The Tune of Li Zhongtang () was a semi-official national song of China, written by Li Hongzhang in 1896 during the Qing dynasty. "Zhongtang" was a bureaucratic title held by Li Hongzhang.
History In 1896 (the 22nd year of Guangxu), Li Hongzhang, 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.
It shares the same tune with Praise the Dragon Flag.
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
References