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List of Chinese monarchs

From Niidae Wiki

Template:Short description

illustration of Qin Shi Huang
Imagined portrait of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of a unified China. Depiction from the Qing dynasty

The Chinese monarchs were the rulers of China during Ancient and Imperial periods.Template:Efn The earliest rulers in traditional Chinese historiography are of mythological origin, and followed by the Xia dynasty of highly uncertain and contested historicity. During the subsequent Shang (Template:Circa) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, rulers were referred to as Wang Template:Lang, meaning king.Template:Sfn China was fully united for the first time by Qin Shi Huang (Template:Reign259–210 BCE), who established the first Imperial dynasty, adopting the title Huangdi (Template:Lang), meaning Emperor, which remained in use until the Imperial system's fall in 1912.Template:Sfn

At no point during Ancient or Imperial China was there a formalized means to confer legitimate succession between rulers.Template:Sfn From the Zhou dynasty onwards, monarchs justified their reigns by claiming the Mandate of Heaven (Template:Lang; Tiānmìng).Template:SfnTemplate:Efn The mandate held that a ruler and their successors had permission from the heavens to rule as long as they did so effectively.Template:Sfn It also declared a ruler the Son of Heaven (Template:Lang; Tiānzǐ), giving them the right to rule "all under heaven" (Template:Lang; Tiānxià).Template:Sfn Given the Mandate's subjective nature, rulers also utilized a variety of methods to retain support and justify their accession.Template:Sfn This ranged from military enforcement, political patronage, establishing peace and solidity, institutional reform, and historical revisionism to legitimize the dissolution of previous dynasties and their own succession.Template:Sfn For most of Imperial China, the wuxing (Template:Lang; "Five Elements") philosophical scheme was also central to justify dynastic succession.Template:Sfn

Most Chinese monarchs had many names. They were given a personal name (Template:Lang; Míngzi) at birth, but later referred to by a posthumous name (Template:Lang; Shìhào)—which memorialized their accomplishments or character—due to a cultural naming taboo.Template:Sfn Most emperors of the Imperial period also received a temple name (Template:Lang; Miàohào), used to venerate them in ancestor worship.Template:Sfn From the rule of Emperor Wu of Han (Template:Reign141–87 BCE) onwards,Template:Efn emperors also adopted one or several era names (Template:Lang; Niánhào), or "reign mottos",Template:Sfn to divide their rule by important events or accomplishments.Template:Sfn Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) rulers are referred to solely by their era names, of which they only had one.Template:Sfn

Apart from ethnic Han rulers, China was also ruled by various non-Han monarchs, including Jurchen, Khitan, Manchu, Mongol and Tangut and many others.Template:Sfn To justify their reign, non-Han rulers sometimes aligned themselves with the Confucian sages or the Chakravarti of Chinese Buddhism.Template:Sfn There are numerous lengthy periods where many competing kingdoms claimed the throne, many of whose legitimacy is still debated by scholars.Template:Sfn

Template:Toc limit

Ancient China

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Mythological rulers

[edit]

Template:Further

In traditional Chinese historiography, various models of mythological founding rulers exist.Template:Sfn The relevancy of these figures to the earliest Chinese people is unknown, since most accounts of them were written from the Warring States period (Template:Circa BCE) onwards.Template:Sfnm The sinologist Kwang-chih Chang has generalized the typical stages: "the first period was populated by gods, the second by demigods/culture hero, and the third by the legendary kings."Template:Sfn The primordial god Pangu is given by many texts as the earliest figure and is credited with forming the world by separating heaven and earth.Template:Sfnm Other gods include Nüwa, who repaired heaven; Hou Yi, a mythical archer; and Gonggong, a serpent-like water deity.Template:Sfn

Demigod and hero rulers from hero myths—the largest group Chinese myths—are attributed the invention of specific items, practices or traditions.Template:Sfn Among the more important of them are Fuxi, the inventor of hunting; Suiren, who invented fire; and Shennong, who invented both agriculture and medicine.Template:Sfn The subsequent legendary kings began with the Yellow Emperor (Template:Lang), known as Huangdi, a major culture hero of Chinese civilization whose reign was considered exemplary.Template:Sfn Succeeding rulers include some combination of Shaohao, Zhuanxu, Emperor Ku, Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun.Template:Sfn Since the late Warring States onwards, early Chinese monarchs have traditionally been ground into the concept of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors;Template:Sfn however, the chosen figures of this grouping varies considerably between sources.Template:Sfn Generally, most accounts include at least Fuxi and Shennong among the Three Sovereigns as well as the Yellow Emperor, Yao and Shun among the Five Emperors.Template:Sfn

Xia dynasty

[edit]

Template:Further The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period was followed by the Xia dynasty in traditional historiography.Template:Sfn Founded by Yu the Great, both the dynasty and its rulers are of highly uncertain and controversial historicity.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Template:Legend

Xia dynasty (夏朝)
Name Speculative reign lengthTemplate:Efn Traditional succession CapitalTemplate:Sfn Purported life details
Template:Abbr Template:AbbrTemplate:Sfn
Yu
Template:Lang
45 7 Chosen by the mythical Emperor Shun Ji Awarded the throne after his institution of flood control. He is often known as "Yu the Great" and his passing of the throne to his son marked the beginning of China's hereditary successionTemplate:Sfnm
Qi
Template:Lang
10 8 Son of Yu Xiayi Prevented a rebellion led by his son WuguanTemplate:Sfnm
(Tai) Kang
Template:Lang
29 28 Son of Qi Zhenxun Traditionally considered an ineffective king, either due to tyranny or incompetence. May have been briefly dethroned by the mythical hero Han Zhuo and later murdered by Han's son AoTemplate:Sfnm
(Zhong) Kang (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
13 13 Son of Qi Zhenxun May not have ruled as his existence is sometimes absent from Xia king listsTemplate:Sfnm
Xiang
Template:Lang
28 28 Son of (Zhong) Kang Shang, then Zhenxun Killed by a son of Han ZhuoTemplate:Sfnm
Interregnum, ruled by Han Zhuo
(Shao) Kang
Template:Lang
21 21 Son of Xiang Yuan Restored the dynasty after killing Han Zhuo and his sonsTemplate:Sfnm
Zhu
Template:Lang
17 16 Son of (Shao) Kang Yuan, then Laoqiu Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfnm
Huai
Template:Lang
26 25 Son of Zhu Little is known of his reign; may have ruled up to 40 yearsTemplate:Sfn
Mang
Template:Lang
18 17 Son of Huai Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfn
Xie
Template:Lang
16 15 Son of Mang Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfnm
(Bu) Jiang
Template:Lang
59 58 Son of Xie Little is known of his reign; campaigned against the northwestern Template:Ill peoplesTemplate:Sfn
Jiong
Template:Lang
21 20 Son of Xie Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfn
Jin
Template:Lang
21 20 Son of Jiong Xihe Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfn
Kong Jia
Template:Lang
31 30 Son of (Bu) Jiang Xihe His reign inaugurated the Xia's gradual declineTemplate:Sfn
Gao
Template:Lang
11 10 Son of Kong Jia Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfn
Fa
Template:Lang
11 20? Son of Gao May have only reigned 7 years. His reign saw the earliest recorded earthquake, identified with the Mount Tai earthquake.Template:Sfn
Jie
Template:Lang
52 52 Son of Fa Zhenxun, then Henan Traditionally considered a cruel and oppressive ruler. Fled the empire after losing the Battle of Mingtiao to the state of ShangTemplate:Sfnm

Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)

[edit]

Template:Further Unlike the Xia, the Shang dynasty's historicity is firmly established, due to written records on divination objects known as Oracle bones. The oldest such oracle bones date to the Late Shang (Template:Circa), during the reign of Wu Ding (1250–1192), putting the exact details of earlier rulers into doubt.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Template:Legend

Shang dynasty (商朝; c. 1600–1046/c. 1570—1045 BCE)
Posthumous nameTemplate:Sfn Personal nameTemplate:Sfn Tentative reign (BCE)Template:Efn Traditional successionTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn ResidenceTemplate:Sfn Purported life details
XSZ ProjectTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn Template:AbbrTemplate:Sfn

Early Shang

[edit]
Tang
Template:Lang
Da Yi
Template:Lang
Zi Lü
Template:Lang
Template:Floruit Template:FloruitTemplate:Sfn Defeated the purportedly tyrannous Jie of Xia at the Battle of Mingtiao and established the Shang dynasty Bo, then Shangyi Traditionally considered a noble and virtuous rulerTemplate:Sfn
Da Ding (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Tai Ding (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
unknown Son of Tang Uncertain whether he was ever enthroned; may have died before succeeding his fatherTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn
Wai Bing
Template:Lang
Zi Sheng
Template:Lang
Son of Tang Bo Template:Sfn
Zhong Ren (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Zi Yong
Template:Lang
Son of Tang Bo Not listed in the oracle bones inscriptionsTemplate:Sfn
Tai Jia
Template:Lang
Zi Zhi
Template:Lang
Son of Da Ding Bo Traditionally considered an autocratic and cruel rulerTemplate:Sfn
Wo Ding (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Qiang Ding
Template:Lang
Zi Xuan
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Jia Bo His name is not found in oracle bone inscriptions, making his certainty as a ruler less secure.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn
Tai Geng
Template:Lang
Da Geng
Template:Lang
Zi Bian
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Jia Bo Template:Sfn
Xiao Jia
Template:Lang
Zi Gao
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Geng Bo Template:Sfn
Yong Ji
Template:Lang
Zi Zhou
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Geng Bo May have reigned after Tai WuTemplate:Sfn
Tai Wu
Template:Lang
Da Wu
Template:Lang
Zi Mi
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Geng Bo Said to have had a particularly long reign; one source records 75 years. The astronomer Wuxian was active under himTemplate:Sfn
Zhong Ding
Template:Lang
Zi Zhung
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Wu Ao May have succeeded Yong JiTemplate:Sfn
Wai Ren
Template:Lang
Zi Fā
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Wu Ao Template:Sfn
He Dan Jia
Template:Lang
Zi Zheng
Template:Lang
Son of Tai Wu Xiang Moved the capital to Xiang (Template:Lang) and engaged in military campaignsTemplate:Sfn
Zu Yi
Template:Lang
Zi Teng
Template:Lang
Son of Zhong Ding Geng The dynasty flourished particularly during his reignTemplate:Sfn
Zu Xin
Template:Lang
Zi Dan
Template:Lang
Son of Zu Yi Bi Template:Sfn
Wo Jia
Template:Lang
Qiang Jia
Template:Lang
Zi Yu
Template:Lang
Son of Zu Yi Bi Template:Sfn
Zu Ding
Template:Lang
Zi Xin
Template:Lang
Son of Zu Xin Bi Template:Sfn
Nan Geng
Template:Lang
Zi Geng
Template:Lang
Son of Wo Jia Bi, then Yan Moved the capital from Bi (Template:Lang) to Yan (Template:Lang)Template:Sfn
Yang Jia
Template:Lang
Zi He
Template:Lang
Son of Zu Ding Yan His reign marked the decline of the ShangTemplate:Sfn
Pan Geng
Template:Lang
Zi Xun
Template:Lang
1300–1251
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zu Ding Yan, then Yin Traditionally said to have moved the dynasty's capital from Yan (Template:Lang) to Yin (Template:Lang)Template:Sfn Led a prosperous reignTemplate:Sfn
Xiao Xin
Template:Lang
Zi Song
Template:Lang
Son of Zu Ding Yin His reign saw the continuation of the Shang's declineTemplate:Sfn
Xiao Yi
Template:Lang
Zi Lian
Template:Lang
Son of Zu Ding Yin Template:Sfn

Late Shang

[edit]

