11 Famous Chinese Singers: Inside Look at Chinese Music

Many associate "Chinese music" with traditional Chinese music. But the Chinese music scene has so much more to offer: pop, rock, rap, classical music, and so much more. If you're interested in this side of Chinese pop culture, you should definitely start to explore the world of Chinese music and check out some Chinese artists.

From slow ballads to catchy pop anthems, the Chinese music industry is versatile and offers much more than expected. Get ready to find out more about an industry buzzing with incredible talent.

Chinese female singers

1. Jane Zhang

Jane Zhang (張靚穎) headshot | Genius

Known for her powerhouse vocals and captivating stage presence, Jane Zhang is one of the most famous Chinese singers as well as a songwriter and record producer. She rose to fame after participating in the "Super Girl" talent show in 2005.

She sings both in Mandarin and English. Her biggest hits are in English, such as "Dust My Shoulders Off," a catchy pop track with a very creative music video. Check out the video below

Her other well-known song is Battlefield in English. This song and other Zhang's songs showcase the genre her music spans from pop, R&B, and rock.

Jane Zhang was also on the list for Forbes China Celebrity in 2006 and 2008.

2. G.E.M.

G.E.M. posing for L'Officiel magazine | China.org.cn

Gloria Tang Tsz-kei, better known as G.E.M., is among the biggest female singers in the Chinese music scene. Originally from Shanghai but raised in Hong Kong, her first music success was with a song called "Goodbye."

Starting her career as a Hong Kong musician, she rose to greater fame in a Chinese singing competition, I Am a Singer 2, after finishing 2nd place.

G.E.M.'s music combines elements of pop, rock, and R&B. Her powerful performances and genuine artistry have earned her a dedicated following.

You can watch and listen to her debut hit "Goodbye" below

Chinese male singers

3. Hua Chenyu

Hua Chenyu performing | sohu 

Hua Chenyu is one of the most famous Chinese singers out there. He is a highly talented and charismatic Chinese singer and songwriter.

He rose to prominence after winning the third season of the Chinese singing competition show "Super Boy" 2013.

Since then, he has captivated audiences with his unique musical style that blends various genres, including rock, pop, folk, and electronic. Hua Chenyu's powerful and expressive voice and exceptional songwriting abilities have earned him a massive fan base in China and internationally.

Check out this music video to hear his vocals

4. Lay Zhang

Lay Zhang at the Grammy Festival China | Grammy

Zhang Yixing, also known as Lay Zhang, is another famous Chinese singer.

He started his music career as a South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO member. He has been making waves with his captivating music as a solo artist. Zhang's music genre spans pop, R&B, and EDM, incorporating Mandarin and English lyrics.

He has a lot of great songs in English, such as Veil and I'm Lay, but one of his best hits in Mandarin is "Lit."

Zhang's ability to effortlessly switch between languages and musical styles has earned him a devoted fan base.

Chinese boy bands

5. TNT

TNT, 时代少年团, and it’s 7 members: Yan Haoxiang, Liu Yaowen, Ding Chengxin, Ma Jiaqi, Song Yaxian, Zhang Zhenyuan, He Junlin | CPophome

TNT, also known as Teens in Times or 时代少年团, is a Chinese boy band that was formed by the talent show "Youth With You 2" in 2020. The group comprises seven members: Ma Jiaqi, Zhang Zhenyuan, Zhang Siyuan, Song Yaxuan, He Junlin, Mika, and Chen Li Nong. Each member brings different talents and personalities to the group, contributing to their appeal.

As a boy band, TNT primarily focuses on the pop music genre and has some insane dance choreography. Their music often reflects youth, dreams, and positivity themes, resonating with their young audience.

TNT has garnered a significant following in China and internationally. Check out one of their live performances below:

6. Nine Percent

Nine Percent’s nine members: Wang Linkai, Zhu Zhengting, Huang Minghao, Chen Linong, Cai Xukun, Fan Chengcheng, Lin Yanjun, Wang Zhiyi and You Zhangjing | cpophome 

Like TNT, Nine Percent was formed through the reality show "Idol Producer." Once they formed and released their first debut, they instantly gained popularity.

