Xie Tianxiao. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese rock singer-songwriter Xie Tianxiao, who performed in Beijing on Saturday, collaborated with a 50-member symphony orchestra for the first time.

The two-hour show comprised symphonic versions of more than 20 of his hits, including Outside the Window, Happiness, and Illusion.

Toward the end of the show, he led the audience in paying a tribute to the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris.

Born in Zibo, in Shandong province, Xie, who studied Peking Opera and painting, is one of the country's most popular rock stars.

He rose to fame in 1994 with his debut album, Cold-blooded Animal.

His album, Guzheng Reggae, which was released in 2009, showcases the fusion of traditional Chinese instrument guzheng with rock and reggae music elements.

Xie is now in the midst of a national tour, which runs till the end of the year.