Tune of Li Zhongtang

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Chinese Wikisource has original text related to this article: 李中堂樂

The Tune of Li Zhongtang (simplified Chinese: 李中堂乐; traditional Chinese: 李中堂樂; pinyin: Lǐ Zhōng táng Yuè) is the first semi-official national song of China, written by Li Hongzhang in 1896 during the Qing Dynasty. It also served as the imperial anthem for the dynasty.

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 west Europe and Russia. As a national song was requested for the welcome ceremony, Li Hongzhang adapted a Tang Dynasty poem by Wang Jian for the purpose.

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[]

Jīndiàn dāng tóu zǐgè chóng,
Xiānrén zhǎng shàng yù fúróng,
Taìpíng Tiānzǐ cháo tiān rì,
Wǔ sè yúnchē jià liù lóng.

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-colour chariot of clouds, drawn by six dragons.

See also[]

• Royal anthem
• Historical Chinese anthems
• Anthem of the Beiyang Fleet: Shares the same tune with Tune of Li Zhongtang.