Pu Tian Yue

Pu Tian Yue
Traditional Chinese	普天樂
Simplified Chinese	普天乐
Literal meaning	Whole Sky Song
Transcriptions Standard Mandarin Hanyu Pinyin pǔtiān yuè IPA [pʰù tʰjɛ́n ɥê] Yue: Cantonese Jyutping pou2 tin1 ngok6

The Pu Tian Yue (Chinese: 普天樂) is considered the first national anthem of China, though it was not approved officially by the Qing government.

History

In 1878 (the 4th year of the Guangxu Emperor), Zeng Jize (曾纪泽) made a diplomatic visit to Great Britain and France; he was appointed Ambassador to Russia two years later. At an international convention, a national song was needed, so he wrote the song "Pu Tian Yue" to the tune 词牌.

This song was not officially approved by the Qing government, but was recognized as the national song of China in other countries.

The only known versions are from a version played by the Victor Military Band, translated as "The World's Delight," recorded in Camden, New Jersey on 18 September 1914.