Pop star Zhang Jie gives back to world

Chinese pop star Zhang Jie takes a selfie with the audience at his "Sound of My Heart" world tour at Lincoln Center in New York on May 21. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

Famous pop singer Zhang Jie proclaimed it "the best time for Chinese singers" as he continued his Sound of My Heart World Tour in the US.

On May 19, Zhang, who is also known as Jason Zhang, met with media in New York ahead of his May 21 performance at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center.

Zhang, 34, also played in Los Angeles, San Jose, California, and Vancouver earlier this month on the North American portion of his tour.

"Since the Internet has developed, there is no obstacle between music and people," said Zhang, who wore a white T-shirt and a long black coat as he amicably chatted with reporters.

"I meet with producers all over the world. I hope I can combine Chinese music with music from other countries," Zhang told China Daily.

Zhang made his debut on My Show, a musical reality program in 2004. He said his love for music helped him overcome difficulties and launch a successful career.

In 2007, his participation in Super Boy propelled his career exponentially. Super Boy was a Chinese singing contest for male contestants, organized by Hunan Satellite Television. It was a spinoff of the popular Super Girl series.

"I think these obstacles are the best gifts to my life," Zhang said.

Zhang has released 12 albums and performed more than 30 concerts worldwide. He is known as the "King of Live Performance" in China for his energetic shows. He is also active in TV shows, such as I Am a Singer. Zhang also sang the hit song Lost in the Stars for the movie Star Trek Beyond.

Zhang also is active in charity work. He built "music dream classrooms" in 29 places, including some counties in his native Sichuan province and in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

The project falls under the Big Dipper Love Fund operated by the China Population Welfare Foundation. The classrooms provide children with music instruments and teach them to sing.

"I did not have a good environment to realize my music dream when I was a child. Since I have the chance and ability now, I hope more people can have a better music environment," said Zhang. "I think music can make people feel a sense of togetherness without loneliness.

"I hope the people far away from home can feel the warmth of home through music," he said.

He also wants to perform charity work in other countries.

"This world tour buries a seed. I look forward to its burgeoning and a better future. I hope the Big Dipper Love Fund can go to America and other countries in the world," said Zhang.

"I wish you all can follow your heart. When I realize my dream here doing the world tour, you can also realize your dreams," he said.

Xiao Jiaqiao in New York contributed to this story.