Eason Chan visits Beijing to promote his latest album.

One of Chan's favorite songs, Life and Marathon, was inspired by his wife, Hilary Tsui, a former actress who is a regular participant in the annual Hong Kong Marathon.

"It's a metaphor, comparing life with a marathon," Chan says. "The result doesn't really matter. It's about the passion you have."

Chan was born in Hong Kong and spent his teenage years at boarding school in England. He rose to fame after winning first place in the New Talent Singing Awards in Hong Kong 20 years ago. Then he signed a professional contract and later broadened his career to include acting.

He has starred in more than 20 films and has been nominated for the Hong Kong Golden Horse Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards.

The Hong Kong singer-actor Jacky Cheung once said Chan's solid singing, musical style and boyish charm have sustained his longevity in the industry.

In 2012, Chan became the first Chinese performer to play at the O2 Arena in London as part of his Duo World Tour. He performed more than 25 Cantonese and Mandarin songs to an audience of more than 10,000.

"I was surprised by how many fans I have in Europe," he says. "It doesn't matter what language you sing. The world is so connected now, and it's about the energy you give out with music."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn