9 Famous Chinese Singers from China

If you’re curious about Chinese music or want to dive deeper into modern Chinese culture, discovering famous Chinese singers is a great place to start. From timeless pop divas and groundbreaking rockers to rising rap stars and traditional folk icons, Mainland China’s music scene is rich, diverse, and constantly evolving. In this guide, we’ve rounded up 9 of the most iconic and influential Chinese singers across different genres and generations. Whether you’re a music lover, a language learner, or just exploring Chinese pop culture, these artists offer the perfect playlist to understand China’s vibrant soundscape.

While Hong Kong has long been known for Cantopop stars like Andy Lau, Mainland China has produced its own generation of Mandarin-language superstars. These 9 artists represent the vibrant mainland music scene that rivals – and often collaborates with – Hong Kong’s entertainment industry.

1. Faye Wong (王菲)

Faye Wong is a Chinese singer-songwriter from Beijing known for blending alternative rock with mainstream Cantopop/Mandopop. She became one of the biggest pop stars in the Chinese-speaking world, selling millions of albums across Asia and starring in films by director Wong Kar-wai. In 2000, she was recognized by Guinness World Records as the best-selling female Cantopop artist (over 9.7 million albums sold). Her notable songs include the English ballad “Eyes on Me” (the theme of Final Fantasy VIII, which sold ~500,000 copies) and Mandarin hits like “Red Bean” and “Rumor”. Faye Wong is often called a “diva” or “heavenly queen” of Chinese pop – her influence and enduring popularity make her a classic figure across generations.

• Genre/style: Chinese pop/alternative rock, dream pop.

• Notable songs/albums: “Eyes on Me” (FFVIII theme), “Red Bean”, “Green Jacket”, albums Sky, Fable.

• Interesting facts: Acted in Wong Kar-wai’s films (Chungking Express, 2046); named second most influential Chinese celebrity (1950–2010) in a 2009 poll; she rarely releases new music after 2010 yet remains an icon.
• Genre/style: Chinese pop/alternative rock, dream pop.
• Notable songs/albums: “Eyes on Me” (FFVIII theme), “Red Bean”, “Green Jacket”, albums Sky, Fable.
• Interesting facts: Acted in Wong Kar-wai’s films (Chungking Express, 2046); named second most influential Chinese celebrity (1950–2010) in a 2009 poll; she rarely releases new music after 2010 yet remains an icon.

2. Li Yuchun (李宇春)

Li Yuchun (李宇春), also known by her English stage name Chris Lee, is a Chinese pop singer and songwriter who shot to fame by winning the national Super Girl singing contest in 2005. She combines electronic dance beats with Mandopop melodies, and her androgynous “unisex” image made her a trendsetter. Li achieved mainstream success early on, earning awards such as the MTV Asia Award for Favorite Artist Mainland China and performing at international events like the Asia Song Festival. Her debut album The Queen and the Dreams (2006) and follow-ups (Mine, Chris Lee) were major hits in China. Li Yuchun is included for her massive popularity (millions of fans) and cultural impact as a trailblazer in 21st-century Chinese pop.

• Genre/style: Mandopop with strong EDM/electropop influences.
• Notable songs/albums: Albums The Queen and the Dreams, Mine, Chris Lee; singles “Give Me Five”, “Dust” (theme of film Bodyguards and Assassins).

• Interesting facts: Known as the “mother of the unisex look”; her film debut Bodyguards and Assassins (2009) earned her a Best New Actress nomination; she won an MTV Asia Award (2008) and has served as a judge/mentor on Chinese talent shows.
• Genre/style: Mandopop with strong EDM/electropop influences.
• Notable songs/albums: Albums The Queen and the Dreams, Mine, Chris Lee; singles “Give Me Five”, “Dust” (theme of film Bodyguards and Assassins).
• Interesting facts: Known as the “mother of the unisex look”; her film debut Bodyguards and Assassins (2009) earned her a Best New Actress nomination; she won an MTV Asia Award (2008) and has served as a judge/mentor on Chinese talent shows.

3. Han Hong (韩红)

Han Hong (韩红) is a Chinese singer-songwriter and philanthropist of mixed Tibetan and Han heritage. She is celebrated for her powerful alto voice and her fusion of Tibetan folk music with jazz, R&B and rock elements. One of China’s most popular female vocalists, Han Hong has performed at major national events (including the 2008 Olympics) and released many albums of folk-pop. She also founded the Han Hong Love Charity Foundation and is known for extensive charitable work in disaster relief and healthcare. Notable songs include “Tian Liang Le” (“Bright Day”) and “Caihong” (“Rainbow”), blending ethnic melodies with contemporary production. Han Hong’s musical versatility and public service make her highly influential.

