Changsha county recently marked the 119th anniversary of the birth of Tian Han (1898-1968), the famous poet and lyricist of the national anthem of the People's Republic of China.

On March 12 at Tian Han Memorial Hall in Guoyuan town, officials and residents launched a series of activities to celebrate Tian's patriotism. The activities included music composition, speech competitions and lectures about Tian's life and achievements.

Born in 1898 in Changsha, Hunan province, Tian is most famous for writing the lyrics of China's national anthem. He started writing in the 1920s and was one of the pioneers of modern Chinese theater. Throughout his life, he wrote 60 plays, 20 films, 24 folk operas and hundreds of poems and songs.

Tian Gang (R), grandson of Tian Han, donates books about his grandfather to bookstores and schools in Changsha county. [Photo by Liu Jun/Changsha Evening News]

Tian's grandson, Tian Gang, attended the launch and donated some books by and about his grandfather to bookstores and schools in Changsha county.

"My grandfather taught us to love our country and work hard to seek truth," he said. "I am glad that his birthday remembers him and promotes his spirit."

People visit Tian Han Memorial Hall in Guoyuan town, Changsha county. [Photo by Liu Jun/Changsha Evening News]