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!
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Popular Chinese singers and artists active in the Chinese-speaking world [C-POP] (1–10)
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.
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!
Popular Chinese singers and artists active in the Greater China region [C-POP] (11–20)
Spring BreezeKaihou Mori
Haipengsen is a five-member rock band formed in 2012, known as a leading presence in China’s rock scene.
Let’s highlight their appeal in two major points.
First is their distinctive sound that incorporates traditional Chinese instruments.
The second is the powerful lyrical world crafted by vocalist Chen Shijiang.
One listen and you’ll be hooked.
They’ve also released albums for the Japanese market, so why not start by checking those out?
I only care about you.Deng Rikjun (Teresa Ten)
Thanks to her achievements, which earned her widespread popularity across the entire Sinophone cultural sphere as well as in Asia more broadly—including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia—she has been called the Diva of Asia both during her lifetime and after her passing.
She began her singing career in Japan in 1974, debuting in the idol kayōkyoku style, but sales were lackluster.
After switching to the enka kayōkyoku style, however, her second single, “Kūkō” (Airport), became a major hit, winning the Best New Artist Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards and elevating her to top-star status in Japan.
Break up when it’s time to break up.En Abi (Tia Rei)
Singer Tia Ray, born in 1984 in Hunan Province.
After years of groundwork as a background vocalist for artists such as Jane Zhang and competing in contests, she appeared on the popular audition show The Voice of China and made her solo debut.
In 2014, she released her first album, T.I.A.
2018年、彼女の楽曲「My Heart Will Fly」（原題：説散就散）は、大ヒット映画『The Ex-File 3: The Return of the Exes』の主題歌として大きな話題を呼び、空前のヒットとなった。
With her wide-ranging, soul-based musical style and beautiful voice, she’s highly recommended for those who enjoy a mature mood.
Funeral ImmortalKanari
Singer Kanari is loved not only for her work but also for her success story.
In 2014, she raised funds through crowdfunding and released an album.
That album went on to win numerous music awards, propelling her into stardom.
Once you hear her singing—interweaving low and high notes that showcase her wide vocal range—it’s easy to see why so many people wanted to support her.
Incidentally, it also made headlines in 2022 when Aichi Prefecture produced a tourism PR video in collaboration with Kanari.
The video highlights her warm personality.