• Genre/style: Folk-inspired pop (Tibetan folk fusion, with jazz/rock/R&B touches).
• Notable songs/albums: “Tian Liang Le” (Bright Day), “Rainbow”; album Let Me Get There (2019) and many best-of collections.

• Interesting facts: Performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic closing ceremony; often called China’s top charitable singer; recipient of many national music awards for her singing and songwriting.
• Genre/style: Folk-inspired pop (Tibetan folk fusion, with jazz/rock/R&B touches).
• Notable songs/albums: “Tian Liang Le” (Bright Day), “Rainbow”; album Let Me Get There (2019) and many best-of collections.
• Interesting facts: Performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympic closing ceremony; often called China’s top charitable singer; recipient of many national music awards for her singing and songwriting.

4. Na Ying (那英)

Na Ying (那英) is a veteran Chinese Mandopop singer from Liaoning province. Rising to fame in the late 1980s, she became one of the first mainland artists to sign with a major Taiwanese label and gained huge popularity across Greater China. Na Ying is known for her emotive, powerful vocals and a string of hit ballads. In 2001 she made history by winning the Best Mandarin Female Singer award at Taiwan’s Golden Melody Awards – the first (and so far only) mainland Chinese singer to do so. Her notable songs include “Shan Gouwu” (English: “Mountain’s Echo”) and “Shan Bu Zhuan Shui Zhuan” (“Mountains Do Not Change, Water Does”). Na Ying is included for her long-lasting influence, record sales (over 10 million albums) and status as one of China’s pop music “queens.”

• Genre/style: Mandarin pop, pop ballad.
• Notable songs/albums: “Shan Gouwu” (Mountain’s Echo), “Shan Bu Zhuan Shui Zhuan” (Break Shell), albums Na (2000), So What (2003).

• Interesting facts: Served as a coach on The Voice of China; dubbed one of the “Four Heavenly Queens” of Chinese pop in the 1990s; participated (and won) in many TV music competitions (Singer 2024 champion).
• Genre/style: Mandarin pop, pop ballad.
• Notable songs/albums: “Shan Gouwu” (Mountain’s Echo), “Shan Bu Zhuan Shui Zhuan” (Break Shell), albums Na (2000), So What (2003).
• Interesting facts: Served as a coach on The Voice of China; dubbed one of the “Four Heavenly Queens” of Chinese pop in the 1990s; participated (and won) in many TV music competitions (Singer 2024 champion).

5. Wang Feng (汪峰)

Wang Feng (王峰) is a Chinese rock singer-songwriter and composer, born in Beijing in 1971. He founded the rock band No.43 Baojia Street and later launched a successful solo career. Wang Feng’s anthemic rock songs like “Fei De Geng Gao” (“Flying Higher”, 2004) and “Nuofang De Shengming” (“Blooming Life”, 2005) topped charts and made him one of China’s leading rock musicians. His 2009 album Belief Flies in the Wind won him the award for Most Popular Male Singer in China at Channel V’s Chinese Music Awards. He also broke concert records – the first mainland male singer to hold solo concerts at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium and at the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest). Wang Feng’s high-energy rock style and mainstream success (e.g. as a coach on The Voice of China) cement his influence on modern Chinese music.

• Genre/style: Rock, pop-rock, occasionally folk-rock.
• Notable songs/albums: “Fei De Geng Gao” (Flying Higher), “Nuofang De Shengming” (Blooming Life), “Qingnian” (Youth); albums Huo Yan (Fireworks, 2000), Sheng Ming Ru He (How Life Is, 2006).

• Interesting facts: Composed score for the film Beijing Bicycle; served as a judge on several singing shows; first Chinese singer to have three consecutive years with >100 million RMB concert box-office (2013–2015).
• Genre/style: Rock, pop-rock, occasionally folk-rock.
• Notable songs/albums: “Fei De Geng Gao” (Flying Higher), “Nuofang De Shengming” (Blooming Life), “Qingnian” (Youth); albums Huo Yan (Fireworks, 2000), Sheng Ming Ru He (How Life Is, 2006).
• Interesting facts: Composed score for the film Beijing Bicycle; served as a judge on several singing shows; first Chinese singer to have three consecutive years with >100 million RMB concert box-office (2013–2015).

6. Sa Dingding (萨顶顶)

Sa Dingding (萨顶顶) is a Chinese singer-songwriter from Henan province known for her eclectic world-fusion style. Of mixed Han and Mongol ancestry, she performs in Mandarin, Tibetan and even a made-up ancient language, often accompanied by traditional instruments like the guzheng. Sa Dingding achieved international success by winning the BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music (Asia-Pacific region) in 2008, performing on stages such as London’s Royal Albert Hall. Her albums Alive (2007) and Harmony (2010) feature songs like “Holy Incense” (theme of the film Prince of the Himalayas). She is included for her unique blend of Chinese folk with electronic and global sounds, and for bringing Chinese minority culture to world audiences.

