Popular Classics

Many songs in China gain National fame and are learned all across the country. Some of these songs are true classics from many years ago and others are more current but sung and loved by all. The songs in this category are representative of songs that pull on the heartstrings of Chinese people around the world.

Shì Shàng Zhǐ Yǒu Mā Mā Hǎo
 (Mom is the Best in the World)

​Children in China learn this song at an early age.  Although Mother’s Day is not celebrated in China, the idea of honoring your mother is very important and ties in well with Mother’s Day or spring celebrations.

Chóng ér fēi
(Flying Fireflies) 

This is a beautiful song best sung in a smaller group. It is an emotional song, focussed on friendship, that works well as a farewell song.

Mō Lì Huā
(Jasmine Flower)

This is a well-known song originally from the Qing Dynasty. It was performed during the opening ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Nán Wàng Jīn Xiāo​​
(Unforgettable Night)
By Qiao Yu and Wang Ming

This is a song of blessing, blessing for the country and the people of the country, that would work well as part of a Chinese New Year celebration.

Wǒ Hé Nǐ
​(You and Me)

Hǎo Dà Yì Kē Shù​​
(Great Big Tree)
This song, made famous at the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008 is sung in both Chinese and English.  The text can easily be adapted to any city in the world!
This popular song, about a tree, is symbolic for teachers and parents.  This would be an excellent song selection for a teacher or parent appreciation.
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The Chinese Folk Music Project is a resource for english-speaking music teachers to teach their students chinese songs in a culturally responsive way. This project is made possible with the support of the Confucius Institute in Edmonton.