21 Chinese Wedding Songs That Celebrate Your Heritage

Include these joyful love songs, folk tunes and upbeat dance numbers in your Chinese wedding playlist.
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by
Jacqueline Mann
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Jacqueline Mann
The Knot Contributor
  • Jacqueline writes articles for The Knot Worldwide that cover an array of wedding-related topics.
  • She previously worked as a marketing manager for a wedding venue where she learned the intricate details of wedding planning.
  • Jacqueline graduated from Bluefield University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and communications.
Updated Jun 27, 2023

Playing popular Chinese wedding songs during your special day adds a touch of personalization while also honoring your heritage. That could include classic folk songs or popular dance melodies. Sprinkle these tunes throughout your Chinese wedding celebrations or immerse your guests in a full Chinese song playlist. Don't forget to hit up The Knot;s vendor recommendations when you're ready to hire a DJ or a live band familiar with traditional Chinese wedding songs.

You've picked out the perfect Chinese wedding attire and are working out the details for your tea ceremony. Now it's time to select the perfect playlist for your ceremony and reception. Check out our favorite options for the best Chinese wedding songs.

"Xiān Qǐ Le Nǐ Dē Gài Tóu Lǎi," by Wang Luobin

Lyrics you'll love: Xiān qǐ le nǐ dē gài tóu lǎi ràng wǒ kàn ní de méi máo/ Ní de méi máo xì yòu cháng a, hǎo xiàng nà shù shōu de wān yuè liàng.

English translation: Lift up your veil to let me see your eyes/ Your eyelashes are fine and long as if to brush off the moon.

The groom is petitioning his bride to lift her veil so he can see her face in this Chinese folk song. It has a happy and upbeat melody making it perfect for a wedding celebration. Play this song as your guests arrive or during dinner at your reception.

"Wūméi Zǐ Jiàng," by Li Ronghao

Lyrics you'll love: Shì tián tián de àiqíng lái de zhème quèdìng/ Yīnwèi nǐ měi gè hàixiū de fǎnyìng.

English translation: It's a sweet love, so sure and true/ Because of every shy reaction you have.

You'll get lost in the smooth melody of this beautiful Chinese love song for weddings as you share your first dance. The lyrics talk about falling in love with someone with a sweet, shy smile that is like dark plum sauce. This Mandopop song by Li Ronghao has become a popular Chinese wedding song.

"Yīqǐ Xiàng Wèilái," by Jackson Yee

Lyrics you'll love: Wèilái yuè ài yuè qídài/ Wǒ wǔ qíngkōng xīnhuānùfàng biǎobái/ Fly to the sky/ Wànzhàng cǎihóng yī chóngchóng shèngkāi.

English translation: The future promises me with love/ As pure as the azure blue sky/ Fly to the sky/ Riding on the rainbows sublime.

Share a sweet dance with your family to this song meaning "together for a shared future." Positive and upbeat, the lyrics state that when there is more love in the world, it becomes a more beautiful place. This song was also a theme song for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

"Xiǎo Píngguǒ," by Chopstick Brothers

Lyrics you'll love: Nǐ shì wǒ de xiǎo ya xiǎo píngguǒ er/ Zěnme ài nǐ dōu bù xián duō.

English translation: You are my little apple/ I can never love you too much.

We love this quirky and energetic song for a Chinese wedding reception. Once a popular summertime song, the upbeat tune meaning "Little Apple" is incredibly fun for dancing with friends and family or for sharing a whimsical first dance moment. While the lyrics are a little bit silly, they're still romantic.

"Yèlái Xiāng," by Li Xianglan

Lyrics you'll love: Nà nán fēng chuī lái qīngliáng/ Nà yèyīng tí shēng xì chàng/ Yuè xià de huā er dōu rùmèng.

English translation: The south wind blows cool/ The nightingale sings/ The flowers under the moon are all dreaming.

Add this traditional Chinese wedding song to your dinner music playlist, especially if you're eating al fresco. The song talks about the beauty of the night and the intoxicating aroma of night-blooming jasmine. Originally recorded in 1943, many pop artists have covered this tune throughout the years.

"Nǐ Zuì Zhēn Guì ," by Jacky Cheung, Gao Huijun

Lyrics you'll love: Wǒ yuàn yì zhè tiáo qíng lù xiāng shǒu xiāng suí/ Nǐ zuì zhēn guì.
English translation: I want this love road to be with you/ You are the most precious.

