“Songs of the times” or shidaiqu are irresistible and delightful songs from a contentious age of colonial presence and indulgence in Shanghai. Played often at nightclubs, on the radio, and in film soundtracks, these songs combined elements of traditional Chinese music, American jazz, Tin Pan Alley songs, and Western orchestral music. When the People’s Republic of China began in 1949, this genre ceased to exist in Shanghai, though it persisted elsewhere in Asia. Over the past few decades, shidaiqu has seen a resurgence in popularity; generations of listeners seek the charming and nostalgic sound of the 1930s and 40s. These songs provide a glimpse into the bustling hybridity of Shanghai in its golden age.

This site serves as a resource for both English and Chinese speakers to access recordings, understand lyrics, and learn more about the history and people behind this captivating music. This web resource would not exist without the efforts of countless scholars, YouTube channels, and funding through the Cykler Song Scholars award at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. A special thank you goes to Nick van Ert for his graphic design work on the website. To make suggestions, ask questions, or submit corrections, please fill out the form under the “Contact” page.