Mo Li Hua (Chinese: 茉莉花; pinyin: Mòlìhuā; literally: "Jasmine Flower") is a popular Chinese folk song. The song dates back to the 18th century. In time, many regional variations were created, and the song gained popularity both in China and abroad.

It has been used during events such as 2004 Summer Olympics, 2008 Summer Olympics and 2010 Shanghai Expo opening ceremony, and controversially during the 2011 Chinese protests.

Lyrics

Chinese
好一朵美丽的茉莉花
好一朵美丽的茉莉花
芬芳美丽满枝桠
又香又白人人夸
让我来将你摘下
送给别人家
茉莉花呀茉莉花

Hanyu Pinyin
hǎo yī duǒ měilì de mòlihuā
hǎo yī duǒ měilì de mòlihuā
fēnfāng měilì mǎn zhīyā
yòu xiāng yòu bái rénrén kuā
ràng wǒ lái jiāng nǐ zhāixià
sòng gěi biérénjiā
mòlihuā ya mòlihuā


Literal translation
What a beautiful jasmine flower
What a beautiful jasmine flower
Sweet-smelling, beautiful, stems full of buds
Fragrant and white, everyone praises
Let me pluck you down
Give to someone else
Jasmine flower, oh jasmine flower