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This incredibly romantic song will have guests grabbing tissues as you walk down the aisle. Ask your ceremony musicians to perform it via a violin or harp solo, or play the original song with its powerhouse ballads. The duet of Jacky Cheung and Gao Huijun is just as captivating and melodic as the music itself.

"Gàobái Qìqiú," by Jay Chou

Lyrics you'll love: Qīn'ài de ài shàng nǐ cóng nèitiān qǐ/ Tiánmì de hěn qīngyì/ Qīn'ài de bié rènxìng nǐ de yǎnjīng zài shuō wǒ yuànyì.

English translation: My dear, I was in love with you since the day/ My happiness came so easily/ My dear, don't pretend, your eyes are saying "I do."

Walk down the aisle or share a sweet first dance to this song all about love at first sight. It's reminiscent of the beginning stages of a relationship when your thoughts are filled with the person you love. The playful melody is sweet whether you listen to the original version or via a live band.

"Zài Nà Yáo Yuǎn De Dì Fāng," by Wang Luobin

Lyrics you'll love: Zài nà yáo yuǎn de dì fang yǒu wèi hǎo gū niang/ Rén men zǒu guò tā dē zhàng fang dōu yào huí tóu liú liàn de zhāng wàng.

English translation: In a far away place there is a good woman/ When people walk by her tent they turn their heads to look at her.

Include this Chinese folk song as part of your processional, or as background music while your guests arrive. The soothing melody is stunning if played instrumentally. Wang Luobin wrote the song in 1939 when he met a Tibetan girl and noticed the positive impression she left on those around her.

"Jīntiān Nǎi Yào Jià Gěi Wǒ," by David Tao and Jolin Tsai

Lyrics you'll love: Zuótiān nǐ láibují míngtiān jiù huì kěxí/ Jīntiān nǐ yào jià gěi wǒ?

English translation: Yesterday is too late, tomorrow would be a pity/ Would you marry me today?

With a title translating to "marry me today," this Chinese wedding song was made for your big day. The soft and lovely melody will make you smile and is an adorable song for walking down the aisle or dancing together during your reception. If you've attended a Chinese wedding recently there's a good chance you've heard this popular romantic tune.

"Beautiful Love," by Tanya Chua

Lyrics you'll love: Duō qìngxìng wǒ shì wǒ bèi nǐ téng'ài de wǒ/ Jǐn jǐn qiān zhù de shǒu bùyào fàngshǒu yǒngyuǎn shǒuhù wǒ.

English translation: How grateful I am who I am, the one being loved by you/ The tightly held hands, don't let go, guard me forever.

This top Chinese wedding song is all about the beauty of love and deserves a spot on your Chinese wedding song list. Walk down the aisle to this romantic song, which sounds stunning as an instrumental version. The lyrics go on to say that the world could fall apart, but she will continue to hold on to her beloved.

"Hé Nǐ Zài Yīqǐ," by TFBoys

Lyrics you'll love: Rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng qīnwěn xīngxīng/ Wǒ bō kāi yúncéng zuò nǐ de lóutī.

English translation: If you want to kiss the stars up there/ I'll move the clouds away and make it your stairs.

Get your guests on the dance floor with this sweet and cheerful love song. With an easy beat and fun lyrics, everyone will be singing "Whoa oh whoa oh whoa oh," in no time. The song is from the popular boy band TFBoys, also known as The Fighting Boys.

"Niúnǎi Miànbāo," by Yang Zi

Lyrics you'll love: Ài shàng nǐ jiù xiàng niú nǎi ài shàng le miàn bāo/ Tiān shēng jiù yī duì yù jiàn le zài shuǎi bù diào.

English translation: Loving you is like milk loving bread/ They're a match made in heaven. Once they've met, they can't be separated.

If you've ever tried the pillowy soft Asian treat milk bread, you'll know that once the bread absorbs the milk the two are together forever. The lyrics of this happy song take that concept and apply it to love. Ask your band or DJ to play it as you walk down the aisle or share a playful first dance with your partner. This song is also well-known as the ending track in the Chinese television show Go Go Squid!

"Rè'ài 105°C De Nǐ," by A Si

Lyrics you'll love: Super Idol de xiàoróng/ Dōu méi nǐ de tián.

English translation: Not even the smile of a super idol/ Can be sweeter than yours.

Your wedding guests might start tapping their feet to this happy love song if you add it to your Chinese wedding song list. Add it to your reception playlist or as a whimsical addition to your ceremony music. The sweet lyrics translate to "love you at 105°C," which means their sweetie is bright and positive.

