It was issued by the Ritual Regulations Office (禮制館) in June 1915 as the national anthem of the Republic of China and was adopted on 23 May 1915. Its lyrics were written by Yin Chang (廕昌) and music by Wang Lu (王露).[1]
After Yuan Shikai declared himself Emperor of China in December 1915, the lyrics of the anthem were slightly modified and turned into the national anthem of the Empire of China. The lyrics were abolished again in 1916 after his death and replaced by lyrics written by Zhang Zuolin. The song was no longer the official anthem after 31 March 1921, when Song to the Auspicious Cloud again became the national anthem.
Lyrics
Original Lyrics during the Republic of China (May–Dec. 1915)
China heroically stands in the universe,
Extending to the Eight Corners,
Descendants come from Kunlun Peak.
The rivers turn great and the mountains continue.
Five races open up the sky of Yao,
For many years to come.
China heroically stands in the universe,
Extending to the Eight Corners,
Descendants come from Kunlun Peak.
The rivers turn great and the mountains continue. Shanrang* open up the sky of Yao,
For many years to come.
Shanrang (Demise) referred to the ancient system of Chinese emperors relinquishing their positions to each other in Yao and Shun's era.
China heroically stands in the universe,
For many years to come.
Defend the people with no bias.
Industries prosper and the nation is solid.
Peace and tranquility within four seas,
For many years to come.