The hosts China, along with Macau, Nepal, Romania, and Turkmenistan all made their début in the festival.

Brunei had withdrawn from the festival stating that they had not received an invitation to participate from the broadcasting union.

It was announced that the 2016 ABU Radio Song Festival would take place in Beijing, China.

Host country China made their début in this years festival along with Macau, Nepal, Romania and Turkmenistan.

[2] Of the seventeen preliminary entries, thirteen were selected to proceed to the final of the ABU Radio Song Festival.