National Anthem
    The national anthem was written in 1935, the lyrics by Tian Han, a famous poet, and the music by Nie Er, a famous composer. The lyrics are as follows:
     Arise, all who refuse to be slaves!
     With our flesh and blood
     Let us build our new Great Wall.
     The Chinese nation faces its greatest danger,
     From each one the urgent call for action comes forth:
     Arise! Arise! Arise!
     Millions with but one heart,
     Braving the enemy's fire, march on!
     Braving the enemy's fire, march on!
     March on! March on! On!

    This song, originally named "March of the Volunteers," is the theme song of the film "Zhonghua Ernu" or the "Young Heroes and Heroines in Stormy Years". The film describes the people who went to the front to fight against the invaders in the 1930's when Japan invaded northeast China and the fate of the Chinese nation was hanging in the balance.
    "March of the Volunteers," inspiring and forceful, expresses the determination of the Chinese people to sacrifice themselves for national liberation, and their fine tradition of bravery, firmness and unity in their fight against aggression. It was for this reason that the CPPCC on September 27, 1949 decided to adopt the song as the national anthem of the People's Republic of China.