liberation Army is the sole user of the Type 83 self-propelled howitzer. It is used by several armored divisions. The Type 83 has been supplemented by the newer and more capable PLZ05 and will eventually be replaced.