CA Country Anthems

China National Anthem History

March of the Volunteers · 义勇军进行曲

China's national anthem, "The March of the Volunteers," was written in 1935 and adopted provisionally in 1949. Its history includes a period of prohibition during the Cultural Revolution, a restoration with altered lyrics, and a final return to its original form and constitutional adoption.

China March of the Volunteers

China

Language
Chinese
Anthem
March of the Volunteers
Duration
0:44
Status
The anthem, "The March of the Volunteers," was constitutionally adopted in 2004 and remains China's official national song today, with its original lyrics.

History timeline

  1. 1935

    The "March of the Volunteers" was written and featured as the theme song for the film "Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm."

  2. 1949

    The anthem was provisionally adopted on September 27 when the Communists came to power, reflecting national liberation efforts.

  3. Mid-1960s - early 1970s

    During the Cultural Revolution, the anthem was forbidden, its lyricist imprisoned, and "The East Is Red" served as a de facto anthem.

  4. 1978

    "The March of the Volunteers" was restored, but with new lyrics that mentioned Mao Zedong and the Communist Party.

  5. 1982

    The original lyrics were reinstated, and the anthem received official adoption on December 4.

  6. 2004

    "The March of the Volunteers" was constitutionally adopted on March 14, solidifying its status.

Despite its official title, most people in China commonly refer to their national anthem simply as "Chinese National Song" rather than by its full name, "The March of the Volunteers."