【Liu Huan Dies at 63】Singer Behind Empresses in the Palace Classic Song Dies After Years of Illness

(BEIJING, 26th) Chinese music legend Liu Huan was confirmed to have passed away on the 26th during the Mid-Autumn Festival at the age of 63.

Liu Huan was one of China’s best-known singers and musicians. He attracted renewed public attention after appearing on Singer 2019, but had already established a prominent career through numerous popular musical works.

He also taught for many years at the University of International Business and Economics and contributed vocals to the theme songs and soundtracks of several well-known television dramas, including Water Margin, Yongzheng Dynasty and The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.

Among his best-known works is “Phoenix Flying” (Feng Huang Yu Fei), the ending theme of the hit television drama Empresses in the Palace. Liu Huan wrote both the lyrics and music and performed the song himself. He also composed the music for the drama’s insert song “Bodhisattva Barbarian” (Pu Sa Man). Both songs remain widely recognised by audiences today.

According to Chinese media reports, Liu Huan was diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 2009, a condition that is sometimes colloquially referred to in Chinese media as an “incurable cancer”. The condition can cause progressive damage to bone tissue, as well as prolonged pain and difficulty walking.

Liu Huan had previously been seen walking with a cane. He later revealed that he had been diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head and had undergone hip replacement surgery on medical advice.

In April 2025, Liu Huan was reportedly spotted by members of the public in Changsha while having tea with a well-known music producer. Photos from the encounter showed that he had lost considerable weight and no longer had his formerly recognisable large belly. Nevertheless, he appeared able to walk steadily with one hand in his pocket and looked to be in relatively good spirits.

At the end of October that year, Liu Huan also appeared at his daughter’s wedding. He looked to be in good condition at the time, making the news of his death particularly poignant.

Liu Huan’s final public appearance was reportedly on New Year’s Day, when he appeared as a countdown guest at Bilibili’s New Year’s Eve celebration. He performed his classic song “I Want to Become an Immortal” (Wo Yu Cheng Xian) on an outdoor stage. Despite the cold weather, he delivered the performance with a strong and steady high register, once again demonstrating his remarkable vocal ability.