When I first came to China, I didn’t know much about their local music. What I’d heard before was generally traditional, with instruments like the guzheng and erhu. While those sounds are beautiful, I soon realized that Chinese music today is incredibly diverse. There’s something for everyone — in every genre.
One of the first artists I discovered was Jackson Wang. He’s popular both in China and internationally, and his music blends Chinese and Western styles naturally. Songs like “LMLY” and “Blow” have a smooth pop sound, and his visuals and storytelling often reflect his cultural roots. His music is universal, and is a great starting point in immersing Chinese into your private life.
白鲨JAWS, a Chinese rock band with a powerful, emotional sound, produce music with great energizing effects. Their songs have an indie vibe with strong guitar work and expressive lyrics. The feeling in their music comes through clearly, even without knowing every word. Listening to them shows how rich and creative the Chinese rock scene is.
Another great way I’ve discovered Chinese music is through animated shows like Link Click (时光代理人). The soundtrack of this series is amazing and has mixes of Western and Asian sounds. The opening theme, “Dive Back in Time” by 白鲨JAWS, sets an energetic tone with its electronic beats and catchy melody. The ending theme, “OverThink” by Fàn Kǎ (饭卡), offers a more calming vibe, blending soft vocals with mellow instrumentals.
Other artists like Lay Zhang, Jay Chou and G.E.M. are also great soloists who cover many different genres in the music industry.
Moving to another country where you don’t speak the language can be tough, but small things like listening to local music makes a big difference. It’s a simple and enjoyable way to grow more comfortable with the language and connect with Chinese people on a unique level. Music is a great bridge to understanding and appreciating the culture around you!