Template:See also

Wu Ding
Template:Lang
Zi Zhao
Template:Lang
1250–1192
(Template:Age in years years)
?–1189 Son of Xiao Yi Yin A powerful king with a lengthy reign. Made his wife Fu Hao the a military general and is purportedly defeated the mostly-unknown Guifang people.Template:Sfn The first ruler whose name is included in oracle bones which date to his reign.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn
Zu Geng
Template:Lang
Zi Yue
Template:Lang
1191–1148
(Template:Age in years years)
1188–1178
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wu Ding Yin Possibly commissioned the Houmuwu ding in memory of his mother Fu JingTemplate:SfnpTemplate:SfnTemplate:Efn
Zu Jia
Template:Lang
Zi Zai
Template:Lang
1177–1158
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wu Ding Yin Reformed the ritual and calendar systems, as recording in the Book of DocumentsTemplate:Sfn
Lin Xin (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Zi Xian
Template:Lang
1157–1149
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zu Jia Yin Due to inconsistencies in the oracle bone inscriptions, it is possible he did not reign.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn
Geng Ding
Template:Lang
Kang Ding
Template:Lang
Zi Xiao
Template:Lang
1148–1132
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zu Jia Yin His reign accelerated the dynasty's declineTemplate:Sfn
Wu Yi
Template:Lang
Zi Qu
Template:Lang
1147–1131
(Template:Age in years years)
1131–1117
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Geng Ding Yin, Hebei, then Mo Engaged in numerous military campaigns, including against the state of Yiqu. Traditionally held to have been killed by a lightning strike, considered a bad omenTemplate:Sfn
Wen Wu Ding
Template:Lang
Wen Ding
Template:Lang
Zi Tuo
Template:Lang
1112–1102
(Template:Age in years years)
1116–1106
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wu Yi Yin The Predynastic Zhou rose in power during his reign, led by Ji, King of ZhouTemplate:Sfn
Di Yi
Template:Lang
Zi Xian
Template:Lang
1101–1076
(Template:Age in years years)
1105–1087
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wen Wu Ding Yin Supposedly married his daughter to King Wen of Zhou,Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn or married his sister to Ji, King of ZhouTemplate:Sfn
Di Xin
Template:Lang
Zi Shou
Template:Lang
1075–1046
(Template:Age in years years)
1086–1045
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Di Yi Yin Killed by Ji Fa during the Battle of MuyeTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn

Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE)

[edit]

Template:Further

Zhou dynasty (周; c. 1046–256 BCE)
Posthumous nameTemplate:Sfn Personal name Tentative reign (BCE) Traditional successionTemplate:Sfn Purported life details
XSZ ProjectTemplate:SfnTemplate:Sfn Template:AbbrTemplate:Sfn

Western Zhou

[edit]

Template:See also

Wu
Template:Lang
Ji Fa
Template:Lang
1046–1043
(Template:Age in years years)
1049–1043
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of King Wen Defeated the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang in the Battle of MuyeTemplate:Sfn
Cheng
Template:Lang
Ji Song
Template:Lang
1042–1021
(Template:Age in years years)
1042–1006
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wu Most of his reign was controlled by the Duke of Zhou, who suppressed the Rebellion of the Three GuardsTemplate:Sfn
Kang
Template:Lang
Ji Zhao
Template:Lang
1020–996
(Template:Age in years years)
1005–978
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Cheng His accession established Zhou primogeniture. A largely peaceful reignTemplate:Sfn
Zhao
Template:Lang
Ji Xia
Template:Lang
995–977
(Template:Age in years years)
977–957
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Kang Lost the Zhou–Chu War, during which he died. His reign marked the Zhou's gradual declineTemplate:Sfn
Mu
Template:Lang
Ji Man
Template:Lang
976–922
(Template:Age in years years)
956–918
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zhao Engaged in many destabilizing territory conflictsTemplate:Sfn
Gong
Template:Lang
Ji Yihu
Template:Lang
922–900
(Template:Age in years years)
917–900
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Mu Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfn
Yih
Template:Lang
Ji Jian
Template:Lang
899–892
(Template:Age in years years)
899–873
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Gong Little is known of his reign; may have been removed from power by XiaoTemplate:Sfn
Xiao
Template:Lang
Ji Pifang
Template:Lang
891–886
(Template:Age in years years)
872–866
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Mu Little is known of his reignTemplate:Sfn

Template:Lang
Ji Xie
Template:Lang
885–878
(Template:Age in years years)
865–858
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Yih Continued decline of the ZhouTemplate:Sfn
Li
Template:Lang
Ji Hu
Template:Lang
877–841
(Template:Age in years years)
857–842
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Yí Traditionally considered a corrupt and cruel ruler. Exiled amid a peasant rebellionTemplate:Sfn
Gonghe Regency (共和; 841–828)Template:Sfn
Xuan
Template:Lang
Ji Jing
Template:Lang
827–782 Son of Li Had military successes, aiming to restore Zhou authorityTemplate:Sfn
You
Template:Lang
Ji Gongnie
Template:Lang
781–771
(Template:Age in years years)
782–771
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Xuan Numerous natural disasters occurred, after which Quanrong him and overran the capitalTemplate:Sfn

Eastern Zhou

[edit]

Template:See also

Spring and Autumn period (春秋時代; 770–476 BCE)
Ping
Template:Lang
Ji Yijiu
Template:Lang
770–720
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of You Moved the capital to LuoyangTemplate:Sfn
Huan
Template:Lang
Ji Lin
Template:Lang
719–697
(Template:Age in years years)
Grandson of Ping Defeated by the Duke of Zheng at the Battle of Xuge, accelerating the Zhou dynasty's decline in powerTemplate:Sfn
Zhuang
Template:Lang
Ji Tuo
Template:Lang
696–682
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Huan Royal court's authority began decliningTemplate:Sfn
Xi
Template:Lang
Ji Huqi
Template:Lang
681–677
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zhuang Briefly reigned as the Duke Huan led the Qi to surpass the Zhou in powerTemplate:Sfn
Hui
Template:Lang
Ji Lang
Template:Lang
676–652
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Xi Slowed the Chu state's riseTemplate:Sfn
Xiang
Template:Lang
Ji Zheng
Template:Lang
651–619
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Hui Briefly deposed by his brother, but reinstated by Duke WenTemplate:Sfn
Qing
Template:Lang
Ji Renchen
Template:Lang
618–613
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Xiang Briefly reignedTemplate:Sfn
Kuang
Template:Lang
Ji Ban
Template:Lang
612–607
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Qing Increasing fighting between surrounding kingdomsTemplate:Sfn
Ding
Template:Lang
Ji Yu
Template:Lang
606–586
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Qing Continued fighting of surrounding kingdomsTemplate:Sfn
Jian
Template:Lang
Ji Yi
Template:Lang
585–572
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Ding Continued fighting of surrounding kingdomsTemplate:Sfn
Ling
Template:Lang
Ji Xiexin
Template:Lang
571–545
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Jian Weakened relations with surrounding kingdomsTemplate:Sfn
Jing
Template:Lang
Ji Gui
Template:Lang
544–521
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Ling Died without an heir, causing a power struggle and rebellionTemplate:Sfn
Dao
Template:Lang
Ji Meng
Template:Lang
520
(less than a year)
Son of Jing (544–521) Briefly ruled before being murdered by his brotherTemplate:Sfn
Jing
Template:Lang
Ji Gai
Template:Lang
519–476
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Jing (544–521) Briefly exiled during a revolt. Ruled during the lifetime of ConfuciusTemplate:Sfn
Warring States period (戰國時代; 475–221 BCE)
Yuan
Template:Lang
Ji Ren
Template:Lang
475–469
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Jing (519–476) Decline in Zhou's powerTemplate:Sfn
Zhending
Template:Lang
Ji Jie
Template:Lang
468–442
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Yuan Continued decline of ZhouTemplate:Sfn
Ai
Template:Lang
Ji Quji
Template:Lang
441
(less than a year)
Son of Zhending Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by SiTemplate:Sfn
Si
Template:Lang
Ji Shu
Template:Lang
441
(less than a year)
Son of Zhending Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by KaoTemplate:Sfn
Kao
Template:Lang
Ji Wei
Template:Lang
440–426
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zhending Template:Sfn
Weilie
Template:Lang
Ji Wu
Template:Lang
425–402
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Kao Template:Sfn
An
Template:Lang
Ji Jiao
Template:Lang
401–376
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Weilie Wei increased in powerTemplate:Sfn
Lie
Template:Lang
Ji Xi
Template:Lang
375–369
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of An Template:Sfn
Xian
Template:Lang
Ji Bian
Template:Lang
368–321
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of An Qin began to rise in powerTemplate:Sfn
Shenjing
Template:Lang
Ji Ding
Template:Lang
320–315
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Xian Qin's power grew significantly during his reignTemplate:Sfn
Nan
Template:Lang
Ji Yan
Template:Lang
314–256
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Shenjing Longest reigning Zhou ruler, though held little power amid the divided kingdom. Conquered and deposed by King Zhaoxiang of QinTemplate:Sfn

Early imperial China

[edit]

Qin dynasty (221–207 BCE)

[edit]

Template:Further

Qin dynasty (秦朝; 221–207 BCE)Template:Sfnm
Dynastic name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Qin Shi HuangTemplate:Efn
Template:Lang
Ying Zheng
Template:Lang
Zhao Zheng
Template:Lang
221Template:Efn – July 210 BCETemplate:Efn
(11 years)
Son of King Zhuangxiang of Qin. As King Zheng of Qin, he conquered the six other states during the Warring States period and proclaimed himself Emperor (皇帝; Huangdi).Template:Sfn 259 – July 210 BCE
(Template:Age in years years)
Instilled a Legalist philosophy, combined preexisting walls into the Great Wall of China, and built the Lingqu canal and the Terracotta Army. Died of sudden illness,Template:Sfn possibly alchemical elixir poisoningTemplate:Sfn
Qin Er ShiTemplate:Efn
Template:Lang
Ying Huhai
Template:Lang
210Template:Efn – October 207 BCE
(3 years)
Second son of Qin Shi Huang. Put on the throne by Li Si and Zhao Gao, who forced the appointed heir Fusu to commit suicide.Template:Sfn 231/222 – October 207 BCE
(Template:Age in years/Template:Age in years years)
His reign was completely dominated by Zhao Gao. Forced by Zhao to commit suicideTemplate:Sfn
As the Qin dynasty greatly weakened in power, the Chu–Han Contention began in 206 BCE and ended with Liu Bang inaugurating the Han dynasty in 202 BCETemplate:Efn

Han and Xin dynasties (202 BCE – 220 CE)

[edit]

Template:Main list Template:Further

Template:Legend

Han (漢朝; 202 BCE – 9 CE; 25–220 CE) and Xin (新; 9–23 CE) dynasties
Posthumous name Personal name ReignTemplate:Sfnm Succession Life details

Western Han (202 BCE – 9 CE)

[edit]

Template:See also

Gaozu
Template:Lang
Gao
Template:Lang
Liu Bang
Template:Lang
28 February 202Template:Efn– 1 June 195 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Unified China and proclaimed himself Emperor after victory in the Chu–Han Contention 256 – 1 June 195 BCE
(aged 61)
Among the most revered Chinese emperors. Died from an arrow injury in a campaign against Ying BuTemplate:Sfnm
Hui
Template:Lang
Liu Ying
Template:Lang
23 June 195 – 26 September 188 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Son of Gao 210 – 26 September 188 BCE
(aged 22)
His reign was largely dominated by his mother Empress Lü. Died from an unknown illnessTemplate:Sfnm
QianshaoTemplate:Efn (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Liu Gong
Template:Lang
19 October 188 – 15 June 184 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Purportedly a son of HuiTemplate:Efn ? – after 184 BCE
An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Deposed and put under house arrest; unknown date of death after 184Template:Sfnm
HoushaoTemplate:Efn (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Liu Yi
Template:Lang
Liu Hong
Template:Lang
15 June 184 – 15 August 180 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Purportedly a son of HuiTemplate:Efn ? – 14 November 180
An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Put to death by the House of LüTemplate:Sfnm
Wen
Template:Lang
Liu Heng
Template:Lang

14 November 180 – 6 July 157 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gao 203/202 – 6 July 157 BCE
(aged 46)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Jing
Template:Lang
Liu Qi
Template:Lang

14 July 157 – 10 March 141 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Wen 188 – 10 March 141 BCE
(aged 47)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Wu
Template:Lang
Liu Che
Template:Lang

10 March 141 – 29 March 87 BCETemplate:Efn
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Jing 157/156 – 29 March 87 BCETemplate:Efn
(aged 69)
Among the longest reigning and highly regarded Chinese emperors. Expanded the Han dynasty considerably. Died from an unknown illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Zhao
Template:Lang
Liu Fuling
Template:Lang

30 March 87 – 5 June 74 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Wu 94 – 5 June 74 BCE
(aged 20)
Died from natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, known as
Marquis of Haihun (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Liu He
Template:Lang
18 July – 14 August 74 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Grandson of Wu 92–59 BCE
(aged 32–33)
Briefly installed by Huo Guang and not often considered legitimate. Died from natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Xuan
Template:Lang
Liu Bingyi
Template:Lang
Liu Xun
Template:Lang

10 September 74 – 10 January 48 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-grandson Wu 91 – 10 January 48 BCE
(aged 43)
His reign is sometimes considered a cultural and political 'renaissance'. Died from natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Yuan
Template:Lang
Liu Shi
Template:Lang

29 January 48 – 3 July 33 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuan 75 – 8 July 33 BCE
(aged 42)
Died from an unknown illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Cheng
Template:Lang
Liu Ao
Template:Lang

4 August 33 – 17 April 7 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yuan 51 – 17 April 7 BCE
(aged 44)
Died from a stroke or possibly complications from an aphrodisiac overdoseTemplate:Sfnm
Ai
Template:Lang
Liu Xin
Template:Lang

7 May 7 – 15 August 1 BCE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Yuan 27 – 15 August 1 BCE
(aged 26)
Died from an unknown illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Ping
Template:Lang
Liu Kan
Template:Lang

17 October 1 BCE – 3 February 6 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Yuan 9 BCE – 3 February 6 CE
(aged 14)
His reign was dominated by Wang Zhengjun and Wang Mang. He was murdered, possibly by orders from the latter.Template:Sfnm
None, known as
Ruzi Ying (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Liu Ying
Template:Lang

17 April 6 – 10 January 9 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Cousin-once-removed of Ping 5 – 25 CE
(aged 20)
A child puppet of Wang Mang; often not considered legitimate. He later attempted to succeed the Gengshi Emperor, but was killed by himTemplate:Sfnm

Xin dynasty (9–23 CE)

[edit]

Template:See also

Wang Mang
Template:Lang

10 January 9 – 6 October 23 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
After dominating the reign of Emperor Ping, Wang Mang overthrew him and established the short-lived Xin dynasty 46 BCE – 6 October 23 CE
(aged 68)
Established the Xin dynasty, but his drastic reforms incited the Red Eyebrows and Lulin peasant rebellions which collapsed the dynasty.Template:Sfnm

Gengshi Emperor (23–25 CE)

[edit]
None, known by his era:
Gengshi (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Liu Xuan
Template:Lang

11 March 23 – November 25 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Descendant of Jing ? – November 25 CE
Strangled on the orders of Template:Ill, a leader of the Red Eyebrows. Sometimes considered a pretender and illegitimateTemplate:Sfn

Eastern Han (25–220 CE)

[edit]

Template:See also

Guangwu
Template:Lang
Liu Xiu
Template:Lang

5 August 25 – 29 March 57 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Descendant of Jing 15 January 5 BCE – 29 March 57 CE
(aged 62)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Ming
Template:Lang
Liu Yang
Template:Lang
Liu Zhuang
Template:Lang

29 March 57 – 5 September 75 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Guangwu 28 – 5 September 75 CE
(aged 48)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Zhang
Template:Lang
Liu Da
Template:Lang

5 September 75 – 9 April 88 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Ming 56 – 9 April 88 CE
(aged 32)
His reign marked the beginning of the Han's decline. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
He
Template:Lang
Liu Zhao
Template:Lang

9 April 88 – 13 February 106 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhang 79 – 13 February 106
(aged 27)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Shang
Template:Lang
Liu Long
Template:Lang

13 February – 21 September 106 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of He 105 – 21 September 106
(aged 4)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
An
Template:Lang
Liu Hu
Template:Lang
Liu You
Template:Lang

23 September 106 – 30 April 125 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Zhang 94 – 30 April 125
(aged 32)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, known as
Marquess of Beixiang (Template:Hash-tag)
Template:Lang
Liu Yi
Template:Lang
18 May – 10 December 125 CETemplate:Efn
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Grandson of Emperor Zhang ?–125 CE
Briefly reigned, probably as a child; often not considered legitimate. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn
Shun
Template:Lang
Liu Bao
Template:Lang

16 December 125 – 20 September 144
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of An 115 – 20 September 144 CE
(aged 29)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Chong
Template:Lang
Liu Bing
Template:Lang

20 September 144 – 15 February 145
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shun 143 – 15 February 145 CE
(aged 2)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Zhi
Template:Lang
Liu Zuan
Template:Lang

6 March 145 – 26 July 146
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Cousin of Chong and great-grandson of Emperor Zhang 138 – 26 July 146 CE
(aged 7–8)
His reign was dominated by Liang Ji, who may have poisoned him. Otherwise he died from food poisoningTemplate:Sfnm
Huan
Template:Lang
Liu Zhi
Template:Lang

1 August 146 – 25 January 168
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-grandson of Zhang 132 – 25 January 168 CE
(aged 36)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Ling
Template:Lang
Liu Hong
Template:Lang

17 February 168 – 13 May 189
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-great-grandson of Zhang 156 – 13 May 189 CE
(aged 32–33)
Died of an unknown illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Prince of Hongnong (Template:Hash-tag)
  Template:Lang
Liu Bian
Template:Lang

15 May – 28 September 189 CE
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Ling 173/176 – 22 March 190 CE
(aged 13–14)
Briefly reigned as a child; often not considered legitimate. Poisoned by Dong ZhuoTemplate:Sfn
Xian
Template:Lang
Liu Xie
Template:Lang

28 September 189 – 11 December 220Template:Efn
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Ling 2 April 181 – 21 April 234
(aged 53)
A puppet of Dong Zhuo and later Cao Cao. Forced to abdicate by Cao Pi, but spared. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Cao Cao is defeated at the Battle of Red Cliffs by Sun Quan and Liu Bei, preventing him from uniting seceded southern Han territory. The region becomes split into three competing powers: Cao Wei, Eastern Wu, and Shu Han.Template:Sfnm

Six Dynasties

[edit]

Template:Further

Three Kingdoms (220–280)

[edit]

Template:Further

Cao Wei (220–266)

[edit]

Template:Further

Cao Wei (曹魏; 220–266)
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Cao Pi
Template:Lang
Emperor Wen
Template:Lang
11 December 220 – 29 June 226
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
The eldest surviving son of Cao Cao. Inherited what lands the Eastern Han dynasty still controlled to found the Cao Wei state 187 – 29 June 226
(aged 38–39)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Cao Rui
Template:Lang
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
29 June 226 – 22 January 239
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Cao Pi and grandson of Cao Cao Template:Circa – 22 January 239
(aged 34–35)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Cao Fang
Template:Lang
Emperor Shao
Template:Lang

Emperor Fei
Template:Lang
22 January 239 – 16 October 254
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Adopted heir by Cao Rui, who had no sons of his own. He was presumably related to the imperial family in some way 231–274
(aged 42–43)
His reign was completely dominated by Cao Shuang, Sima Yi and Sima Shi, the latter of which eventually deposed Cao Fang. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Cao Mao
Template:Lang
Duke of Gaogui District
Template:Lang
2 November 254 – 2 June 260
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
The cousin of Cao Fang and grandson of Cao Pi. Put on the throne by Sima Shi Template:Circa – 9 July 260
(aged 18–19)
His reign was completely dominated by Sima Shi and Sima Zhao. Died in a failed coup to regain power from Sima ZhaoTemplate:Sfnm
Cao Huan
Template:Lang
Emperor Yuan
Template:Lang
27 July 260 – 4 February 266
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Cao Cao and the first cousin once-removed of Cao Mao 245–302
(aged 56–57)
His reign was completely dominated by Sima Zhao and Sima Yan. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm

Shu Han (221–263)

[edit]

Template:Further

Shu Han (蜀漢; 221–263)
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Liu Bei
Template:Lang
Emperor Zhaolie
Template:Lang
15 May 221 – 10 June 223
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Claimed to descend from Emperor Jing of Han. Conquered the Yi Province to found the Shu Han state 161 – 10 June 223
(aged 61–62)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Shan
Template:Lang
Emperor Xiaohuai
Template:Lang
June 223 – December 263
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
The son of Liu Bei 207–271
(aged 63–64)
Abdicated after the fall on the Shu capital of Chengdu in 263.Template:Sfnm

Eastern Wu (222–280)

[edit]

Template:Further

Eastern Wu (東吳; 222–280)
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Sun Quan
Template:Lang
Emperor Da
Template:Lang
23 May 229 – May 252
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
The son of Sun Jian; inherited the conquests of his brother Sun Ce. Proclaimed "King of Wu" in 221 and later "Emperor" in 229 182–252
(aged 69–70)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Sun Liang
Template:Lang
Emperor Fei
Template:Lang
May 252 – 9 November 258
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Sun Quan 243–260
(aged 16–17)
His reign was completely dominated by three successive regents: Zhuge Ke, Sun Jun and Sun Chen. He was later deposed and died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Sun Xiu
Template:Lang
Emperor Jing
Template:Lang
30 November 258 – 3 September 264
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Sun Quan 235–264
(aged 28–29)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Sun Hao
Template:Lang
Emperor Mo
Template:Lang
3 September 264 – 1 May 280
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Sun He, former heir apparent to Sun Quan 241–283
(aged 41–42)
Eastern Wu was conquered by Sima Yan in 280. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn

Jin dynasty (266–420)

[edit]

Template:Further

Jin dynasty (晉朝; 266–420)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details

Western Jin (266–316)

[edit]

Template:See also

Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
Sima Yan
Template:Lang

8 February 266 – 16 May 290
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Prince Sima Zhao, proclaimed emperor after the abdication of Cao Huan of Wei. He unified China after conquering Eastern Wu in 280 236–290
(aged 53–54)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Hui
Template:Lang
Sima Zhong
Template:Lang

16 May 290 – 8 January 307
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wu, ruled under the regency of his wife, Jia Nanfeng, until her death in 300 CE 259–307
(aged 47–48)
Possibly mentally unstable, his reign was marked by the disastrous War of the Eight Princes. He was poisoned by Sima YueTemplate:Sfnm
Sima Lun
Template:Lang

3 February – 30 May 301
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Prince of Zhao and son of Sima Yi, briefly usurped power from Emperor Hu One of the infamous Eight Princes; often seen as an usurper. He was forced to commit suicide by Princes Jiong, Ying and YongTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Huai
Template:Lang
Sima Chi
Template:Lang

8 January 307 – 14 March 311
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Emperor Hui 284–313
(aged 30–31)
His reign, dominated by Sima Yue, saw widespread ethnic rebellions. He was deposed and killed by the Han-ZhaoTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Min
Template:Lang
Sima Ye
Template:Lang

