Chinese Radio Stations: CRI, CNR, and More

April 5, 2026

China has one of the largest and most diverse radio landscapes in the world. With over 3,000 radio stations broadcasting across a nation of 1.4 billion people, Chinese radio covers everything from state news and classical music to pop hits and regional folk traditions. Whether you want to practice your Mandarin, enjoy C-pop, or stay informed about current events in China, there is a station for you.

China Radio International (CRI)

China Radio International is the country's foremost international broadcaster, transmitting programs in over 60 languages. CRI reaches listeners in nearly every corner of the globe through shortwave, FM partnerships, and online streaming. English-language programming includes news bulletins, cultural features, language lessons, and music shows. CRI's "Easy FM" channel at 91.5 MHz in Beijing has become especially popular among expatriates and English-speaking residents, offering a mix of Western and Chinese pop music alongside traffic updates and lifestyle segments.

China National Radio (CNR)

China National Radio operates a network of channels that serve as the backbone of domestic broadcasting. CNR's flagship channel, Voice of China, delivers news, commentary, and current affairs programming around the clock. Other CNR channels specialize in music, business, entertainment, and ethnic minority languages. The Music Radio channel (Music FM) at 90.0 MHz is one of the most listened-to pop music stations in the country, featuring chart-topping Mandarin and international hits. CNR also operates specialized channels for literature, seniors, and children.

Popular Regional FM Stations

Beyond the national broadcasters, China's regional and municipal stations offer vibrant local programming. Beijing Radio's Music Channel, Shanghai's Dynamic 101, and Guangdong Music Radio are just a few examples of stations that have built massive followings in their respective cities. These stations play a mix of Mandarin pop, Cantonese pop in southern regions, and international music, along with local news and entertainment programs.

Hit FM (Beijing)

Hit FM is one of Beijing's most popular English-language music stations, playing contemporary hits and Western pop. It has become a go-to station for younger listeners and the international community in China's capital. The station also runs popular countdown shows and artist interviews.

Shanghai's Love Radio (FM 103.7)

Love Radio is one of Shanghai's top-rated stations, focusing on romantic ballads, soft pop, and easy listening. It attracts a loyal audience with its smooth format and late-night dedication shows, making it a staple of Shanghai's urban soundscape.

Chinese Music Radio and C-Pop

Chinese pop music, often called C-pop, has experienced explosive growth over the past two decades. Radio stations across the country have been central to promoting artists like Jay Chou, Eason Chan, G.E.M., and newer acts emerging from talent shows. Stations like CNR Music Radio and regional pop channels dedicate significant airtime to C-pop charts, album releases, and live concert broadcasts. The genre blends influences from Western pop, R&B, hip-hop, and traditional Chinese musical elements, creating a sound that appeals to hundreds of millions of listeners.

Traditional and Classical Chinese Music on Radio

For listeners interested in China's rich musical heritage, several stations feature traditional Chinese music including performances on instruments like the erhu, guzheng, pipa, and dizi. CNR's Classical Music Channel broadcasts both Western classical repertoire and traditional Chinese compositions. Regional stations in cities like Xi'an, Suzhou, and Hangzhou often incorporate local folk music traditions and opera styles such as Peking opera, Kunqu, and Cantonese opera into their programming schedules.

Talk Radio and News in China

News and talk programming form a significant portion of Chinese radio output. In addition to CNR's Voice of China, stations like Beijing News Radio and Shanghai News Radio provide continuous news coverage, panel discussions, and call-in programs. Financial news stations have grown in popularity alongside China's expanding economy, offering market analysis, investment advice, and business news throughout the trading day. Traffic and transportation radio channels are also extremely popular in major cities, helping millions of commuters navigate daily congestion.

Internet Radio and Streaming in China

China has embraced internet radio enthusiastically. Platforms like Ximalaya, Lizhi FM, and QingTing FM have created vast ecosystems of audio content that complement traditional broadcasting. These platforms host everything from professional radio simulcasts to user-generated podcasts, audiobooks, and ASMR content. Many traditional radio stations now maintain active presences on these platforms, expanding their reach beyond geographic FM and AM coverage areas. With RadioGlob, you can access many Chinese radio streams directly through an interactive 3D globe interface.

Minority Language Broadcasting

China is home to 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, and radio plays an important role in serving minority language communities. CNR operates dedicated channels in Tibetan, Mongolian, Uyghur, Kazakh, and Korean. Provincial broadcasters in regions like Inner Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Yunnan produce local-language programming that includes news, music, storytelling, and cultural preservation content. These broadcasts serve millions of listeners who prefer content in their native languages.

How to Listen to Chinese Radio Online

Listening to Chinese radio has never been easier. Many stations stream online through their own websites and apps. International listeners can access CRI through its multilingual website and mobile application. Aggregator platforms and tools like RadioGlob make it simple to browse and tune into Chinese stations from anywhere in the world. Whether you are interested in radio across Asia or specifically want to explore China's broadcasting scene, online streaming removes all geographic barriers.

Chinese radio offers a fascinating window into the culture, music, and daily life of the world's most populous nation. From the polished programming of CRI and CNR to the energetic local FM stations in cities across the country, there is always something worth discovering on China's airwaves.