Born to a poor Tanka fishing family in Macao, the Distinguished Son of Macao— Xian Xinghai—led an itinerant life and died in Moscow. In his short life, he composed almost 300 patriotic musical works. His iconic masterpiece The Yellow River Cantata was created as a weapon for defence and resistance during Japan’s invasion of China in the 1930s. Playing a significant role in the history of New Music in China, he has been enshrined in the Chinese music pantheon.