"Mìjìng," by Bell and Inhibitor

Lyrics you'll love: Dāng wǒ kàn nǐ yǎnjīng xiàng jìnrùle mèngjìng/ Jiù zhèyàng yīzhí yīzhí zàihū nǐ.

English translation: When I look into your eyes, it's like entering a dream/ I've always cared about you like this.

This cute first dance song is a little bit upbeat with a jazzy feel. This song is about falling in love and tucking those precious emotions into a special place in your heart. With a mix of English and Chinese lyrics, it's a beautiful addition to a Chinese American wedding.

"Shì Shàng Zhǐ Yǒu," by Joey Yung

Lyrics you'll love: Cóng wǒ jiàng shì yī kāi shǐ/ Dào yǒng yuan bù xiū zhǐ/ Nǐ yì shì wǒ zhī zhù.

English translation: From the very beginning of my birth/Forever and ever/ You are my pillar.

Share a father and daughter or parent and child dance to this moving tune. This song is a love note from a child to their parents showing gratitude for many years of support. Ask your DJ or band to play this for a special moment during your reception.

"Mòmíngqímiào Ai Shàng Nǐ," by Joyce Chu

Lyrics you'll love: Jiù liándǎ gè pēntì dōu xiǎng nǐ/ Zuì'ài chī de dōngxī zuì'ài kàn de diànyǐng/ Xiǎng yào bǎ tā tōngtōng dài gěi nǐ.

English translation: Think of you as I sneeze/ I want to bring to you/ All my favorite food and movies.

This happy-go-lucky tune about falling in love is a fun option for walking down the aisle, during your ceremony or simply dancing with your friends and family. It has a light island vibe thanks to the ukelele chords mixed with the rest of the melody. The song, which translates to "fell in love with you ridiculously" is performed by popular Chinese actress and singer Joyce Chu.

"Kuàilè Huándǎo," by TFBoys

Lyrics you'll love: Gǎndào kuài yuè dà shēng jiān jiao/ Zěnme nǔlì wǒmen zhīdào/ Qiān wàn bùyào jiāo'ào diédǎo/ Yě méiyǒu shé me dàbùliǎo.

English translation: Feel happy and scream loudly/ We know how hard we work/ Don't fall down proudly/ It's no big deal.

This upbeat melody will make you want to dance. The song translates to "Happy Island" and is all about forgetting about your worries and running toward happiness. Ask your DJ or band to play this song to get your party started.

"Tián Mì Mì," by Teresa Teng

Lyrics you'll love: Tiánmì xiào dé duō tiánmì.

English translation: With your smile that is so sweet, so sweet as honey.

The 1979 Mandarin tune is a traditional Chinese wedding song with a soothing melody. It's gorgeous whether you play the original track or ask your ceremony musicians to strum an instrumental version. "Tián Mì Mì" is a lovely choice for pre-ceremony music or walking down the aisle.

"Zhēn De Ai Nǐ," by Beyond

Lyrics you'll love: Shì nǎi duōme wēnxīn de mùguāng/ Jiào wǒ jiānyì wàngzhe qián lù/ Dīngzhǔ wǒ diédǎo bù yìng fàngqì.

English translation: It is your warm eyes/ That taught me to be strong and face the future/ You advised me not to give up even when I fall.

Thank your mother for her love, hard work and support with this song during your reception. Meaning "I Really Love You," it's a special tribute to the woman who helped raise you and was always there to encourage you. The popular Chinese wedding song is from the 1980s rock band Beyond.

"Xiǎo Qínggē," by Sodagreen

Lyrics you'll love: Nǐ zhīdào jiùsuàn dàyǔ ràng zhěng zuò chéngshì diāndǎo/ Wǒ huì gěi nǐ huáibào.

English translation: You know, even if a heavy rain makes the whole city upside down/ I'll give you a hug.

This throwback love song is a sweet addition to your wedding. Walk down the aisle or share your first dance to the slow melody all about holding on to your soul mate even when the world feels out of control. The title translates to "Little Love Song."

"Candy," by Coco Lee and Masiwei

Lyrics you'll love: Dōu shì ài de zīwèi/ Zhǐ xiǎng zài nǐ huái lǐ yīwēi.

English translation: It's all about love/ I just want to snuggle in your arms.

"Candy" is a sassy top Chinese wedding dance song to add to your wedding reception playlist. With lyrics in Chinese, Spanish and English, all of your guests will have fun with this one. Mixed with a hip-hop beat, this one is sure to be a hit that keeps the party going.

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