The Tune of Li Zhongtang (Chinese: 李中堂乐, Chinese: 李中堂樂, Chinese: 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 Royal anthem for the dynasty.
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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.
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。
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。
jīn diàn dāng tóu zǐ gè chóng ，
xiān rén zhǎng shàng yù fú róng ，
taì píng tiān zǐ cháo tiān rì ，
wǔ sè yún chē jià liù lóng 。