Popular Chinese singer and artist active in the Chinese-speaking world [C-POP]
Asian music is attracting more and more attention every year.
In this article, we’re focusing on Chinese singers.
Curious about Chinese pop and which artists are out there?Take a look!
We’ve picked a wide range of artists—from legendary figures who’ve made history to promising newcomers and charismatic vocalists.
In recent years, many people may have discovered them through social media or via connections with idol groups.
You might even find some familiar names for Japanese audiences and plenty of new discoveries!
Enjoy exploring the Chinese music scene!
- C-POP Classics and Popular Songs: Recommended Tracks and Hit Songs from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
- [Taiwanese Singers] Recommended Artists in C-POP and Taiwanese Music
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Recommended bands from Taiwan: Notable groups energizing the Asian scene
- [2026] Overview of Popular Filipino Artists and Singer-Songwriters
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- [2026] A roundup of recommended artists and singers from Vietnam [V-POP]
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]
Popular Chinese singers and artists active in the Chinese-speaking world [C-POP] (1–10)
unstainedMao Bui
Mao Buyi is a singer-songwriter born in 1994.
His round face and large glasses might be considered his signature charm.
A former nurse, he began playing guitar and writing songs as a way to escape stress.
His debut track, “Drown Your Sorrows,” which won a competition, became a massive hit, surpassing 500 million streams.
Often called the Chinese Bob Dylan, his folk-tinged sound has a calming effect.
Despite his youth, he has released numerous hits, many with profound lyrics.
If you enjoy laid-back songs, he’s definitely worth your attention.
MonodramaLAY
Zhang Yixing, known as Lay, is a dancer, singer-songwriter, and actor born in 1991 in Changsha, Hunan Province.
He is well-known as a member of the K-pop boy group EXO, which debuted in 2012.
He is famously disciplined and responsible—he once said to his members, “If you’re not going to practice, then leave.” He loved music from a young age and is said to have an ability somewhere between relative pitch and perfect pitch.
Since establishing his personal studio in 2015, he has been highly active in China.
In 2016, he released his first solo track, Monodrama (独角戏), which he wrote, composed, and arranged himself.
In 2018, he made his U.S.
debut with his second album, NAMANANA, which reached No.
21 on Billboard—the highest ranking for a Chinese singer at the time.
In 2019, he also attended the red carpet event of the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
He has consistently released solo works.
Lay is characterized by top-tier dance skills that are both powerful and fluid, along with a sweet vocal tone.
As a solo artist with a K-pop background thriving in China, he could be called a pioneer among artists of his kind.
Exchanging the Remainder of One’s LifeHayashi Shunsuke (JJ Lin)
Singer JJ Lin, affectionately known as “JJ,” hails from Singapore.
He made his Taiwan debut in 2003 with the album Music Voyager.
Raised in a musical family, he developed versatile abilities and a richly expressive vocal style that truly stands out.
Beyond music, he showcases his talent as a producer across art, apparel, and e-sports.
In 2020, he also collaborated with fashion designer Hiroshi Fujiwara and DJ Steve Aoki, hinting at even broader possibilities ahead.
Still WalkingCheng Beki (Chen Bii)
Born in Shandong Province, China.
She began her career as a singer-songwriter based in Tokyo and Beijing, and in September 2012 released her first album, “晴日共剪窓 (Anna’s Patio),” featuring original lyrics and compositions.
In April 2015, she embarked on a China tour centered on Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, gaining many fans.
Moon GodSu Ruichī
Xu Ruoqi is a pop singer from Chengdu, Sichuan, who debuted as a member of the C-POP girl group Chic Chili.
Born in 2000, she set her sights on becoming an idol inspired by Super Junior.
She has competed in various survival shows, including Produce 101 China and Girls Planet 999, gaining popularity not only in China but also in Korea and Japan.
After Girls Planet 999 ended, she launched full-fledged solo activities, releasing songs such as Phoenix and Artemis, which she also performed on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE.
With her diverse talents in dance, singing, and rap, she continues to captivate audiences, and we can’t take our eyes off her future endeavors!