Historical Chinese Anthems - "Tune of Li Zhongtang"

"Tune of Li Zhongtang"

Quasi-official

For purposes of diplomatic missions to Western Europe and Russia, Li Hongzhang (Zhongtang being a term of respect for a vizier or prime minister) employed in 1896 political lyrics combined with classical Chinese music—later known as "The Tune of Li Zhongtang" (李中堂樂).

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。

With a golden palace above his head, and fold upon fold of purple pavilions,
Like a jade hibiscus on the palm of an immortal,
The Son of Heaven of Perfect Peace pays homage to the sun in the sky,
Riding on a five-coloured car of cloud pulled by six dragons.

Read more about this topic:  Historical Chinese Anthems

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