Building a musical bridge

Shared cultural roots

Zhou says he always felt a connection with the city and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a region he describes as "young, dynamic, and culturally profound".

For the shared cultural roots, Zhou sang The Lights of China, a piece composed for the 40th anniversary celebrations of Shenzhen's establishment as the nation's special economic zone, with Zhang Ye. He is also the voice behind Concentric Circles, the official promotional song for Guangzhou's Nansha district, the geographical heart of the Greater Bay Area. Zhou has performed in the region many times, including six visits to Hong Kong.

In 2025, he embarked on a solo world tour across seven cities in four countries. Every show sold out.

Zhou says he is deeply moved and has to "fight hard to hold back tears" every time he sings Chinese songs abroad. Having studied overseas himself, he says he understands intimately how much comfort and warmth one's mother tongue can bring. It heartens him that music can serve as a bridge, connecting overseas Chinese with each other and with their homeland.

Zhou also notices many non-Chinese faces in his overseas audiences. Even if they can't understand the lyrics, they sway and hum along — a response Zhou sees not merely as a reflection of his performance but as part of "the momentum of our times".

Zhou says that in the past, only exceptional Chinese works might reach international audiences. But today, global audiences are increasingly tuning in to Chinese TV shows, especially music programs, and discovering Chinese songs along the way. The nation's development has not only lifted families like his from worries over the basics but also opened more channels for the world to learn about China and its artists.

"This era allows me to pursue my dreams with confidence, and I want to grow with it," Zhou says, promising to cherish every opportunity offered to him.

He recalls a meaningful moment after Big Fish, one of his signature songs, gained attention. Zhou's university dean from an Ukrainian music academy once told him that he had listened to it, admiring its distinct Chinese style, melody and vocal delivery. Knowing his music has helped foster cross-cultural understanding fills Zhou with pride.

"I want to stay onstage as long as I can and sing as many songs as possible," Zhou says. "So that our music, which carries our own cultural spirit, can reach more ears across the world."