The national anthem of China is called: « March of the Volunteers ».
Continent: Asia
Bordering Countries:
– 🇦🇫 Afghanistan
– 🇧🇹 Bhutan
– 🇮🇳 India
– 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan
– 🇰🇵 Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of)
– 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan
– 🇱🇦 Lao People’s Democratic Republic
– 🇲🇳Mongolia
– 🇲🇲 Myanmar
– 🇳🇵Nepal
– 🇵🇰 Pakistan
– 🇷🇺 Russian Federation
– 🇹🇯 Tajikistan
– 🇻🇳 Viet Nam
History of « March of the Volunteers »
« March of the Volunteers » (义勇军进行曲, Yìyǒngjūn Jìnxíngqǔ) is the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China. The anthem reflects the country’s revolutionary spirit, its struggle for independence, and the unity of its people.
Key Dates and People
- 1935: The lyrics of « March of the Volunteers » were written by Tian Han, a Chinese playwright and poet. The music was composed by Nie Er, a Chinese composer.
- 1935: The song was originally composed as a theme for the film « Children of Troubled Times, » which depicted the Chinese resistance against Japanese aggression.
- 1949: « March of the Volunteers » was officially adopted as the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China upon its founding.
Anecdotes
- Resistance Anthem: The anthem was written during a period of intense national struggle against Japanese invasion. It quickly became a symbol of resistance and unity among the Chinese people.
- Cultural Revolution: During the Cultural Revolution, Tian Han, the lyricist, was imprisoned, and the anthem’s lyrics were temporarily replaced with instrumental versions. However, the original lyrics were restored after the end of the Cultural Revolution.
- Global Recognition: « March of the Volunteers » has been performed at numerous international events, including the Olympics, where it symbolizes China’s national pride and unity. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of patriotism among Chinese citizens.
Lyrics Excerpt
In Chinese
起来！不愿做奴隶的人们！
把我们的血肉，筑成我们新的长城！
中华民族到了最危险的时候，
每个人被迫着发出最后的吼声。
起来！起来！起来！
我们万众一心，
冒着敌人的炮火，前进！
冒着敌人的炮火，前进！
前进！前进！进！In English (translation)
Arise, ye who refuse to be slaves!
With our flesh and blood, let us build a new Great Wall!
As the Chinese nation faces its greatest peril,
All forcefully expend their last cries.
Arise! Arise! Arise!
Millions of hearts with one mind,
Brave the enemy's gunfire, march on!
Brave the enemy's gunfire, march on!
March on! March on! On!Sources: