Seven popular young Chinese folk singers and their music

Zhao Lei. [Photo/VCG]

Zhao Lei

In the spotlight again, Zhao Lei, the 31 year-old folk singer, appeared on a TV talent show and recalled people's memories of folk music through his story-like songs.

Zhao started to play guitar when he was in senior middle school and the song A Girl from Southern China on his first album issued in 2011 won him a lot of followers.

He went to many places in China, including Shaanxi, Gansu, Yunnan and Tibet, which provided plenty of inspiration. Before rising to fame, Zhao once sang at many underground passages in Beijing. Lucky for him, he has a supportive family who firmly encouraged his music career though he gave up college for music.

Click here to listen to Zhao Lei's A Woman in Her 30s.