Rock star Cui Jian. [Photo by Song Xiaohui/For China Daily]

Yangbanxi (model plays)

This series of revolution-themed modern Peking Opera theatrical productions was produced during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), including The Red Lantern and Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy. Songs from these works are still popular today. Based on traditional Peking Opera, the songs are played with a combination of traditional Chinese musical instruments, such as the erhu and pipa, and Western instruments, including the piano and violin.

Guangdong pop

In the early 1990s, Guangdong province was an engine for the mainland's pop industry. Influenced by Canto-pop from Hong Kong and pop from Taiwan, many singers flocked to Guangzhou during this decade. It was also a golden era for the mainland's record companies and pop song writers.