[2026] Popular Chinese Singers and Artists 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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[2026] Popular Chinese singers and artists active in the Chinese-speaking world [C-POP] (21–30)
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.
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.
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.
face; honor; decency; one’s public image/reputationU Wenwen (Kerī Yū)
Born on November 7, 1989, he is a Canadian singer who debuted as a member of “One and a Half Summer.” He gained popularity in 2014 and has been very active since then, releasing solo albums and appearing on various programs.
He’s even a graduate of Berklee College of Music.
So don’t think of him as just an idol—he has solid releases and is a bona fide musician with a career.
To be honestZeng Xi
Despite her cute looks, she’s gained popularity for a sexy, steadfast singing voice.
This track, too, blends an adult melody with jazzy elements, while a pop sensibility underpins it—making for a great song.
She’s a rising female singer who has been releasing music since 2015.
Born on June 14, 1993, in Chongqing, her single EP “Don’t Make It Hard for You” became a major hit.
The one I’m infatuated withFaye Wong
Faye Wong, well-known in Japan for the film Chungking Express and for Eyes on Me, the theme song of Final Fantasy VIII.
The song that became a hit as an insert track in Chungking Express is this one, noted for the beautiful quality of its distinctive falsetto.
Even people who haven’t seen the movie have likely heard the song somewhere.
In 2016, her daughter Leah Dou covered it with Japanese lyrics she wrote herself.