14 March 313 – 7 February 316
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Emperor Huai, proclaimed emperor in Chang'an after the fall of Luoyang to the Five Barbarians. 300 – 7 February 316
(aged 15–16)
Killed by Liu Cong of Han-ZhaoTemplate:Sfnm

Eastern Jin (318–420)

[edit]

Template:See also

Emperor Yuan
Template:Lang
Sima Rui
Template:Lang

26 April 318 – 3 January 323
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-grandson of Sima Yi, proclaimed himself emperor with the help of Wang Dun in Jiankang after the fall of Chang'an. 276 – 323
(aged 47)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
Sima Shao
Template:Lang

3 January 323 – 18 October 325
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Yuan 299 – 325
(aged 26)
His reign was dominated by Wang Dao and antagonized by Wang Dun. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Cheng
Template:Lang
Sima Yan
Template:Lang
19 October 325 – 26 July 342
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Ming, ruled initially under the regency of Yu Wenjun 321 – 342
(aged 21)
Dominated by Yu Liang, he was briefly deposed in 328 by rebel Su Jun. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Kang
Template:Lang
Sima Yue
Template:Lang

27 July 342 – 17 November 344
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Ming 322 – 344
(aged 22)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Mu
Template:Lang
Sima Dan
Template:Lang

18 November 344 – 10 July 361
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Kang, "ruled" under the regency of Empress Dowager Chu until 357 343 – 361
(aged 18)
The youngest Chinese emperor.Template:Efn Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Ai
Template:Lang
Sima Pi
Template:Lang

13 July 361 – 30 March 365
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Cheng, reigned alongside Empress Dowager Chu 341 – 365
(aged 24)
Died of drug poisoningTemplate:Sfnm
none, known as:
Emperor FeiTemplate:Efn
Template:Lang
Sima Yi
Template:Lang

31 March 365 – 6 January 372
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Cheng 342 – 386
(aged 44)
Deposed by Huan Wen, later dying of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Jianwen
Template:Lang
Sima Yu
Template:Lang

6 January – 19 August 372
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Yuan and great-great-grandson of Sima Yi, enthroned by Huan Wen 320 – 372
(aged 52)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xiaowu
Template:Lang
Sima Yao
Template:Lang

19 August 372 – 6 November 396
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Jianwen 362 – 396
(aged 34)
His army's defeat of the Former Qin army at the Battle of Fei River led to the eventual collapse of the Former Qin. Killed by a jealous concubineTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor An
Template:Lang
Sima Dezong
Template:Lang

7 November 396 – 28 January 419
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Xiaowu 382/3 – 419
(aged 36–37)
Dominated by Sima Daozi, Huan Xuan and Liu Yu, he was killed by the latterTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Gong
Template:Lang
Sima Dewen
Template:Lang

28 January 419 – 5 July 420
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Xiaowu 386 – 12 November 421
(aged 35)
Abdicated in favor of Liu Yu (Emperor Wu of Song), later assassinatedTemplate:Sfnm

Sixteen Kingdoms (304–439)

[edit]

Template:Further

Cheng Han (成漢; 304–347)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Li Xiong
Template:Lang
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
304–334
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of rebel Li Te, proclaimed himself King in 304 and then Emperor in 306 274–334
(aged 59–60)
Died of diseaseTemplate:Sfnm
Li Ban
Template:Lang
Emperor Ai
Template:Lang
334
(less than a year)
Nephew of Li Xiong 274–334
(aged 59–60)
Killed by Li QiTemplate:Sfnm
Li Qi
Template:Lang
Duke You
Template:Lang
334–338
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Li Xiong 314–338
(aged 23–24)
Committed suicideTemplate:Sfnm
Li Shou
Template:Lang
Emperor Xiaowen
Template:Lang
338–343
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Li Te, usurped power from Li Qi and renamed the state from "Cheng” to “Han” 300–343
(aged 42–43)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Li Shi
Template:Lang
Marquess of Guiyi
Template:Lang
343–347
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Li Shou Abdicated to Huan Wen after the fall of Cheng in 347. Died of natural causes in 361 in the Eastern Jin capitalTemplate:Sfnm
Han-Zhao (漢趙; 304–319) / Former Zhao (前趙; 319–329)Template:Sfnm
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Liu Yuan
Template:Lang
Emperor Guangwen
Template:Lang
304–310
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Rebelled against the Jin dynasty. Proclaimed himself King of Han in 304 and Emperor in 308 Template:Circa 250–310
(aged approx. 60)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn
Liu He
Template:Lang
310
(less than a year)
Son of Liu Yuan Killed by his brother Liu CongTemplate:Sfn
Liu Cong
Template:Lang
Emperor Zhaowu
Template:Lang
310–318
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Liu Yuan Died of natural causes in 318Template:Sfn
Liu Can
Template:Lang
Emperor Yin
Template:Lang
318
(less than a year)
Son of Liu Cong Killed by officer Jin Zhun in 318Template:Sfn
Liu Yao
Template:Lang
318–329
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Liu Yuan, changed the dynastic title from "Han" to "Zhao" Ended the Western Jin in 316. Captured and killed by Shi Le of Later ZhaoTemplate:Sfn
Later Zhao (後趙; 319–351)
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Shi Le
Template:Lang
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
319–333
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Rebelled with Ji Sang during the War of the Eight Princes. Proclaimed himself King of Zhao in 319 and then Emperor in 330 374–333
(aged 58–59)
Ended the Former Zhao in 329. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Hong
Template:Lang
333–334
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shi Le 313–334
(aged 20–21)
Deposed and killed by Shi HuTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Hu
Template:Lang
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
334–349
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Shi Le, usurped power from Shi Hong in 334. Ruled as Heavenly King until 349 295–349
(aged 53–54)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Shi
Template:Lang
349
(less than a year)
Son of Shi Hu 339–349
(aged 9–10)
MurderedTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Zun
Template:Lang
349
(less than a year)
Son of Shi Hu Killed by Ran MinTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Jian
Template:Lang
349–350
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shi Hu, enthroned by Ran Min Killed by Ran MinTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Zhi
Template:Lang
350–351
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shi Hu Gave up the imperial title in 351, later killed by a subordinate officerTemplate:Sfnm
Former Liang (前涼; 320–376)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Zhang Mao
Template:Lang
Duke Cheng
Template:Lang
320–324
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of governor Zhang Gui 377–324
(aged 52–53)
Made vassal of Former Zhao in 323. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Zhang Jun
Template:Lang
Duke Zhongcheng
Template:Lang
324–346
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of governor Zhang Shi 307–346
(aged 38–39)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Zhang Chonghua
Template:Lang
Duke Huan
Template:Lang
346–353
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Zhang Jun, didn't assume the dynastic title until 349 327–353
(aged 25–26)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Zhang Yaoling
Template:Lang
Duke Ai
Template:Lang
353
(less than a year)
Son of Zhang Chonghua 344–355
(aged 25–26)
Killed by Zhang ZuoTemplate:Sfnm
Zhang Zuo
Template:Lang
King Wei
Template:Lang
354–355
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhang Jun Discontinued the use of Western Jin era names before being killed in 355Template:Sfnm
Zhang Xuanjing
Template:Lang
Duke Chong
Template:Lang
355–363
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhang Chonghua 350–363
(aged 12–13)
Killed by Zhang TianxiTemplate:Sfnm
Zhang Tianxi
Template:Lang
Duke Dao
Template:Lang
363–376
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhang Jun 346–406
(aged 59–60)
Surrendered to the Former Qin, later dying of natural causes in Eastern JinTemplate:Sfnm
Former Yan (前燕; 337–370)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Murong Huang
Template:Lang
Emperor Wenming
Template:Lang
337–348
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of governor Murong Hui, proclaimed himself Prince of Yan in 337. Remained loyal to the Jin 297–348
(aged 50–51)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Murong Jun
Template:Lang
Emperor Jingzhao
Template:Lang
348–360
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Murong Huang, proclaimed himself Emperor in 352 319–360
(aged 38–39)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Murong Wei
Template:Lang
Emperor You
Template:Lang
360–370
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Murong Jun, ruled under the regency of Murong Ping 350–384
(aged 33–34)
Captured by Former Qin in 370, executed by Fu Jiān in 384 after a failed coupTemplate:Sfnm
Former Qin (前秦; 351–394)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Fu Jiàn
Template:Lang
Emperor Jingming
Template:Lang
351–355
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Prince Hong, leader of the Di. Proclaimed Heavenly King and Great Chanyu after Hong's murder in 351, became Emperor in 352 307 or 317–355
(aged 48 or 38)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Fu Sheng
Template:Lang
Prince Li
Template:Lang
355–357
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Fu Jiàn 335–357
(aged 22)
Killed by his cousinTemplate:Sfnm
Fu Jiān
Template:Lang
Emperor Xuanzhao
Template:Lang
357–385
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Fu Hong, ruled as Heavenly King 338–385
(aged 47)
Conquered Former Yan, Former Liang, and Dai. Killed by Yao Chang.Template:Sfnm
Fu Pi
Template:Lang
Emperor Aiping
Template:Lang
385–386
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Fu Jiān Defeated by Murong Yong of Western Yan, later killed by the Eastern Jin armyTemplate:Sfnm
Fu Deng
Template:Lang
Emperor Gao
Template:Lang
386–394
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandnephew of Fu Jiān 343–394
(aged 51)
Killed by Yao Xing of Later QinTemplate:Sfnm
Fu Chong
Template:Lang
394
(less than a year)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Fu Deng Killed by Qifu Qiangui of Western QinTemplate:Sfnm
Later Yan (後燕; 384–409)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Murong Chui
Template:Lang
Emperor Wucheng
Template:Lang
384–396
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Prince Murong Huang of Former Yan, reestablished his kingdom after the Battle of Fei River 326–396
(aged 70)
Conquered Western Yan in 394Template:Sfnm
Murong Bao
Template:Lang
Emperor Huimin
Template:Lang
396–398
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Murong Chui 355–398
(aged 43)
Killed by the usurper Lan HanTemplate:Sfnm
Murong Sheng
Template:Lang
Emperor Zhaowu
Template:Lang
398–401
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Murong Bao, came to power after killing Lan Han 373–401
(aged 28)
Killed by general Duan JiTemplate:Sfnm
Murong Xi
Template:Lang
Emperor Zhaowen
Template:Lang
401–407
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Murong Chui 385–407
(aged 22)
Killed by Feng BaTemplate:Sfnm
Later Qin (後秦; 384–417)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Yao Chang
Template:Lang
Emperor Wuzhao
Template:Lang
384–393
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed King after the Battle of Fei River, then Emperor after killing Fu Jiān of Former Qin 343–394
(aged 51)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Yao Xing
Template:Lang
Emperor Wenhuan
Template:Lang
394–416
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yao Chang 366–416
(aged 50)
Conquered Former Qin and Later Liang. Favored Buddhism and Taoism.Template:Sfnm
Yao Hong
Template:Lang
416–417
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yao Xing 388–417
(aged 29)
Executed by the Eastern JinTemplate:Sfnm
Western Qin (西秦; 385–400, 409–431)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Qifu Guoren
Template:Lang
Prince Xuanlie
Template:Lang
385–388
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Former general of Former Qin Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Qifu Gangui
Template:Lang
Prince Wuyuan
Template:Lang
388–412
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Qifu Guoren Surrendered to Later Qin in 400, reclaimed the throne in 409. Killed by his nephewTemplate:Sfnm
Qifu Chipan
Template:Lang
Prince Wenzhao
Template:Lang
412–428
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Qifu Gangui Conquered Southern Liang in 414Template:Sfnm
Qifu Mumo
Template:Lang
428–431
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Qifu Chipan Killed by the XiaTemplate:Sfnm
Later Liang (後涼; 386–403)Template:Sfnm
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Lü Guang
Template:Lang
Emperor Yiwu
Template:Lang
386–399
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Former general of Former Qin, proclaimed himself Duke of Jiuquan in 386 and Heavenly King in 396 337–399
(aged 19)
Abdicated in favor of his sonTemplate:Sfnm
Lü Shao
Template:Lang
Prince Yin
Template:Lang
399
(less than a year)
Son of Lü Guang Forced to commit suicide by his brotherTemplate:Sfnm
Lü Zuan
Template:Lang
Emperor Ling
Template:Lang
399–401
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Lü Guang Killed by Lü Chao, Guang's nephewTemplate:Sfnm
Lü Long
Template:Lang
401–403
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Lü Guang Killed by Yao Hong of Later QinTemplate:Sfnm
Southern Liang (南涼; 397–414)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Tufa Wugu
Template:Lang
Prince Wu
Template:Lang
397–399
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed himself Great Chanyu Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Tufa Lilugu
Template:Lang
Prince Kang
Template:Lang
399–402
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Elder brother of Tufa Wugu Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Tufa Rutan
Template:Lang
Prince Jing
Template:Lang
402–414
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Elder brother Tufa Lilugu 364–415
(aged 51)
Captured and killed by Western QinTemplate:Sfnm
Northern Liang (北涼; 397–439)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Duan Ye
Template:Lang
397–401
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Governor of Later Liang, proclaimed himself Prince of Liang in 397 Killed by Juqu MengxunTemplate:Sfnm
Juqu Mengxun
Template:Lang
401–433
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Former ally of Duan Ye, proclaimed himself Duke of Zhangye Conquered Western Liang in 421Template:Sfnm
Juqu Mujian
Template:Lang
Prince Ai
Template:Lang
433–439
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Juqu Mengxun Defeated by Northern Wei, later forced to commit suicide in 449 for seditionTemplate:Sfnm
Southern Yan (南燕; 398–410)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Murong De
Template:Lang
Emperor Xianwu
Template:Lang
398–405
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Murong Chui of Later Yan, declared himself Prince in 398 and then Emperor in 400 336–405
(aged 69)
Captured and killed by Western QinTemplate:Sfnm
Murong Chao
Template:Lang
405–410
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Uncertain succession 385–410
(aged 25)
Captured and killed by Eastern JinTemplate:Sfnm
Western Liang (西涼; 400–421)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Li Gao
Template:Lang
Prince Wuzhao
Template:Lang
400–417
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Governor of Dunhuang under Duan Ye of Northern Liang, declared himself Duke 351–417
(aged 66)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Li Xin
Template:Lang
417–420
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Li Gao Killed by Juqu Mengxun of Northern LiangTemplate:Sfnm
Li Xun
Template:Lang
420–421
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Li Gao Committed suicide after the fall of DunhuangTemplate:Sfnm
Helian Xia (胡夏; 407–431)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Helian Bobo
Template:Lang
Emperor Wulie
Template:Lang
407–425
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Subordinate of Yao Xing of Later Qin, declared himself Heavenly King in 407 and then Emperor at Chang'an in 418 381–425
(aged 44)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Helian Chang
Template:Lang
425–428
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Helian Bobo Executed by Northern Wei in 434Template:Sfnm
Helian Ding
Template:Lang
428–431
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Helian Bobo Executed by Tuyuhun in 432Template:Sfnm
Northern Yan (北燕; 407–436)Template:Sfn
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Gao Yun
Template:Lang
Emperor Huiyi
Template:Lang
407–409
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Adopted son of Murong Bao or Later Yan, proclaimed Heavenly King by Feng Ba Killed by his underlingsTemplate:Sfn
Feng Ba
Template:Lang
Emperor Wencheng
Template:Lang
409–430
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Seized power after Yun's death Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn
Feng Hong
Template:Lang
Emperor Zhaocheng
Template:Lang
430–436
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Feng Ba Defeated by Northern Wei, later murdered in GoguryeoTemplate:Sfn

Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589)

[edit]

Template:Further

Northern Dynasties (420–581)

[edit]

Template:Main list

Northern Wei (北魏; 386–535)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Daowu
Template:Lang
Tuoba Gui
Template:Lang
20 February 386 – 409
Template:Collapsible list
Leader of the Tuoba, refounded the Dai State as Wei 371–409
(aged 39)
Killed by his son Tuoba ShaoTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Mingyuan
Template:Lang
Tuoba Si
Template:Lang
409–423
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Daowu 392–423
(aged 31)
Died of diseaseTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Taiwu
Template:Lang
Tuoba Tao
Template:Lang
423–452
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Mingyuan 408–452
(aged 43–44)
Conquered Xia, Northern Yan and Liang. Killed by eunuch Zong AiTemplate:Sfnm
Tuoba Yu
Template:Lang
Tuoba Yu
Template:Lang
452
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Taiwu. Put on the throne by eunuch Zong Ai Killed by Zong AiTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Wencheng
Template:Lang
Tuoba Jun
Template:Lang
452–465
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Taiwu. Ascended to the throne after the murder of Zong. 440–465
(aged 24–25)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xianwen
Template:Lang
Tuoba Hong
Template:Lang
465–471
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Wencheng 454–476
(aged 21–22)
Abdicated in favor of his son Yuan Hong, later dying of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xiaowen
Template:Lang
Tuoba Hong
Template:Lang
Yuan Hong
Template:Lang
471–499
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xianwen, ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Feng until 470. 467–499
(aged 31–32)
One of the most significant reformers in medieval China. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xuanwu
Template:Lang
Yuan Ke
Template:Lang
499–515
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiaowen 483–515
(aged 31–32)
His reign marked the decline of WeiTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xiaoming
Template:Lang
Yuan Xu
Template:Lang
515–528
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuanwu 510–528
(aged 17–18)
Killed in a power struggle against Empress Dowager HuTemplate:Sfnm
None, known as
Youzhu of Northern Wei
Template:Lang
Yuan Zhao
Template:Lang
528 Enthroned by Empress Dowager Hu 526–528
(aged 2)
Killed by general Erzhu RongTemplate:Sfn
Emperor Xiaozhuang
Template:Lang
Yuan Ziyou
Template:Lang
528–530
Template:Collapsible list
Enthroned by Erzhu Rong 507–early 531
(aged 24)
Killed by general Erzhu ZhaoTemplate:Sfnm
Yuan Ye
Template:Lang
Yuan Ye
Template:Lang
530–531
Template:Collapsible list
Enthroned by the Erzhu Clan in opposition to Xiaozhuang Executed in 532Template:Sfnm
Emperor Jiemin
Template:Lang
Yuan Gong
Template:Lang
531–532
Template:Collapsible list
Enthroned by Erzhu Shilong 498–532
(aged 33–34)
Deposed and executed by Gao HuanTemplate:Sfnm
Yuan Lang
Template:Lang
Yuan Lang
Template:Lang
531–532
Template:Collapsible list
Enthroned by Gao Huan 513–532
(aged 19–18)
Deposed and executed by Gao HuanTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xiaowu
Template:Lang
Yuan Xiu
Template:Lang
532–535
Template:Collapsible list
Enthroned by Gao Huan 510–early 535
(aged 25)
Fled to Chang’an, where he was poisoned by Yuwen Tai of Northern ZhouTemplate:Sfnm
Eastern Wei (东魏; 534–550)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Xiaojing
Template:Lang
Yuan Shanjian
Template:Lang
534–550
Template:Collapsible list
Enthroned by Gao Huan 524–552
(aged 27–28)
Forced to abdicate and later poisoned by Gao YangTemplate:Sfnm
Northern Qi (北齐; 550–577)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Wenxuan
Template:Lang
Gao Yang
Template:Lang
550–559
Template:Collapsible list
Regent of Eastern Wei, proclaimed himself emperor after deposing Emperor Xiaojing 529–559
(aged 29–30)
Supposedly suffered insanity in his late reign. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Fei
Template:Lang
Gao Yin
Template:Lang
559–560
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wenxuan, enthroned by official Yang Yin 545–561
(aged 15–16)
Forced to abdicate by his uncles Gao Yan and Gao Zhan, later executedTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xiaozhao
Template:Lang
Gao Yan
Template:Lang
560–561
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gao Huan, seized power through a palace coup 535–559
(aged 25–26)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Wucheng
Template:Lang
Gao Zhan
Template:Lang
561–565
Template:Collapsible list
Brother of Xiaozhao 537–569
(aged 31–32)
Abdicated in favor of his son, later dying of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Gao Wei
Template:Lang
Gao Wei
Template:Lang
565–577
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Wucheng, ruled under his father's regency until 569 557–577
(aged 19–20)
Abdicated in favor of his son, later killed by Northern ZhouTemplate:Sfnm
Gao Heng
Template:Lang
Gao Heng
Template:Lang
577
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gao Wei 557–577
(aged 19–20)
Abdicated in favor of his uncle Gao Jie, but was soon killed alongside himTemplate:Sfnm
Western Wei (西魏; 535–557)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Wen
Template:Lang
Yuan Baoyu
Template:Lang
535–551
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei 507–551
(aged 43–44)
Killed by Yuwen Tai of Northern ZhouTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Fei
Template:Lang
Yuan Qin
Template:Lang
551–554 Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai Poisoned to death by Yuwen TaiTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Gong
Template:Lang
Yuan Kuo
Template:Lang
554–556 Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai 537–557
(aged 19–20)
Abdicated in favor of Yuwen Jue, Tai's son. Killed shortly afterTemplate:Sfnm
Northern Zhou (北周; 557–581)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Xiaomin
Template:Lang
Yuwen Jue
Template:Lang
557 Son of Yuwen Tai, proclaimed himself Heavenly King under Yuwen Hu's patronage and refounded the Northern Wei State as Zhou 542–557
(aged 14–15)
Poisoned to death after a failed coup against Yuwen HuTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
Yuwen Yu
Template:Lang
557–560
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yuwen Tai, ruled alongside Yuwen Hu 534–560
(aged 25–26)
Poisoned to death by Yuwen HuTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
Yuwen Yong
Template:Lang
561–578
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yuwen Tai, sole ruler after deposing Yuwen Hu in 572 543–578
(aged 34–35)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xuan
Template:Lang
Yuwen Yun
Template:Lang
578–579
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yuwen Yong 559–580
(aged 34–35)
He neglected government and abdicated in favor of his sonTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Jing
Template:Lang
Yuwen Yan
Template:Lang
Yuwen Chan
Template:Lang
579–581
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yuwen Yun 573–581
(aged 7–8)
Killed by officer Yang Jian, the future Emperor Wen of SuiTemplate:Sfnm

Southern Dynasties (420–589)

[edit]

