The "Tune of Li Zhongtang" is the first semi-official national anthem of China, written by Li Hongzhang in 1896 during the Qing dynasty. As an unofficial anthem for the dynasty, it was so named because "Zhongtang" was a bureaucratic title meaning 'viceroy' or 'grand secretary'.
History[]
In 1896, (the 22nd year of Guangxu), Li Hongzhang (李鴻章), Minister of Beiyang and Governor of Zhili, paid a diplomatic visit to Western Europe and Russia. As a national anthem was requested for the welcome ceremony, Li Hongzhang adopted a Tang dynasty poem by Wang Jian for the event.
As a former commander of the Beiyang Fleet, Li also wrote an anthem for it to the same tune.
Lyrics[]
Chinese original[]
| Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese | Hanyu Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
|
金殿当头紫阁重， |
金殿當頭紫閣重， |
Jīndiàn dāng tóu zǐgè chóng, |
English translation[]
In the Golden Palace, amongst the overlapping purple pavilions,
Like a jade lotus flower in an immortal's palm,
The Son of Heaven of Supreme Peace pays tribute to Heaven's sun,
In its five-coloured chariot of clouds, drawn by six dragons.