Year-end review: The big music moments in China

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For many musicians, sharing their music with others is often more important than winning awards. CGTN Digital takes stock of some of the biggest music events in China this year. Scroll down to check out.

1.The Rap of China: Turning freestyle into a buzzword

The Rap China. /Sina Photo

A “rap wind” sweep out the country this year, caused by China’s first talent show centered on hip-hop artist, The Rap of China.

With hundreds of millions of viewers, the show brought many hip-hop artists as well as the music genre into the spotlight.

“Do you freestyle?” became a buzzword in China this year and the show has definitely turned out some mainstream hits from underground artists.

2. Tan Dun: Golden Lion Award winner

Sohu Photo

Tan Dun, a Chinese contemporary classical composer and conductor, received a Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement on September 30, 2017, at the International Contemporary Music Festival in Italy. The award honors his contributions to contemporary music.

Rooted in traditional Chinese culture, Tan is widely known for his scores for the Oscar-winning movies "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Hero," and composing the music for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

3. Zhang Liangying: Victoria’s Secret Fashion show performer

Pinterest Photo

Zhang Liangying, also known as Jane Zhang, is a famous Chinese singer-songwriter. Named the “Dolphin Princess," she has many hits in China.

In November, Zhang became the first Chinese singer to perform on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway, a big step in the direction of becoming a global pop star.

4. Zhao Lei: “Chengdu”

Sohu Photo

A soft and slow folk song “Chengdu” by Chinese singer Zhao Lei drew attention to the already very popular city of the same name.

Although the song was released in 2016, it became a great hit when Zhao performed it on the stage of "I Am a Singer," a reality show broadcast on the Hunan channel.

The song won for most popular folk music at the 6th Abilu Music Awards on January 12, 2017, which spots the best and most active artists in China based on the site data from Douban.

The song's lyrics speaks to a more emotional side of Chengdu, full of romance and deep feelings. It's made Chengdu a romantic city to travel to, especially for the young generation.

The song was played by many buskers in Chengdu’s famous scenic spots.

5. Zhang Bichen: Bracing the chill (Liang Liang)

Poster for the Eternal Love. /Sohu Photo

Zhang Bichen, a Chinese singer also known as Diamond Zhang was the champion of "The Voice of China 2014."

She became the steady lead in the field of film and television OST (Original Sound Track) in 2017 after she sang “Bracing the Chill” for the Chinese TV episodes – "The Eternal Love." The song was a hit because of the poignant sadness of the lyrics resonated with many people.

6. Dimash Kudaibergen: The exotic pop prince

Sina Photo

Dimash Kudaibergen is a Kazakh singer popular in central Asia. But he was not known by Chinese audiences until he joined "The Singer," a reality show broadcast on the Hunan channel. The show is an annual competition among professional singers, with Dimash coming in as the runner-up.

After "The Singer," Dimash made incredible progress in his profession in a short period of time particularly in China.

He collected many awards in 2017 including the Best Overseas Singer of the MTV Global Chinese Music Awards, the Annual Most Popular Male Singer of IQIYI Scream Night Annual Gala.