Mixing history, culture, and identity, Chinese music has a tradition of more than a thousand years. From Pekin operas to Mandopop, discover China's most popular figures and a wide diversity of genres and styles. Explore the evolution of Chinese singers who preserve their musical roots and are now recognized worldwide.
Traditional Chinese Singers and Their Legacies
🎭 Pioneers of Chinese Opera
Chinese opera is one of the oldest art forms in the country. One of its most famous styles, Peking Opera, combines singing, dancing, and martial arts, which is why it has been an influential art form for over 200 years.
Mei Lanfang
Born on October 22, 1894, he is one of the most important performers of Peking opera. Mei revolutionized the scene by playing female roles. Mei became an ambassador of Peking opera and was one of the first artists to work in Japan, the US and the Soviet Union. Along with Shang Xiaoyun, Cheng Yanqiu, and Xun Huisheng, he was part of the most famous actors of the time, known as the Big Four Tan. Died on August 8, 1961.
Li Shiji
Li Shiji was born in 1933. The most respected performer of the 20th century and the creator of the Cheng School style. Li was a celebrated performer dedicating her life to training performing artists and cultivating an audience for Peking opera. Died on May 9, 2016.
Shenyang
Born on March 20, 1984, is one of the most internationally recognized opera singers. Shenyang was born in Tianjin and is the son of professional musicians. He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 2009. He won the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award & the Montblanc New Voices Award.
Chinese cinema is also replete with performers who have made their mark on the international stage. Explore the top list of most Chinese-recognized actors.
🎶 The Folk Music Maestros
Chinese folklore shows how the culture, ideas, and politics have changed over time. Folklore music became richer through all the cultural exchanges and the political contexts of each era.
Song Zuying
Also known as The Queen of Chinese folk music, Song was born on August 13, 1966. Her music is pretty popular in China, due to her high profile among the political elite. Greatly known for her performances at the Sydney Opera House, the Golden Hall in Vienna & the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Song has collaborated with artists such as Plácido Domingo.
Peng Liyuan
Peng Liyuan was born on November 20, 1962. Peng was already a star of folk before becoming the first lady. Her voice took her to the annual CCTV New Year's Gala, becoming a symbol for millions of viewers. Among her famous songs are The People of Our Town, Mount Everest, and On the Plains of Hope.
Would you like to learn more about the most recognized singing artists in Asia? Discover a bunch of resources about Chinese celebrities.
These singers not only performed, but also documented Chinese opera on the international stage. Laying the foundation for this genre to remain alive in regional and cultural identity.
The Rise of Mandopop and Cantopop Artists
🎤 Defining Mandopop and Cantopop
Known as Mandarin pop, Mandopop originated in Shanghai in 1920. With almost a century of history, it has become the most important genre for Mandarin speakers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Its love melodies combine traditional instruments and Western pop sounds.
Pop in Cantonese, or Cantopop, gained popularity in Hong Kong during the 70s and 80s, when the cinema and television industries were at their peak in the region. Cantopop music features an urban style, influenced by rock, disco, and R&B.
| Music genre | Language | Popularity | Main Characteristics |
| 🎤 Mandopop | Mandarin | Since the 1920s in Shanghai | Poetic ballads, fusion with Western pop, and a strong presence in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. |
| 🎧 Cantopop | Cantonese | 1970s–80s in Hong Kong | Urban style, influenced by disco, rock, and R&B. |
Mandopop and Cantopop represent modern music in the country and its cultural identity, enjoyed by audiences that share language and traditions, even if they are geographically dispersed.
🌟 Iconic Figures in Pop Music
Teresa Teng
Teresa was born on January 29, 1953. Known as the eternal queen of Asian pop. With her ballads, she conquered thousands of fans during the 1970s and 1980s, singing in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese & English. The Moon Represents My Heart is a classic of Chinese music. She died on May 8, 1995.
Faye Wong
Born on August 8, 1969, Faye is the cool diva of Chinese pop for her reserved and experimental style. Faye fused Cantonese pop with rock and electronic music. She gained popularity during the 1990s and 2000s, thanks to the Chungking Express movie and her song Eyes On Me, featured in Final Fantasy VIII.
Teng and Wong have both shaped the country's pop music. On one hand, Teng's ballads in multiple languages opened the doors for Asian music to reach global audiences. On the other hand, Wong's style redefined the pop for a new generation.
Contemporary Chinese Singers Shaping the Modern Scene
🚀 Breakthrough Artists of the 21st Century
Tia Ray
Born on December 12, 1984. She is a recognized singer and songwriter who gained fame after participating in The Voice of China. Since then, she has released four successful albums. R&B, soul, and pop mainly characterize her style. Her single Be Apart took her to international charts.
Na Ying
Na Ying was born on November 27, 1967. With more than 30 years of career, Na Ying is one of the most respected performers in China. Her ballads, such as Conquer, became a '90s classic. She participated as a judge on The Voice of China. And thanks to the public, she has remained relevant over the years.
Lay Zhang
Born on October 7, 1991. Former member of the K-pop group EXO, Lay is a rapper, singer, dancer, actor, and producer. He is known for his pop, hip-hop, and R&B singles. Since he participated in Star Academy, he has released albums in China and abroad.
