Musical score of “March of the Volunteers” [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

405 Jingzhou Road, Yangpu District, is where the national anthem of the People's Republic of China was born. In 2009, a national anthem-themed square and exhibition hall were built right here, greeted by numerous visitors every day.

On March 13, a big crowd of people gathered in the place to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth of Tian Han, the founder of Chinese modern drama and the lyricist of China’s national anthem “March of the Volunteers.”

The National Anthem Gallery is situated at 405 Jingzhou Road, Yangpu District. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Attended by district government officials, navy soldiers, students and workers in Shanghai, a simple but solemn memorial ceremony in honor of Tian Han was held on the morning of March 13. Tian Gang, a grandson of the lyricist, addressed the ceremony in a video. Famous Chinese actor Yang Ming recited a poem written in 1947 by Tian Han. To conclude, all the attendees sang the inspiring national anthem together.

A navy soldier presents flowers to the deceased lyricist. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

The first record of the national anthem has been well preserved. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Back in early 1935, a Chinese film company relocated to 405 Jingzhou Road, Shanghai, where it made a patriotic film titled “Children of Troubled Times.” As the screenwriter of the film, Tian Han also created lyrics of its theme song, which is the origin of “March of the Volunteers.” Ever since, the song has been popularized and sung across the country.