The Former Anthem of the Qing Dynasty

"Cup of Solid Gold" was the first official national anthem of China, adopted by the Qing dynasty (1644–1912) on 4 October 1911. Its title references the "golden cup", a ritual instrument that symbolized the empire. Six days after the anthem's adoption, the Wuchang Uprising broke out, and quickly led to the fall of the Qing dynasty.

Dynasties in Chinese history used music for various ceremonies, but never had official anthems representing the country. By the end of the nineteenth century, however, Qing China was constantly in contact with foreign countries and started to require a national anthem "for diplomatic convenience".

Qing diplomats were one of the first to suggest adopting an official anthem. Zeng Jize (1839–1890) – eldest son of statesman Zeng Guofan – was the Qing envoy to France, Britain, and Russia for several years starting in 1878. Around 1880, he composed a song called Pu Tian Yue to be played as China's anthem in various state ceremonies and suggested the Qing adopt it as its official anthem, but the court did not approve. That song's lyrics and melody have both been lost for a very long time. However, an instrumental version of the anthem has been found and a part of what is seemingly the lyrics.

Learn More about the Anthem:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cup_of_Solid...

Historical Anthems:
   • All Historical Anthems  

View a playlist including both vocal and instrumental versions of the anthem:
   • Anthems of China/Taiwan/Tibet  


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