Template:Main list

Liu Song dynasty (劉宋, 420–479)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
Liu Yu
Template:Lang
420–422
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed himself emperor after defeating Huan Xuan of Jin in 404, conquering Southern Yan in 410 and taking Later Qin in 417. 363–422
(aged 58–59)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Shao
Template:Lang
Liu Yifu
Template:Lang
422–424
(Template:Age in years years)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wu 406–424
(aged 17–18)
Killed by officer Xu XianzhiTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Wen
Template:Lang
Liu Yilong
Template:Lang
424–453
(Template:Age in years years)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wu 407–453
(aged 45–46)
Killed by his sonTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Shao
Template:Lang
Liu Shao
Template:Lang
453
(less than a year)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wen Template:Circa 426–453
(aged c. 27)
Killed by his brotherTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xiaowu
Template:Lang
Liu Jun
Template:Lang
453–464
(Template:Age in years years)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wen 430–464
(aged 13–14)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Qianfei
Template:Lang
Liu Ziye
Template:Lang
464–465
(Template:Age in years years)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Xiaowu 449–465
(aged 15–16)
Killed in a conspiracyTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
Liu Yu
Template:Lang
466–472
(Template:Age in years years)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wen 439–472
(aged 15–16)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Houfei
Template:Lang
Liu Yu
Template:Lang
472–477
(Template:Age in years years)Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Ming 463–477
(aged 13–14)
Killed by Xiao DaochengTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Shun
Template:Lang
Liu Zhun
Template:Lang
477–479
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Ming, enthroned by Xiao Daocheng, the future Emperor Gao of Southern Qi 467–479
(aged 13–14)
Killed by Xiao DaochengTemplate:Sfnm
Southern Qi (南齊; 479–502)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Gao
Template:Lang
Xiao Daocheng
Template:Lang
479–482
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed himself emperor after overthrowing the Liu Song dynasty 427–482
(aged 54–55)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
Xiao Ze
Template:Lang
482–493
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Gao 440–493
(aged 54–55)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Prince of Yulin
Template:Lang
Xiao Zhaoye
Template:Lang
493–494
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Emperor Wu 473–494
(aged 20–21)
Killed by Xiao LuanTemplate:Sfnm
Xiao Zhaowen
Template:Lang
Xiao Zhaowen
Template:Lang
494
(less than a year)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Xiao Zhaoye 480–494
(aged 13–14)
Killed by Xiao LuanTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
Xiao Luan
Template:Lang
494–498
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Emperor Gao 452–498
(aged 45–46)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Marquess of Donghun
Template:Lang
Xiao Baojuan
Template:Lang
498–501
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiao Luan 483–501
(aged 17–18)
Killed by his underlingsTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor He
Template:Lang
Xiao Baorong
Template:Lang
501–502
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiao Luan, set up in Jiangling in opposition to his brother 488–502
(aged 13–14)
Deposed and killed by Xiao YanTemplate:Sfnm
Liang dynasty (梁; 502–557)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
Xiao Yan
Template:Lang
502–549
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Overthrew the Southern Qi 464–549
(aged 85)
Imprisoned during the rebellion of Hou Jing, died of hungerTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Jianwen
Template:Lang
Xiao Gang
Template:Lang
549–551
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing 503–551
(aged 47–48)
Deposed and killed by Hou JingTemplate:Sfnm
None, known by his personal name Xiao Dong
Template:Lang
551
(less than a year)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Xiao Tong and great-grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing 503–551
(aged 47–48)
Deposed by Hou Jing and killed by Xiao YiTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Yuan
Template:Lang
Xiao Yi
Template:Lang
552–555
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Wu. Sole ruler after defeating Hou Jing in 552 and Xiao Ji in 553. 508–555
(aged 46–47)
Captured and killed by Western WeiTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Min
Template:Lang
Xiao Yuanming
Template:Lang
555
(less than a year)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Wu, enthroned by official Wang Sengbian Deposed by Chen Baxian, died of natural causes in 556Template:Sfnm
Emperor Jin
Template:Lang
Xiao Fangzhi
Template:Lang
555–557
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yuan, enthroned by Chen Baxian 543–558
(aged 14–15)
Deposed and killed by Chen BaxianTemplate:Sfnm
Western Liang (西梁; 555–587)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Xuan
Template:Lang
Xiao Cha
Template:Lang
555–562
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiao Tong and grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Western Wei 519–562
(aged 42–43)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn
Emperor Ming
Template:Lang
Xiao Kui
Template:Lang
562–585
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiao Cha 542–585
(aged 42–43)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn
Emperor Jing
Template:Lang
Xiao Cong
Template:Lang
585–587
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiao Kui Deposed by Emperor Wen of Sui in 587, died of natural causes Template:Circa 607Template:Sfn
Chen dynasty(陳; 557–589)Template:Sfn
Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Emperor Wu
Template:Lang
Chen Baxian
Template:Lang
557–559
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Overthrew the Liang Dynasty 503–559
(aged 55–56)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Wen
Template:Lang
Chen Qian
Template:Lang
559–566
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Chen Baxian 522–566
(aged 43–44)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Fei
Template:Lang
Chen Bozong
Template:Lang
566–568
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Emperor Wen 554–570
(aged 15–16)
Deposed by his uncleTemplate:Sfnm
Emperor Xuan
Template:Lang
Chen Xu
Template:Lang
569–582
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Emperor Wen 528–582
(aged 59–60)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Chen Houzhu
Template:Lang
Chen Shubao
Template:Lang
582–589
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Emperor Xuan 553–604
(aged 50–51)
Neglect of government, he was captured by the Sui army. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm

Mid-imperial China

[edit]

Sui dynasty (581–619)

[edit]

Template:Further

Sui dynasty (隋朝; 581–619)
Portrait Posthumous name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
File:Sui Wendi Tang.jpg Wen
Template:Lang
Yang Jian
Template:Lang

4 March 581 – 13 August 604
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yang Zhong, Duke of Sui. Overthrew the Northern Zhou and conquered the other Chinese states 21 July 541 – 13 August 604
(aged 63)
Instituted several institutional reforms and promoted Buddhism. Murdered by his sonTemplate:Sfnm
File:Sui Yangdi Tang.jpg Yang
Template:Lang
Yang Guang
Template:Lang

21 August 604 – 11 April 618
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Wen 569 – 11 April 618
(aged 51)
Led several construction projects and military campaigns. Overthrown in a rebellion and killed by his underlingsTemplate:Sfnm
Gong
Template:Lang
Yang You
Template:Lang
18 December 617 – 12 June 618Template:Efn
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Wen 605 – 619
(aged 14)
A puppet of Li Yuan. Deposed and later executedTemplate:Sfnm

Tang and Zhou dynasties (618–907)

[edit]

Template:Main list Template:Further

Tang (唐; 618–690; 705–907) and (Wu) Zhou ((武)周; 690–705) dynasties
Portrait Temple name Personal name Reign Succession Life details

Early Tang (618–690)

[edit]
File:TangGaozu.jpg Gaozu
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Yuan
Template:Lang
18 June 618 – 4 September 626
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Li Bing, Duke of Tang and officer of Northern Zhou. Claimed descent from Li Gao, founder of Western Liang 566 – 25 June 635
(aged 69)
Abdicated in favor of his son following the Xuanwu Gate Incident. A fair and capable ruler, his reign is said to have started a golden age in Chinese history, although imperial propaganda often underestimated his reign to exalt that of his sonTemplate:Sfnm
File:TangTaizong- cropped.jpg Taizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Shimin
Template:Lang
4 September 626 – 10 July 649
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gaozu; named heir after the murder of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng in the Xuanwu Gate Incident 23 January 597/99 – 10 July 649
(aged 50–52)
Considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, both as a conqueror and administrator. His reign saw a territorial expansion and economic growth not seen since the Han dynasty. Died after a period of prolonged illness, possibly due to alchemical elixir poisoningTemplate:Sfnm
File:Gaozong of Tang.jpg
(non-contemporary)
Gaozong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Zhi
Template:Lang

15 July 649 – 27 December 683
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Taizong 20 July 628 – 27 December 683
(aged 55)
A well-meaning but ineffectual ruler, his reign was dominated by several successive regencies. Suffered a serious stroke in late 660, whereafter the government was run by his wife, the future Empress Wu Zetian. Died after several years of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Tang Zhongzong.png
(non-contemporary)
Zhongzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Xian
Template:Lang

3 January 684 – 26 February 684
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian 26 November 656 – 3 July 710
(aged 53)
Deposed by his mother after challenging her authorityTemplate:Sfnm
File:Tang Ruizong.png Ruizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Dan
Template:Lang

27 February 684 – 16 October 690
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian 22 June 662 – 13 July 716
(aged 54)
A complete puppet of his mother; forced to abdicateTemplate:Sfnm

Wu Zhou (690–705)

[edit]

Template:See also

File:唐后行從圖 (局部) - 武則天.png none, known as
Wu Zetian
   Template:LangTemplate:Efn
Template:Collapsible list
Wu Zhao
Template:Lang

16 October 690 – 21 February 705
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Former consort of emperors Taizong and Gaozong; regent since November 660, de facto ruler since January 683 623/625 – 16 December 705
(aged 81–83)
Only female sovereign in Chinese history. Notable for her contribution to the Imperial examination system and her support for Buddhism, but also for her violent methods of enforcement. Deposed by Zhang Jianzhi; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm

Tang restoration (705–907)

[edit]
File:Tang Zhongzong.png
(non-contemporary)
Zhongzong
(second reign)
Li Xian
Template:Lang

23 February 705 – 3 July 710
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Restored to the throne by Tang loyalists 26 November 656 – 3 July 710
(aged 53)
A weak ruler; he died after eating a poisoned cake delivered by his wife, Empress WeiTemplate:Sfnm
none, known as
Emperor Shang
Template:LangTemplate:Efn
Li Chongmao
Template:Lang

8 July 710 – 25 July 710
(17 days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhongzong; installed by Empress Wei 698–714 (aged 16)
Second shortest-reigning emperor; deposed in a palace coupTemplate:Sfnm
File:Tang Ruizong.png
(non-contemporary)
Ruizong
(second reign)
Li Dan
Template:Lang

25 July 710 – 8 September 712
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Restored to the throne by detractors of Empress Wei 22 June 662 – 13 July 716
(aged 54)
Spent his reign in a constant power struggle with his sister, Princess Taiping. Abdicated in favor of his son to undermine her influenceTemplate:Sfnm
File:李隆基像.jpg
(non-contemporary)
Xuanzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Longji
Template:Lang

8 September 712 – 12 August 756
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Ruizong 8 September 685 – 3 May 762
(aged 76)
One of the greatest and longest reigning Chinese emperors. The Tang empire reached its peak during his early reign, but fell of grace at the end as a result of the disastrous An Lushan Rebellion. Abdicated in favor of his sonTemplate:Sfnm
File:TangSuzong.jpg Suzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Jun
Template:Lang

12 August 756 – 16 May 762
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuanzong; proclaimed emperor in Lingwu 711 – 16 May 762
(aged 51)
Recaptured Chang'an in November 757. During his reign the eunuchs grew increasingly powerful.Template:Sfnm
File:Tang Daizong.jpg Daizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Chu
Template:Lang

18 May 762 – 10 June 779
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Suzong; proclaimed emperor in Chang'an 9 January 727 – 10 June 779
(aged 52)
Ended the An–Shi Rebellion, but failed to maintain control over the far provincesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Tang Dezong.jpg Dezong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Kuo
Template:Lang

12 June 779 – 25 February 805
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Daizong 27 May 742 – 25 February 805
(aged 62)
Notable for his tax reforms, he also attempted to control regional jiedushi, but this backfired and caused a military mutiny in 783Template:Sfnm
Shunzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Song
Template:Lang

28 February – 28 August 805
(6 months)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Dezong February 761 – 11 February 806
(aged 45)
Aphasic, weak and ill, he was urged to abdicate by the court eunuchsTemplate:Sfnm
File:TangXianzong.jpg
(non-contemporary)
Xianzong
憲宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Chun
Template:Lang

5 September 805 – 14 February 820
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shunzong March 778 – 14 February 820
(aged 41)
Ended the warlord threat, but ended up becoming a puppet of the eunuchs. A drug addict, he was poisoned to death by eunuch Chen HongzhiTemplate:Sfnm
File:Muzong.jpg Muzong
穆宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Heng
Template:Lang

20 February 820 – 25 February 824
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xianzong July 795 – 25 February 824
(aged 28)
Suffered a serious stroke in 822 (while playing polo), whereafter the government was run by eunuchs Wang Shoucheng and Li Fengji.Template:Sfnm
File:帝鉴图说.Recueil Historique des Principaux Traits de la Vie des Empereurs Chinois.95帧图.彩绘册页.约18世纪 (唐敬宗) (cropped).jpg
(non-contemporary)
Jingzong
敬宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Zhan
Template:Lang

