This year we bid farewell to many Chinese artists, musicians, actors, and writers. Here are some of the few who passed away in 2018.

Ding Guangquan

A photo of Ding Guangquan. (Photos: VCG, designed by Jia Jieqiong)

Ding Guangquan was a renowned crosstalk (Chinese: Xiangsheng) artist in China and a member of the Chinese Ballad Singers Association. He was dubbed the "Beijing crosstalk mentor for foreigners." Ding Guangquan passed away in Beijing on January 18, 2018, at the age of 73.

Wang Danfeng

A photo of Wang Danfeng.

Wang Danfeng is a Chinese film actress, who was honoured as one of the "22 Film Stars of New China." She was regarded by many as the "most beautiful actress in the 1950s," and had created many unforgettable characters across more than 60 films. Wang passed away in Shanghai on May 2 this year, aged 94.

Chang Baohua

A photo of Chang Baohua.

Chang Baohua is another famous crosstalk performer however he was also involved in short stage dramas, plays, and TV series. Chang was given the highest honor in the Chinese ballad singing industry, the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Peony Award. Chang passed away on September 7 this year, aged 88.

Sheng Zhongguo

A photo of Sheng Zhongguo.

Sheng Zhongguo is a world-renowned Chinese solo violinist, who worked at China National Symphony Orchestra. His most acclaimed song is "The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto." He was also one of the first violinists to win awards for China at an international level. Sheng died at the age of 77, on September 7.

Shan Tianfang

A photo of Shan Tianfang.

Shan Tianfang is a famous Pingshu (storytelling) artist, the honorary president of the Chinese Ballad Singers Association, and the inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage. During his career, he created more than 100 pieces, with a total of more than 15,000 episodes broadcasted by hundreds of radio and TV stations across China. Shan passed away at the age of 84 on September 11, 2018.

Zhu Xu

A photo of Zhu Xu.

Zhu Xu is a famous actor who performed on stage, in films, and on TV. He is famous for his humorous and relaxed way of acting and played numerous father and grandfather roles. He was so impressive and touching that he was given the name "The top dad figure onscreen." Zhu Xu passed away at the age of 88 in Beijing, September 15 this year.

Jin Yong

A photo of Jin Yong.

Jin Yong, also known as Louis Cha, or Cha Leung-yung, is the most celebrated martial arts novelist and social activists in China. Throughout his lifetime, he wrote a total of 15 novels, and his works have been widely adapted into TV series and films. His novels have been translated into many languages and he has a strong reputation across the world. The writer passed away on October 30 in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, at the age of 94.

Li Yong

A photo of Li Yong.

Li Yong was a former host at China Central Television (CCTV). He is well-known for the variety programs he hosted, like "Lucky 52" and "Special 6+1." He also hosted the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. His unique style as a host is humorous, and his programs brought a lot of happiness to numerous people in China. Li passed away from cancer in America on October 25.

Er Yue He

A photo of Er Yue He.

Er Yue He is a historical novelist and a member of the China Writers Association. His most acclaimed novels are the trilogy of the three emperors in Chinese Qing Dynasty -"Kangxi Emperor," "Yongzheng Emperor," and "Qianlong Emperor." Those works are famous in both China and across the world. Er Yue He passed away on December 15.

Lan Guanglin

Lan Guanglin was a renowned Sichuan opera artist. When he performed in Beijing in 1963, he created a stir among the audience and was honored to meet national leaders like Deng Xiaoping, Zhu De and Chen Yi. In the 1990s, he began to introduce Sichuan opera to France, thus pioneering Sichuan opera overseas. He passed away on December 15 in Chengdu.