Chinese literature is one of the oldest and richest in the world. Discover the most relevant Chinese writers of all time.
🔀 Cross-Genre Innovators
The new musical wave is characterized by fresh bids that combine tradition and modernity. These explore new sounds and artistic languages that connect with a much wider audience.
Sa Dingding
Sa Dingding was born on December 27, 1983. Known for her distinctive style, Sa Dingding blends traditional instruments with modern electronic music. Also, she is known for singing in Mandarin, Tibetan and Sanskrit. She won the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards with her album Alive.
Hua Chenyu
Born on February 7, 1990. After winning Super Boy in 2013, Hua became one of the most creative vocalists in China, combining pop, rock, orchestral, rap, and electronic music. Hua is known for his rock versions of traditional songs and collaborations with other artists, attracting thousands of fans after winning Super Boy in 2013.
Modern Chinese music is unique, creative, and represents the Chinese culture. By mixing traditional rhythms with electronic, pop, rock, and R&B, Sa Dingding and Hua Chenyu are undoubtedly part of a dynamic generation of performers :)
The Global Influence of Chinese Singers
🌍 International Collaborations and Recognition
Jackson Wang
Born on March 28, 1994. Jackson is a former member of the K-pop band GOT7. As a solo artist, he founded his entertainment brand, Team Wang. He has collaborated with Gucci Mane & Galantis, and his multicultural style has made him one of the most globalised singers.
Lang Lang
Lang Lang was born on June 14, 1982. He is a famous pianist who has collaborated with pop and rock artists, performed with major orchestras in Europe, the US, China & Australia. His presence in Olympic ceremonies and international events consolidates him as a cultural figure in China and the rest of the world :)
Kris Wu
Born on November 6, 1990. Wu is a Chinese-Canadian rapper and actor, known for being a member of the K-pop band EXO. Wu introduced Chinese hip-hop to the international market and has worked with celebrities such as Travis Scott & Pharrell Williams.
Challenges and Triumphs on the World Stage
Today, Chinese musicians face various barriers that hinder their popularity and worldwide exposure. However, technology and the reach that social networks have are great allies.
🔴 Challenges
Although more and more Chinese performers release bilingual versions of their work, international listeners might still struggle to connect with Mandarin & Cantonese lyrics.
The mass production of K-pop makes it quite challenging for new entertainers to establish themselves in the industry. While J-pop remains more niche, it has a larger global fan base.
Censorship in China, combined with limited creative freedom, makes it more challenging to export music with controversial or experimental messages.
Digital blockades (such as the official absence of Western platforms) reduce organic exposure for many musicians.
🟢 Triumphs
Chinese musicians have performed at prestigious stages such as Coachella, SXSW, and the MTV Europe Music Awards.
Jackson Wang, Lay Zhang & Tia Ray have entered the Billboard Hot 100 and Spotify Global Top 50, going beyond the Asian market.
Partnerships between Chinese artists and musicians from the US, Europe, and Latin America are becoming increasingly common.
Fan communities on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Weibo organize streaming campaigns and trending topics, giving musicians way more visibility.
Emerging Talents and the Future of Chinese Music
✨ Rising Stars to Watch
Lexie Liu
One of the most recognized performers of her generation, characterized by her hip-hop, R&B, and electronic style. Her participation in The Rap of China led to her signing with the American label 88rising. Her bilingual songs, Manta or Hat Trick, have gained popularity in Asia and overseas.
Chen Zhuoxuan
Lead voice of BonBon Girls 303, establishing herself as one of the most promising Mandopop musicians. As a versatile singer, she had the room to explore her solo projects, releasing electronic pop and contemporary ballads.
Nine Chen
Taiwanese Mandopop singer and actor known for his diverse musical style, incorporating pop, R&B, rap, and EDM. Nine Chen appeals to both mainstream pop fans and younger audiences on platforms such as TikTok & YouTube.
🔮 Predictions and trends
- International collaborations - The Chinese music industry aims to expand the number of partnerships with global brands and productions. For example, the singer Lexie Liu has become the brand ambassador of Miu Miu, an Italian fashion brand. Additionally, the American mass media company 88rising is seeking to consolidate the global projection of C-pop.
- Broader exposure for Chinese artists - Social media platforms such as Douyin (TikTok), Bilibili, and NetEase Cloud Music offer independent creators increased exposure, eliminating the need for record label representation.
- Music festival participation - Chinese presence is expected to increase at awaited music festivals like Coachella, Lollapalooza or Glastonbury, broadening international recognition.
The Role of Technology and Social Media
In Canada and worldwide, streaming platforms and social media like Spotify and Apple Music give upcoming talents, people like you and I, a platform to share their work, eliminating traditional publication barriers!
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
Writing in 2025 about Chinese singers that influence the world, you can not miss Skai Isyourgod, who has more listeners on Spotify than any other Chinese singers. He surpassed Jay Chou in early July 2025.
Hi Paul, hope you’re well! We’ll definitely add this on on the next update.