Tune of Li Zhongtang

The Tune of Li Zhongtang is the first semi-official national song of China, written by Li Hongzhang. It is also a Royal anthem.

History

In 1896, , Li Hongzhang, Minister of Beiyang and Governor of Zhili, have a diplomatic visit to west Europe and Russia, since national song needed in welcoming ceremony, he revises an ancient poem by Wang Jian, a poemist in Tang Dynasty as the temporary national song.

Lyrics

Simplified Chinese

金殿当头紫阁重，

仙人掌上玉芙蓉，

太平天子朝天日，

五色云车驾六龙。

Traditional Chinese

金殿當頭紫閣重，

仙人掌上玉芙蓉，

太平天子朝天日，

五色雲車駕六龍。

Hanyu Pinyin

jīn diàn dāng tóu zǐ gé chóng ，

xiān rén zhǎng shàng yù fú róng ，

taì píng tiān zǐ cháo tiān rì ，

wǔ sè yún chē jià liù lóng 。

English Translation

Many houses on the golden palace,

jade lotus on the hand of fairy,

when the peace emperor to pay religious homage to god,

a 6-dragon-drive colorful cloudy-cabinet will appear.