March of the Volunteers

A 1935 Chinese patriotic song, written by Tian Han and composed by Nie Er, that became the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China.

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Tian Han: A Chinese playwright, poet, and lyricist whose works helped shape modern Chinese theater. He wrote the song’s lyrics for a film depicting resistance to Japanese aggression.
National anthem of China: The officially designated anthem of the People’s Republic of China, adopted in 1949 and restored permanently in 1982. This is the song’s formal role in the state.
Chinese national anthem lyrics: The Chinese-language words of “March of the Volunteers,” beginning with a call to rise against danger. Their repeated imperative gives the song its urgent, mobilizing voice.
Opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics: The Beijing ceremony that opened the 2008 Summer Olympics with a large-scale presentation of Chinese history and culture. The anthem’s performance placed it at the center of a global display of national identity.
Nie Er: A Chinese composer known for songs associated with the left-wing cultural movement of the 1930s. He composed the music before dying in Japan in 1935.
Chinese Civil War: The conflict between the Chinese Communist Party and the Kuomintang that ended with the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949. The Communist victory made the song a symbol of the new government.
Chinese national anthem melody: The musical setting of “March of the Volunteers,” composed by Nie Er in 1935. Its brisk, march-like rhythm supports collective singing and ceremonial use.
Hong Kong handover ceremony: The 1997 ceremony marking the transfer of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty. The anthem’s performance accompanied the establishment of Chinese sovereignty over Hong Kong.
Children of Troubled Times: A 1935 Chinese film directed by Xu Xingzhi about young people confronting national crisis. The song first appeared as the film’s theme song.
Cultural Revolution: A political campaign in China from 1966 to 1976 that caused widespread upheaval and persecution. The song was displaced from official use while its lyricist Tian Han was persecuted.