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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.

[C-POP Classics & Popular Songs] Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (21–30)

fairy taleHikari Ryo

Michael Wong (Guang Liang) [Fairy Tale] Official Music Video
fairy taleHikari Ryo

The promotional video, which tells the story of a loved one falling ill and being supported through song, is deeply moving.

The occasional Japanese lines that appear in the video are noteworthy, but the most attention should be on Guang Liang’s clear, translucent singing voice.

JuiceKris Wu

Kris Wu – Juice (Official Music Video)
JuiceKris Wu

He is a former EXO member who has been active in China as a solo artist since leaving the group.

In China, he is better known as an actor than as a singer.

The film he starred in, “Sweet Sixteen” (original title: 夏有乔木 雅望天堂), won an award at the Tokyo International Film Festival.

Footage from “xXx: The Return of Xander Cage,” in which he also appeared, is used in this music video.

[C-POP Classics & Popular Songs] Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan (31–40)

Listen to MamaShū Jielún Jay Chou

Jay Chou “Listen to Mom” - Official Music Video
Listen to MamaShū Jielún Jay Chou

It’s no exaggeration to say that Jay Chou is one of the most beloved singer-songwriters in the Chinese-speaking world.

“Listen to Mother” (Ting Mama de Hua) is a track from his 2006 album Still Fantasy, a mid-tempo number that expresses his feelings for his mother.

Jay Chou, who often sings about family love, moves the heart with his warm lyrics and gentle, beautiful voice.

The rhythmic, rap-style vocals that feel like he’s speaking to his younger self are soothing and uplifting as well.

Be sure to listen along with the music video, which features Jay himself.

BFFOushin-rin

Cyndi Wang – BFF (Official Music Video)
BFF Oushinrin

She is a singer and actress from Taiwan.

Although she doesn’t speak Japanese, she often covers Japanese songs and performs them at her own concerts.

This song, with its pop sound and clear, airy vocals, is reminiscent of Taylor Swift.

Let’s not be friends anymore.Shū Kōtetsu

Eric Chou “The Distance of Love (Let’s Not Be Friends Anymore)” Official Music Video
Let's not be friends anymore.Shū Kōtetsu

A singer-songwriter born in Taiwan.

He also spent time living in the United States, is fluent in English, and enjoys hockey and basketball.

His greatest charm is, above all, his delicate, translucent voice.

This song is the theme song for the drama ‘The Way We Were’ (original title: ‘Sixteen Summers’).

Tears remember you. Remembered.Sun Shengxi Shi Shi

Shi Shi Sun Sheng Xi [Remembered] 'Someday or One Day' Movie Theme Song Official Music Video
Tears remember you. Remembered. Sun Shengxi Shi Shi

“Remembered,” which was chosen as the theme song for the film Someday or One Day—a massive hit especially across Asia—features vocals by Sisi, a singer who has won numerous Korean music awards.

The song portrays the joyful days spent with a loved one and an endless, profound love.

Its piano-driven arrangement swells into a grand development that evokes a dramatic story.

Paired with her expressive vocals, the track conjures scenes that are both heartrending and heartwarming.

It’s a ballad that depicts an epic love, perfectly matching the film’s narrative.

friendWakin Chau

Wakin Chau [Friends] Official Music Video
friend Wakin Chau

Besides Taiwan, this song is also famous on the Chinese mainland.

It’s widely recognized across all generations, young and old.

It’s a song about a dear friend, and the lyrics—singing “let’s live together” and “let’s walk together”—are especially noteworthy.