29 February 824 – 9 January 827
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Muzong 22 July 809 – 9 January 827
(aged 17)
A reckless player of football; he was killed by eunuchsTemplate:Sfnm
File:TangWenzongAlt.jpg Wenzong
文宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Ang
Template:Lang

13 January 827 – 10 February 840
(13 years lacking 3 days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Muzong 20 November 809 – 10 February 840
(aged 30)
Attempted to eradicate the eunuchs in the Sweet Dew incident (835), but ended up making them stronger. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Tang Wuzong.jpg
(non-contemporary)
Wuzong
武宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Yan
Template:Lang

20 February 840 – 22 April 846
(6 years, 2 months and 2 days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Muzong 2 July 814 – 22 April 846
(aged 31)
Notable for his persecution of Buddhism. Died of drug overdoseTemplate:Sfnm
Xuanzong
宣宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Chen
Template:Lang

25 April 846 – 7 September 859
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xianzong 27 July 810 – 7 September 859
(aged 49)
Arguably the last capable Tang emperor. Notable for his campaigns against the Tibetan Empire. Died of drug overdoseTemplate:Sfnm
File:TangYizong.jpg Yizong
懿宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Cui
Template:Lang

13 September 859 – 15 August 873
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuanzong 28 December 833 – 15 August 873
(aged 39)
A devout Buddhist, but also a cruel and unstable ruler. His reign, which was dominated by eunuchs, saw various revolts that severely weakened imperial powerTemplate:Sfnm
File:唐僖宗帝(殘唐五代史演義傳).jpg
(non-contemporary)
Xizong
僖宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Xuan
Template:Lang

16 August 873 – 20 April 888
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yizong 8 June 862 – 20 April 888
(aged 25)
A puppet of Tian Lingzi, had to flee Chang'an twice due to internal strifeTemplate:Sfnm
None, known by his personal name Li Yun
Template:Lang

31 October 886 – January 887
(3 months)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-grandson of Suzong, took power in Chang'an Died in 887
Killed by Xizong's forces; often seen as an usurperTemplate:Sfnm
File:Zhaozong.jpg Zhaozong
昭宗
Template:Collapsible list
Li Ye
Template:Lang

20 April 888 – 22 September 904
  (Template:Age in years, months and days)Template:Efn
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yizong 31 March 867 – 22 September 904
(aged 37)
His reign saw the final collapse of imperial authority and the rise of new powerful warlords. He was killed by rebel Zhu WenTemplate:Sfnm
better known as
Emperor Ai

Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Zhu
Template:Lang
26 September 904 – 1 June 907
  (Template:Age in years, months and days)Template:Efn
Son of Zhaozong, proclaimed emperor in Luoyang 27 October 892 – 25 March 908
(aged 15)
Installed, deposed, and later killed by Zhu WenTemplate:Sfnm

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

[edit]

Template:Further

Five Dynasties (907–912)

[edit]
Later Liang (後梁; 907–923)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Zhu Wen
Template:Lang
Taizu
Template:Lang
907–912
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Former ally of rebel Huang Chao, defected to the Imperial army in 882 but later betrayed the Tang and proclaimed himself Emperor in Kaifeng 852–912
(aged 60)
Killed by his sonTemplate:Sfnm
Zhu Yougui
Template:Lang
912–913
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhu Wen, usurped power after learning of his father's intentions of adopting Zhu Youwen as heir Died in 913
Described as murderous and lustful, he was killed by his brotherTemplate:Sfnm
Zhu Youzhen
Template:Lang
913–923
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhu Wen 888–923
(aged 35)
Killed by the forces of Li CunxuTemplate:Sfnm
Later Tang (後唐; 923–937)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Li Cunxu
Template:Lang
Zhuangzong
Template:Lang
923–926
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed himself Emperor after conquering Later Liang 885–926
(aged 41)
Killed in a coupTemplate:Sfnm
Li Siyuan
Template:Lang
Mingzong
Template:Lang
926–933
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Adopted son of Li Keyong, took Luoyang and proclaimed himself Emperor after the murder of Li Cunxu 867–933
(aged 66)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Li Conghou
Template:Lang
934
(less than a year)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Li Siyuan 914–early 934
(aged 20)
Killed by Li CongkeTemplate:Sfnm
Li Congke
Template:Lang
934–937
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Adopted son of Li Siyuan, he usurped power from Li Conghou 884/6–936
(aged 50–52)
Defeated by Shi Jingtang of Later Jin, he burned himself to deathTemplate:Sfnm
Later Jin (後晉; 936–947)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Shi Jingtang
Template:Lang
Gaozu
Template:Lang
936–942
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed himself emperor with the help of the Shatuo and Khitan people 892–942
(aged 50)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Shi Chonggui
Template:Lang
942–947
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Nephew of Shi Jingtang 914–947
(aged 33)
Captured by Emperor Taizong of Liao but spared; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Later Han (後漢; 947–951)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Liu Zhiyuan
Template:Lang
Gaozu
Template:Lang
947–948
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Jiedushi under the Later Jin, proclaimed himself emperor after the capture of Shi Chonggui by the Khitan 895–948
(aged 53)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Chengyou
Template:Lang
948–951
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Liu Zhiyuan 931–951
(aged 20)
Killed by the forces of Guo WeiTemplate:Sfnm
Later Zhou (後周; 951–960)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Guo Wei
Template:Lang
Taizu
Template:Lang
951–954
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Officer of Later Han, proclaimed himself emperor and dethroned Liu Chengyou 904–954
(aged 50)
Died of natural causes; introduced reforms that greatly benefited farmingTemplate:Sfnm
Chai Rong
Template:Lang
Shizong
Template:Lang
954–959
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Adopted son of Guo Wei 921–959
(aged 38)
Conquered Eastern and Southwest China; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Chai Zongxun
Template:Lang
959–960
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Chai Rong 953–973
(aged 20)
Deposed by Emperor Taizu of SongTemplate:Sfnm

Ten Kingdoms (907–979)

[edit]
Former Shu (前蜀; 907–925)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Wang Jian
Template:Lang
Gaozu
Template:Lang
907–918
(Template:Age in years years)
Rebelled against the Tang in 891, named Prince in 903 and later proclaimed himself emperor in 907 847–918
(aged 69)
Died of natural causes; known for his great tomb and stone statuesTemplate:Sfnm
Wang Zongyan
Template:Lang
918–925
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wang Jian 899–926
(aged 27)
Lustful and neglected of government, he was killed by Li CunxuTemplate:Sfnm
Yang Wu (楊吳; 907–937)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Yang Xingmi
Template:Lang
Taizu
Template:Lang
902–905
(Template:Age in years years)
Took over Yangzhou in 892 and was named "Prince of Wu" in 902, became independent after the fall of the Tang 852–905
(aged 53)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Yang Wo
Template:Lang
905–908
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Yang Xingmi 886–908
(aged 22)
Killed by Zhang Hao and Xu WenTemplate:Sfnm
Yang Longyan
Template:Lang
908–920
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Yang Xingmi, enthroned by Xu Wen 897–920
(aged 23)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Yang Pu
Template:Lang
920–937
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Yang Xingmi and enthroned by Xu Zhigao (Li Bian), declared himself Emperor in 927 901–938
(aged 37)
Forced to abdicate to Li Bian of Southern Tang; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Ma Chu (馬楚; 907–951)
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Ma Yin
Template:Lang
Prince Wumu
Template:Lang
907–930
(Template:Age in years years)
A carpenter who rose from the ranks to become prefect of Tanzhou in 896, he was named Prince in 927 by Li Siyuan 852–930
(aged 78)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Ma Xisheng
Template:Lang
Prince of Hengyang
Template:Lang
930–932
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Ma Yin 899–932
(aged 33)
An admirer of Zhu Wen, he cooked 50 chickens a day; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Ma Xifan
Template:Lang
Prince Wenzhao
Template:Lang
932–947
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Ma Yin, didn't assume his title until later in his reign 899–947
(aged 48)
Known for his extravagance and his building projects; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Ma Xiguang
Template:Lang
947–951
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Ma Yin Died in 951
Deposed and later killed by his brotherTemplate:Sfnm
Ma Xi'e
Template:Lang
951
(less than a year)
Son of Ma Yin Deposed by his brother, fate unknownTemplate:Sfnm
Ma Xichong
Template:Lang
951
(less than a year)
Son of Ma Yin Deposed by the Southern Tang with the help of Xi’e's supporters, fate unknownTemplate:Sfnm
Wuyue (吳越; 907–978)
Personal name Posthumous name Reign Succession Life details
Qian Liu
Template:Lang
Prince Wusu
Template:Lang
907–932
(Template:Age in years years)
Named "Prince of Wuyue" by Later Liang 852–932
(aged 80)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Qian Yuanguan
Template:Lang
Prince Wensu
Template:Lang
932–941
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Qian Liu 887–941
(aged 54)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Qian Hongzuo
Template:Lang
Prince Zhongxian
Template:Lang
941–947
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Qian Yuanguan 928–947
(aged 69)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Qian Hongzong
Template:Lang
Prince Zhongxun
Template:Lang
947–early 948
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Qian Yuanguan Template:Circa 929–Template:Circa 971
(aged approx. 42)
Deposed by general Hu Jinsi, fate unknownTemplate:Sfnm
Qian Chu
Template:Lang
Prince Zhongyi
Template:Lang
978
(less than a year)
Son of Qian Yuanguan 929–988
(aged 59)
Surrendered to the Song dynasty, died of sudden illness or poisoningTemplate:Sfnm
Min (閩; 909–944) & Yin (殷; 943–945)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Wang Shenzhi
Template:Lang
Taizu
Template:Lang
909–925
(Template:Age in years years)
Younger brother of warlord Wang Chao, named wang of Min by Later Liang 862–925
(aged 63)
One of the most peaceful reign periods of the period; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Wang Yanhan
Template:Lang
926–927
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wang Shenzhi Died in 927
Killed by his brotherTemplate:Sfnm
Wang Yanjun
Template:Lang
Huizong
Template:Lang
927–935
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wang Shenzhi, proclaimed Prince in 928 and later Emperor in 933 Died in 935
Killed by his sonTemplate:Sfnm
Wang Jipeng
Template:Lang
Wang Chang
Template:Lang
Kangzong
Template:Lang
935–939
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wang Yanjun Died in 939
A devout Taoist, he was killed in a coupTemplate:Sfnm
Wang Yanxi
Template:Lang
Jingzong
Template:Lang
939–944
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Wang Shenzhi Died in 944
A despotic ruler, he was killed by Lian Chongyu and his associatesTemplate:Sfnm
Wang Yanzheng
Template:Lang
Gongyi
Template:Lang
945
(less than a year)
Proclaimed himself "Prince of Yin" to rival his brother Wang Yanxi Died in 945
Defeated by Southern Tang, died of natural causes in captivityTemplate:Sfnm
Great Yue (大越; 917–918) Southern Han (南漢; 918–971)
Personal name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Liu Yan
Template:Lang
Gaozu
Template:Lang
917–942
(Template:Age in years years)
Took over of Guangzhou in 911, proclaimed himself Emperor of Yue (renamed "Han" in 918) 889–942
(aged 63)
A despotic and extravagant ruler; died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Bin
Template:Lang
942–943
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Liu Yan 920–943
(aged 63)
An hedonistic ruler; he was killed by his brotherTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Sheng
Template:Lang
Zhongzong
Template:Lang
943–958
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Liu Yan 920–958
(aged 38)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Chang
Template:Lang
958–971
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Liu Sheng 943–980
(aged 37)
Another hedonistic ruler, he surrendered to the Song army and was sparedTemplate:Sfnm
Jingnan (荊南; 924–963)
Personal Name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Gao Jixing
Template:Lang
924–early 929
(Template:Age in years years)
Named King of Nanping by Later Tang in 924, ruled under the vassalage of Wu 858–929
(aged 71)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Gao Conghui
Template:Lang
929–948
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Gao Jixing 891–948
(aged 57)
A weak ruler, he was nicknamed "Gao the Jerk" (高賴子); died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Gao Baorong
Template:Lang
948–960
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Gao Conghui 920–960
(aged 40)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Gao Baoxu
Template:Lang
960–962
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Gao Conghui, effective ruler during the reign of his brother 924–962
(aged 38)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Gao Jichong
Template:Lang
962–963
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Gao Baorong 943–973
(aged 30)
Surrendered to the Song but sparedTemplate:Sfnm
Later Shu (後蜀; 934–965)
Personal Name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Meng Zhixiang
Template:Lang
Gaozu
Template:Lang
934
(less than a year)
Later Tang governor from 926, proclaimed King in 933 and later Emperor in 93 874–934
(aged 60)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Meng Chang
Template:Lang
934–965
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Meng Zhixiang 919–965
(aged 60)
Defeated by the Song dynasty, died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Southern Tang (南唐; 937–976)
Personal Name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Li Bian
Template:Lang
Liezu
Template:Lang
937–943
(Template:Age in years years)
Adopted son of Xu Wen, proclaimed himself Emperor after overthrowing the Yang Wu 888–943
(aged 55)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Li Jing
Template:Lang
Yuanzong
Template:Lang
943–961
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Li Bian 888–943
(aged 55)
Conquered Min and Chu, but failed to ward the attacks of Later Zhou. A distinguished poet, he died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Li Yu
Template:Lang
961–976
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Li Jing 937–978
(aged 41)
A master of the ci poetry, he surrendered to the Song dynasty but was sparedTemplate:Sfnm
Northern Han (北漢; 951–979)
Personal Name Temple name Reign Succession Life details
Liu Chong
Template:Lang
Shizu
Template:Lang
951–954
(Template:Age in years years)
Cousin of Liu Zhiyuan of Later Tang, proclaimed himself Emperor 895–954
(aged 59)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Jun
Template:Lang
Ruizong
Template:Lang
954–968
(Template:Age in years years)
Son of Liu Chong 926–968
(aged 42)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfn
Liu Ji'en
Template:Lang
968
(less than a year)
Adopted son of Liu Jun 935–968
(aged 33)
Killed by Hou BarongTemplate:Sfnm
Liu Jiyuan
Template:Lang
Yingwu
Template:Lang
968–979
(Template:Age in years years)
Adopted son of Liu Jun 956–991
(aged 35)
Surrendered to the Song and sparedTemplate:Sfnm

