Christmas is a time for joy, love, and celebration, and music plays a big role in getting people into the holiday spirit. While Christmas carols and songs are traditionally associated with Western cultures, many Asian countries, including China, have their own unique Christmas music traditions. In this article, we'll explore 10 Chinese Christmas songs that you need to know.
Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, but in recent years, it has become more popular, especially among young people. As a result, many Chinese musicians have created their own Christmas songs, blending traditional Chinese music with modern styles and Western influences. Here are 10 Chinese Christmas songs that showcase the diversity and creativity of Chinese Christmas music.
What Makes Chinese Christmas Songs Unique?
Before we dive into our list of Chinese Christmas songs, let's explore what makes them unique. Chinese Christmas songs often blend traditional Chinese instruments and melodies with modern styles and Western influences. You might hear the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, paired with electronic beats or Christmas carols sung in Mandarin with a pop twist.
Chinese Christmas songs also often incorporate Chinese cultural and linguistic elements, making them distinct from Western Christmas music. For example, you might hear references to Chinese New Year or traditional Chinese festivals in Christmas songs.
How Christmas is Celebrated in China
Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, but it has become more popular in recent years, especially among young people. In China, Christmas is often celebrated on Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day, and is known as "Sheng Dan Jie" or "" ( Holy Birth Festival). Many people celebrate by exchanging gifts, eating traditional foods like apples and Christmas cake, and singing Christmas carols.
Top 10 Chinese Christmas Songs
Now that we've explored what makes Chinese Christmas songs unique, let's dive into our list of the top 10 Chinese Christmas songs.
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"Merry Christmas" by Jay Chou
Jay Chou is a Taiwanese musician and actor who is popular in China and around the world. His song "Merry Christmas" is a catchy and upbeat holiday tune that blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern pop styles.
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"Christmas Eve" by Eason Chan
Eason Chan is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter who has released several Christmas albums. His song "Christmas Eve" is a romantic ballad that captures the magic of Christmas Eve.
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"Winter Wonderland" by Wang Feng
Wang Feng is a Chinese musician and singer-songwriter who has released several Christmas songs. His version of "Winter Wonderland" is a beautiful and atmospheric rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"Jingle Bells" by TFBOYS
TFBOYS is a popular Chinese boy band that has released several Christmas songs. Their version of "Jingle Bells" is a fun and upbeat rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"Silent Night" by A-Mei
A-Mei is a Taiwanese singer-songwriter who has released several Christmas albums. Her version of "Silent Night" is a beautiful and haunting rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"We Wish You a Merry Christmas" by Li Yifeng
Li Yifeng is a Chinese actor and singer who has released several Christmas songs. His version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a fun and upbeat rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"The Christmas Song" by Jane Zhang
Jane Zhang is a Chinese singer-songwriter who has released several Christmas albums. Her song "The Christmas Song" is a beautiful and atmospheric rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"Santa Claus is Coming to Town" by EXO-M
EXO-M is a Chinese-Korean boy band that has released several Christmas songs. Their version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" is a fun and upbeat rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Liu Dehua
Liu Dehua is a Chinese singer-songwriter who has released several Christmas songs. His version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" is a beautiful and haunting rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
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"Last Christmas" by JJ Lin
JJ Lin is a Singaporean singer-songwriter who has released several Christmas songs. His version of "Last Christmas" is a beautiful and atmospheric rendition of the classic Christmas carol.
Conclusion
Chinese Christmas songs offer a unique and fascinating blend of traditional Chinese music and modern styles. From Jay Chou's "Merry Christmas" to JJ Lin's "Last Christmas", these songs showcase the diversity and creativity of Chinese Christmas music. Whether you're a fan of traditional Chinese instruments or modern pop styles, there's something for everyone in this list of Chinese Christmas songs.
So why not give these songs a try this holiday season? You might just discover a new favorite Christmas song!
What is the most popular Christmas song in China?
+The most popular Christmas song in China is likely to be a matter of personal opinion, as different people may have different preferences. However, some popular Christmas songs in China include "Merry Christmas" by Jay Chou, "Christmas Eve" by Eason Chan, and "Winter Wonderland" by Wang Feng.
Do Chinese people celebrate Christmas?
+Yes, many Chinese people celebrate Christmas, especially in urban areas and among young people. Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, but it has become more popular in recent years as a result of Western influence.
What is the difference between Chinese Christmas songs and Western Christmas songs?
+Chinese Christmas songs often blend traditional Chinese instruments and melodies with modern styles and Western influences. They may also incorporate Chinese cultural and linguistic elements, making them distinct from Western Christmas music.