Liu Huan, a towering figure in Chinese contemporary music known for his powerful vocals and long-standing commitment to music education, passed away in Shanghai on September 25, 2026. He was 63. His death, confirmed on the morning of September 26 by the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) and the Mango V Foundation, marks the end of a career that bridged the gap between national prestige and the grassroots development of original Chinese songwriting.
A Legacy of Performance and Education
Born in Tianjin in 1963, Liu rose to prominence in the mid-1980s, but his influence became truly national in the following decades. He was perhaps most globally recognized for his duet with British soprano Sarah Brightman, performing the theme song “You and Me” at the 2008 Beijing Olympic opening ceremony—a broadcast watched by an estimated four billion people. Domestically, his repertoire included enduring hits such as “Heroes’ Song,” the theme for the 1998 Water Margin television adaptation, and “The Curved Moon.”
Beyond the stage, Liu was a dedicated academic. He joined the faculty of the University of International Business and Economics in 1991, where he taught Western Music History for over three decades. The university described him as an educator guided by “high moral standards,” noting that his classes were consistently popular among students. He officially retired from his post as an associate professor in September 2023.
Transition to Mentorship
In his later years, Liu shifted his focus toward fostering the next generation of talent. He became a familiar face on reality television, serving as a high-profile mentor on The Voice of China, Sing! China, and Sing My Song. These platforms allowed him to advocate for original songwriting, a cause he championed both through guidance and financial support.
In 2019, Liu donated 20 million yuan (approximately S$3.8 million) to establish the Liu Huan Original Music Fund with the Mango V Foundation. The fund provides annual disbursements to support young Chinese-language musicians. According to the foundation, these payments will continue in perpetuity, adhering to his final wishes.
Final Arrangements
Reports indicate that Liu had struggled with health issues for nearly a decade, including a diagnosis of avascular necrosis, which had significantly limited his mobility and public appearances. His final major performance took place on January 1, 2026, at the Bilibili New Year’s Eve Gala. Following his passing, the UIBE announced that in accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral committee, memorial service, or farewell ceremony, reflecting a desire for simplicity that characterized his private life.