• Genre/style: World music / folk fusion, mixing Chinese folk elements with electronic and pop.
• Notable songs/albums: Alive (2007), Harmony (2010); songs “Holy Incense” (Xiang Nuo Jiu), “Mama Tian Na”.

• Interesting facts: Sang Buddhist-themed songs and chants; created a fantasy language for her music; first Chinese artist to win BBC World Music Award for Asia-Pacific; performed at international festivals and collaborated with global musicians.
• Genre/style: World music / folk fusion, mixing Chinese folk elements with electronic and pop.
• Notable songs/albums: Alive (2007), Harmony (2010); songs “Holy Incense” (Xiang Nuo Jiu), “Mama Tian Na”.
• Interesting facts: Sang Buddhist-themed songs and chants; created a fantasy language for her music; first Chinese artist to win BBC World Music Award for Asia-Pacific; performed at international festivals and collaborated with global musicians.

7. GAI (周延)

GAI (born Zhou Yan, 周延) is a Chinese rapper and songwriter from Sichuan province. He became famous as the co-winner of the first season of the reality rap competition The Rap of China in 2017. GAI is known for rapping in Chongqing dialect and mixing traditional Chinese motifs into hip-hop. His popular tracks like “Maybe I Can Ignore Death” and others brought Chinese rap to a mainstream audience. He also composed music for films and appeared on variety shows. GAI is included as a pioneering figure of Chinese hip-hop whose success opened doors for the genre.

• Genre/style: Rap / hip-hop (with regional Chinese influences).
• Notable songs/albums: The Meanings of Life (album), singles like “Rebirth,” “Our Life Choices.”

• Interesting facts: His stage name comes from a childhood nickname (“lid”); one of his songs featured in the martial-arts film Fist & Faith; he has acted in movies and served as a mentor on The Rap of China.
• Genre/style: Rap / hip-hop (with regional Chinese influences).
• Notable songs/albums: The Meanings of Life (album), singles like “Rebirth,” “Our Life Choices.”
• Interesting facts: His stage name comes from a childhood nickname (“lid”); one of his songs featured in the martial-arts film Fist & Faith; he has acted in movies and served as a mentor on The Rap of China.

8. Jane Zhang (张靓颖)

Jane Zhang (张靓颖) is a Chinese pop and R&B singer from Sichuan province. Dubbed the “Dolphin Princess” for her ability to hit whistle tones, she rose to fame after winning runner-up on Super Girl (2005). Jane Zhang has released multiple best-selling albums and is known for her wide vocal range. She performed at international venues – for example, she sang at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (2017) and appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show – and her English-language single “Dust My Shoulders Off” charted globally. Her achievements include nine Beijing Pop Music Awards and an MTV Europe Music Award. Jane Zhang is included for her vocal talent, pop star status in China, and crossover appeal outside China.

• Genre/style: Pop, R&B, dance-pop.
• Notable songs/albums: Hits include “The One” (her debut single), “Painted Heart” (theme for the film Painted Skin), “Dust My Shoulders Off”; albums The One (2006), Reform (2011).

• Interesting facts: First Chinese singer to perform at the Grammys (as guest in 2011); known for her whistle register singing; judge on X Factor China; over 40 million followers on Weibo.
• Genre/style: Pop, R&B, dance-pop.
• Notable songs/albums: Hits include “The One” (her debut single), “Painted Heart” (theme for the film Painted Skin), “Dust My Shoulders Off”; albums The One (2006), Reform (2011).
• Interesting facts: First Chinese singer to perform at the Grammys (as guest in 2011); known for her whistle register singing; judge on X Factor China; over 40 million followers on Weibo.

9. Masiwei (马思唯)

Masiwei (马思唯) is one of China’s most influential rappers and a founding member of the groundbreaking hip-hop group Higher Brothers. Hailing from Chengdu, Masiwei helped bring Chinese rap to the global stage with his energetic flow, bilingual lyrics, and fusion of Western trap beats with local slang and culture. He’s known for his solo projects like Prince Charming and Dark Horse, which showcase his versatility—ranging from braggadocious anthems to more introspective tracks about identity and success. Masiwei’s popularity extends beyond music; he’s a style icon and frequent collaborator with brands like Adidas and Beats by Dre, symbolizing the rise of youth-driven street culture in modern China.

Заключение

These 9 famous Chinese singers show how rich and exciting modern Chinese music is. From pop and rock to rap and folk, their songs tell stories about Chinese culture, dreams, and change. If you’re learning about China or want to explore more, listening to these artists is a great start.

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