Modern Chinese popular music reflects the profound sociocultural changes that have occurred in China in recent decades. Under the conditions of globalisation, technological progress and the dynamic development of Chinese society, popular music has become not only a means of entertainment but also a significant tool for cultural expression and self-identification. This paper examines the aesthetic features of modern Chinese popular music in the context of sociocultural changes that have taken place in China over the past decades. The focus is on exploring musical aesthetics as a form of cultural expression that reflects the transformations of Chinese society and the search for national identity. The study describes the evolution of Chinese popular music from the late XXth century to the present day. It analyses the main stages of its development, as well as the influence of traditional Chinese and contemporary Western music. Special attention is paid to the period of active globalisation and the implementation of technologies that have significantly altered the musical landscape of China. The main elements of the aesthetics of modern Chinese popular music, such as melody, rhythm, harmony, and lyrics, are also described. The analysis includes the symbolism and cultural significance of the lyrics, the emotional impact of vocal performance, and sound innovations and their role in shaping the unique musical style of modern Chinese popular music. Sociocultural changes and their impact on the musical preferences of the Chinese audience occupy a special place in the article. It describes the role of the Internet and social media in the dissemination and popularisation of music, as well as their influence on the formation of musical trends and youth preferences.
Xianpeng Liu (2025) studied this question.