C-POP Classics and Popular Songs: Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
In this article, we’ll introduce many classic C-pop songs that have been growing in popularity year by year!
C-pop is widely loved.
As an umbrella term for music from the Chinese-speaking world—centered around Mandarin-based Mandopop, along with music originating from Taiwan and Hong Kong’s Cantopop—you’ll find yourself captivated by its many styles.
You’ll surely be drawn in by the high level of musicality and the powerful, skillful vocals.
There are popular theme songs as well as singers and bands who have collaborated with Japanese artists, so keep an eye on those connections too, and be sure to check them out.
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[C-POP Classics & Popular Songs] Recommended and hit songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (11–20)
Hold OnKō Gakusen OSN & Hai I Shun Patrick Brasca
This work is a collaboration between Taiwan’s powerhouse artists, OSN (Gao Erxuan) and Patrick Brasca (Pai Weijun).
Released in June 2024, the track is a ballad that delicately depicts the bittersweet memories of love.
It features a soothing sound that fuses melodic hip-hop and R&B.
OSN’s powerful rap and Patrick Brasca’s sweet vocals create an exquisite harmony.
The lyrics, which portray lingering feelings for an ex and the emotional turbulence stirred by glimpses of their life on social media, seem to resonate with many listeners.
It’s a recommended song for anyone struggling with matters of the heart.
Confession BalloonJay Chou
A Taiwanese actor and singer-songwriter.
He’s never short of headlines, from marrying model Hannah Quinlivan in 2014, who is 14 years younger, to gaining 13 kg from “happy weight” after the wedding.
This music video was filmed in Paris and simply watching it will put you in a romantic mood.
profile (side face)Yuguo
A ballad pop song that captures the bittersweet feelings of a teenager exhausted by love.
It was released in 2018.
The composer is Shu Jinglin, and the arrangement and recording were handled by Feng Cong.
The theme is a rainy scene—its gentle, subdued mood is sad, but it matches beautifully and is truly lovely.
sunsetStefanie Sun (Sun Yanzi)
Hailing from Singapore, Stefanie Sun continues to captivate many with her overwhelming vocal prowess.
Marking the 25th anniversary of her 2000 debut, this work, released in January 2025, is a track that tugs at the heartstrings of its listeners.
It powerfully sings of universal themes—life’s light and shadow, and the passage of time—set to a grand, deeply resonant melody.
The title also lent itself to part of her Asia tour that same year, which spanned 18 performances, and the seamless blend of music and stagecraft was truly moving.
It’s a perfect recommendation for moments when you want to reflect deeply or unwind into a slow, immersive night of music.
Because I promised not to cry / We Said We Wouldn’t CryJay Chou (Shū Shōrin) with Mayday Asshin
Jay Chou (周杰倫) and Mayday’s Ashin’s hit song, “Won’t Cry” (說好不哭).
The music video drew attention for featuring popular model Ayaka Miyoshi and actor Keisuke Watanabe.
Many of you may already know it.
This song is crafted as a classic ballad.
Desan (emerging from the mountain)Hanagayu & Ō Shōnan
A hit song in China that became controversial due to copies and other issues.
It’s sung from a child’s perspective about a mother’s wish for her child to “get married,” expressing her love.
Leaving the mountains symbolizes leaving one’s parents’ home.
The singer, Huagou (Flower Porridge), is an independent musician born on July 21, 1993, in Ürümqi, Xinjiang.
She is not signed to any label and graduated from Central South University of Forestry and Technology.
[C-POP Classics & Popular Songs] Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (21–30)
A Little LuckHebe Tien
Hebe Tien, a member of the idol group S.H.E and a highly popular solo singer known for her expressive ability to master a wide range of genres.
Little Happiness was released in 2015 and became an enduring C-pop classic after being chosen as the theme song for the Taiwanese film Our Times.
Its gentle melody and Hebe Tien’s vocals wrap you in a bittersweet yet warm emotion.
It’s a love song about realizing the importance of someone only after losing them, while wishing for their happiness at the same time.
It’s a tear-jerker.
