Back to his second home

Vitas has performed frequently in China over the past decade.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Vitas returns to China to thrill fans with his distinctive vocal technique, Chen Nan reports

Russian performer Vitaliy Vladasovich Grachov made his first trip to China in 2006. Invited by China Central Television, he performed using his stage name "Vitas" at a gala in Beijing celebrating The Year of Russia in China.

Singing two songs, Star and Opera No 2, Vitas impressed audiences with his five-octave vocal range and the costumes he designed for his concerts.

The pop star has since become the top Russian entertainer in China. During the past decade, he has performed in China more than 200 times, including galas prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Some Chinese singers have tried to imitate his singing, but fans consider Vitas unique because of his distinctive technique and low-key image offstage.

He calls China his second home.

"Every time I come to China, I have a new experience, a new emotion and new feelings," the 37-year-old tells China Daily.

"When I perform in China, I feel the positive vibes from the audiences, just like standing in front of an ocean.