Chinese Singer Liu Huan Dies at 63 in Shanghai
Veteran Chinese singer and music educator Liu Huan has died in Shanghai at the age of 63, according to obituaries issued on September 26.
Quick facts
- Liu Huan passed away at 9:52 AM on September 25 at the age of 63.
- He performed the 2008 Beijing Olympics theme song You And Me alongside Sarah Brightman.
- He taught the history of western classical music at UIBE for more than three decades.
Why it matters
Liu Huan's passing marks the loss of a defining figure in contemporary Chinese music who bridged traditional performance styles with Western classical education. His academic tenure at UIBE and substantial philanthropic contributions to original music composition left a lasting imprint on China's cultural sector. Details regarding further posthumous tributes or specific estate arrangements were not available at the time of writing.
Veteran Chinese singer Liu Huan died in Shanghai on September 25 at the age of 63, according to obituaries released on September 26. His passing was confirmed by Beijing's University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) and the Mango V Foundation.
Liu passed away at 9:52 AM while surrounded by family members. Obituaries noted that no public funeral or memorial service will take place, respecting his personal wishes.
What happened during his career?
Born in Tianjin in August 1963, Liu studied French literature at the University of International Relations in Beijing. He rose to prominence in the 1980s for songs that blended Chinese and western music traditions. He was widely known for performing Heroes’ Song, the theme tune for the 1998 period drama The Water Margin. He also performed the theme song You And Me with British soprano Sarah Brightman at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Why is Liu Huan trending now?
Searches for Liu surged following the publication of official obituaries by UIBE and the Mango V Foundation on September 26. Beyond his performing career, he worked as an associate professor at UIBE from 1991 until his retirement in 2023, teaching the history of western classical music. He also served as a mentor on music television programs such as Sing My Song and The Voice of China.
What happens to his charity work?
In 2019, Liu donated 20 million yuan to establish the Liu Huan Original Music Fund with the Mango V Foundation to support young Chinese-language original musicians, adding subsequent annual donations of 1 million yuan. According to reports from The Straits Times, his charity work will continue as per his wishes.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the death of Liu Huan?
Official obituaries issued by the University of International Business and Economics and the Mango V Foundation stated that he passed away surrounded by family at 9:52 AM on September 25, but specific medical causes were not released.
Will there be a public funeral for Liu Huan?
No, according to obituaries released on September 26, no public funeral or memorial service will take place, in accordance with the singer's personal wishes.
What are Liu Huan's most famous songs?
Liu was widely known for Heroes' Song, the theme tune for the 1998 television series The Water Margin, and for performing You And Me alongside Sarah Brightman at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
What educational role did Liu Huan hold?
He worked as an associate professor at the Art Teaching-Research Section at the University of International Business and Economics from 1991 until his retirement in 2023, teaching the history of western classical music.
What is the Liu Huan Original Music Fund?
Established in 2019 with a 20 million yuan donation to the Mango V Foundation, the fund provides ongoing financial support to young Chinese-language original musicians.
Which singing shows did Liu Huan mentor on?
He served as a mentor on prominent television music competition programs, including Sing My Song, which he started on in 2014, and The Voice of China.
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Last checked Sep 26, 2026 at 9:17 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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