Their breakout hit, "Ei Ei," combines English and Mandarin lyrics. With their synchronized choreography and undeniable talent, Nine Percent has captured the hearts of fans across China.

Despite being a short-lived group due to corporate moving other members to different groups, they created a strong fan base that still love them

Chinese girl group

7. 7SENSES

7SENSES’s members: Lynn, Akira, Diamond, Kiki and Eliwa | AKB48 Wiki

7SENSES is a Chinese girl band that was composed of 7 members, but is now composed of five (Lynn, Akira, Diamond, Kiki and Eliwa). It’s a subunit of the huge Chinese idol girl group SNH48, an offshoot of the renowned Japanese group AKB48.

SNH48 follows the concept of "idols you can meet," emphasizing close interactions with fans. This kind of band is characterized by a huge number of members so that they can participate in multiple shows, constantly create content and meet their fans.

7SENSES's music genre is primarily pop. The video below is one of their biggest hits, "7Senses."

8. Bonbon Girls 303

Bonbon Girls 303 members: Liu Xiening, Zheng Naixin, Zhao Yue, Curley Gao, Wang Yijin, Chen Zhuo Xuan, Zhang Yifan | Asian Music wiki

Bonbon Girls 303 is a Chinese girl band formed through the reality show "Produce Camp 2020". The group comprises of seven members: Curley Gao, Zhao Yue, Sharon Wang, Wang Yijin, Liu Xiening, Chen Zhuo Xuan, and Zhang Yifan.

The video for their biggest single is called "Bonbon Girls."

Bonus: Chinese alternative music artists

There's more to the Chinese music scene than just mainstream Chinese pop. Let's look at a few more Chinese artists.

9. Cui Jian

Cui Jian performance | CNN

For the fans of classic rock, there is Cui Jian. He is often called the "Father of Chinese Rock" and is considered one of the most famous and influential Chinese rock singers.

Cui Jian emerged in the 1980s as a prominent figure in China's rock music scene. His music and lyrics resonated with the younger generation and captured China's social and cultural change spirit during that time. Cui Jian's fusion of rock, folk, and traditional Chinese elements created a unique sound that challenged societal norms and addressed political and social issues.

One of his most iconic songs, "Nothing to My Name," became an anthem for the Chinese youth in the late 1980s and symbolized their longing for individual freedom and expression. Despite facing censorship and controversy, Cui Jian's impact on Chinese rock music remains unmatched.

10. Higher Brothers

Higher Brothers (Psy.P, Masiwei, Melo and Knowknow) on Soundcloud

Trap/Rap music lovers should check out this Chinese group. Their music has Chinese and English verses, and they gained popularity in Western countries and cooperated with artists like Joji.

Listen to "Midsummer Madness," "Won't Believe," and "7-11."

11. ØZI

ØZI | Flaunt magazine

ØZI is a famous Taiwanese singer and songwriter. ØZI first rose to prominence after participating in the Chinese reality singing competition show "The Voice of China" in 2015. Although he didn't win the competition, he caught the attention of HIM International Music, a prominent record label in Taiwan.

ØZI's music style is a fusion of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, often incorporating emotional and introspective lyrics. ØZI has received several nominations throughout his career and won Best New Artist at the Golden Melody Awards, the Taiwanese Grammys. His hit "Black Out" in English and Chinese has 17M views on Youtube.

In closing

The current Chinese culture has influenced music with various genres and talented artists combining traditional music forms. From creating catchy and emotional songs to solo singers and idol groups, the music scene is filled with incredible talent, making it an exciting journey for enthusiasts.

Elisa Felici has been studying Chinese since 2014. She started her language-learning journey at Italian universities and lived in Beijing while attending Beijing’s Confucius Institute. Elisa passed HSK 4 and 5 and finally, in 2020, HSK 6. She now has a Master’s degree in translation and interpreting and has experience not only as a language learner but also as a Chinese teacher and translator.