China mourns death of music legend Liu Huan, voice of 2008 Beijing Olympic theme song
Por Fran Lu — South China Morning Post – News feed
Advertisement Trending in China People & Culture China Personalities China mourns death of music legend Liu Huan, voice of 2008 Beijing Olympic theme song
Widely recognised as China’s contemporary vocal king and a pioneer of Chinese popular music, Liu’s artistic impact was profound
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Fran Lu in Beijing Published: 6:00pm, 29 Sep 2026
Renowned Chinese singer and songwriter Liu Huan passed away in Shanghai on September 25 at the age of 63 due to illness, prompting widespread mourning among the mainland public.
The University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, where Liu taught the History of Western Music for three decades, issued an obituary but did not disclose details about the illness.
His death saddened many, as Liu was a beloved figure across China.
As one of the country’s most famous and respected male singers, Liu performed the anthem for the Beijing Olympics, You and Me, alongside British soprano Sarah Brightman in 2008.
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