Late imperial China

[edit]

Song dynasty (960–1279)

[edit]

Template:Main list Template:Further

Song dynasty (宋朝; 960–1279)
Portrait Temple name Personal name Reign Succession Life details

Northern Song (960–1127)

[edit]

Template:See also

File:Song Taizu.jpg Taizu
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Kuangyin
Template:Lang

4 February 960 – 14 November 976
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Proclaimed emperor after deposing Chai Zongxun of Later Zhou. Unified most of China under his rule 21 March 927 – 14 November 976
(aged 49)
Significantly reduced the power of the military in favor of civilian officers. Died in uncertain circumstances, probably illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Emperor Taizong of Song.tif Taizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Jiong
Template:Lang
14 November 976 – 8 May 997
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Younger brother of Taizu 20 November 939 – 8 May 997
(aged 57)
Conquered the last remaining Chinese state in 978, but failed the reconquer former Tang territories, like Vietnam. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Song Zhenzong.jpg Zhenzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Heng
Template:Lang
8 May 997 – 23 March 1022
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Taizong 23 December 968 – 23 March 1022
(aged 53)
Suffered significant defeats to the northern Liao dynasty, leading to the Chanyuan Treaty. Died after a prolonged period of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Song Renzong.jpg Renzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Zhen
Template:Lang
23 March 1022 – 30 April 1063
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhenzong 30 May 1010 – 30 April 1063
(aged 52)
Ruled under the regency of Empress Liu until 1033. His long reign, the longest of the Song dynasty, saw several developments in culture, philosophy and artsTemplate:Sfnm
File:Song Yingzong 1.jpg Yingzong
Template:Lang

Template:Collapsible list

Zhao Shu
Template:Lang
1 May 1063 – 25 January 1067
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhao Yunrang, a grandson of Emperor Taizong, and adopted son of Emperor Renzong 16 February 1032 – 25 January 1067
(aged 34)
Ruled initially under the regency of Empress Dowager Cao. Died after several years of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Shenzong.jpg Shenzong
Template:Lang

Template:Collapsible list

Zhao Xu
Template:Lang
25 January 1067 – 1 April 1085
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yingzong 25 May 1048 – 1 April 1085
(aged 36)
Best known by the implementation of the "New Policies". Died of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Zhezong.jpg Zhezong
Template:Lang

Template:Collapsible list

Zhao Xu
Template:Lang
1 April 1085 – 23 February 1100
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shenzong 4 January 1077 – 23 February 1100
(aged 23)
Ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Gao until 1093. Died of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Seated Portrait of Emperor Song Huizong.tif Huizong
Template:Lang

Template:Collapsible list

Zhao Ji
Template:Lang
23 February 1100 – 18 January 1126
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shenzong 7 June 1082 – 4 June 1135
(aged 52)
A remarkable patron of the arts and an artist himself, but a weak ruler and politician. Abdicated during the Jurchen Jin siege of Kaifeng. Captured by the Jin shortly after; died in captivityTemplate:Sfnm
File:Songqinzong Chinghong.jpg Qinzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Huan
Template:Lang
19 January 1126 – 25 March 1127
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Huizong 23 May 1100 – 14 June 1161
(aged 62)
Refused to negotiate with the Jin, which led to a second invasion. Captured alongside his father during the Jingkang incident; died in captivityTemplate:Sfnm

Southern Song (1127–1279)

[edit]

Template:See also

File:Song Gaozong.png Gaozong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Gou
Template:Lang
12 June 1127 – 24 July 1162
  (Template:Age in years, months and days)Template:Efn
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Huizong, proclaimed emperor in Jiankang after fleeing the Jurchen invasion of the North 12 June 1107 – 9 November 1187
(aged 80)
A competent ruler that managed to preserve the Song dynasty, but often criticized for his military defeats and political failures. Abdicated in favor of his adopted son, later dying of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, known by his personal name Zhao Fu
Template:Lang
March – April 1129
(1 month or less)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Gaozong, proclaimed emperor during a mutiny An infant installed by officers Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan. They lost power within a monthTemplate:Sfnm
File:Xiaozong.jpg Xiaozong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
  Zhao ShenTemplate:Efn
Template:Lang
24 July 1162 – 18 February 1189
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhao Zicheng, a descendant of the first Song Emperor, and adopted son of Gaozong 27 November 1127 – 28 June 1194
(aged 66)
Often regarded as the most peaceful and stable ruler of the Southern Song. Abdicated in favour of his son, later dying of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Guangzong.jpg Guangzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Dun
Template:Lang
18 February 1189 – 24 July 1194
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xiaozong 30 September 1147 – 17
September 1200
(aged 53)
Forced to abdicate in favor of his son, allegedly because of his mental instability. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Song Ningzong 1.png Ningzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Kuo
Template:Lang
24 July 1194 – 17 September 1224
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Guangzong 19 November 1168 – 17
September 1224
(aged 55)
A weak and indecisive ruler who spent most of his life in isolation at the palace. Died of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Song Lizong.jpg Lizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Yun
Template:Lang
17 September 1224 – 16 November 1264
(Template:Age in years, months and days)

Template:Collapsible list

Son of Zhao Xilu, a descendant of the first Song Emperor, Taizu 26 January 1205 – 16
November 1264
(aged 59)
An emperor devoted to philosophy and the arts, he had to face the first Mongol incursions following the fall of the Jin. Died of illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Duzong.jpg Duzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Qi
Template:Lang
16 November 1264 – 12 August 1274
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Zhao Yurui, a brother of Lizong 2 May 1240 – 12 August 1274
(aged 34)
Relegated most imperial duties to his officers. Died of sudden illnessTemplate:Sfnm
File:Song Gongdi2.jpg Gongzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Xian
Template:Lang
12 August 1274 – 21 February 1276
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Duzong 2 November 1270 – 1323
Ruled under the regency of Empress Xie, who was forced to surrender to the Mongols. Became a monk in Tibet, but was later executed of forced to commit suicide; died in GansuTemplate:Sfnm
File:ZhaoShiDuanzong.png Duanzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhao Shi
Template:Lang
14 June 1276 – 8 May 1278
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Duzong, proclaimed emperor in Fuzhou after the fall of the capital 1268 – 8 May 1278
(aged 10)
Spent most of his life fleeing from the Mongols by sea. Died of illness after barely surviving the sinking of his shipTemplate:Sfnm
File:Song Modi.jpg None, known by his personal name Zhao Bing
Template:Lang
10 May 1278 – 19 March 1279
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Duzong 1271 – 19 March 1279
(aged 8)
Thrown into the Xi River during the Battle of Yamen alongside several soldiers and officers as part of a mass suicideTemplate:Sfnm

Northern regimes (916–1234)

[edit]

Liao dynasty (916–1125)

[edit]

Template:Main list Template:Further

Liao dynasty (大遼; 916–1125)
Temple name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Taizu
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Abaoji
Template:Lang
27 February 907 – 6 September 926
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Led the Yelü clan as Khagan to unite the Khitan people 872 – 6 September 926
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Taizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Deguang
Template:Lang
11 December 927 – 15 May 947
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Taizu 902 – 15 May 947
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died from a sudden illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Shizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Ruan
Template:Lang
16 May 947 – 7 October 951
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Taizu 918 – 7 October 951
(aged Template:Age in years)
Murdered by his cousin in a coup d'étatTemplate:Sfnm
Muzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Jing
Template:Lang
11 October 951 – 12 March 969
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Taizong 931 – 12 March 969
(aged Template:Age in years)
Killed by his personal attendantsTemplate:Sfnm
Jingzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Xian
Template:Lang
13 May 969 – 13 October 982
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shizong 948 – 13 October 982
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of illness on a hunting tripTemplate:Sfnm
Shengzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Longxu
Template:Lang
14 October 982 – 25 June 1031
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Jingzong 971 – 25 June 1031
(aged Template:Age in years)
Longest reigning Liao ruler, though he was controlled by his mother Xiao Yanyan until 1009. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Xingzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Zongzhen
Template:Lang
25 June 1031 – 28 August 1055
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shengzong 1016 – 28 August 1055
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Daozong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Yelü Hongji
Template:Lang
28 August 1055 – 12 February 1101
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xingzong 1032 – 12 February 1101
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, known by his posthumous name:
Tianzuo
Template:Lang
Yelü Yanxi
Template:Lang
12 February 1101 – 6 September 1125
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Daozong 1075 – after 6 September 1125
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died in captivity from natural causesTemplate:Sfnm

Western Xia (1038–1227)

[edit]

Template:Further

Western Xia (西夏; 1038–1227)
Temple nameTemplate:Efn Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Jingzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Yuanhao
Template:Lang
1038 – 1048Template:Efn
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of the Tangut leader Li Deming 1003–1048Template:Efn
(aged Template:Age in years)
Assassinated by his son, Ningling GeTemplate:Sfnm
Yizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Liangzuo
Template:Lang
1048 – January 1068
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Jingzong 1047 – January 1068
(aged Template:Age in years)
Infant emperor whose reign was controlled by Lady Mozang and later Mozang Epang. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Huizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Bingchang
Template:Lang
January 1068 – 21 August 1086
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yizong 1061 – 21 August 1086
(aged Template:Age in years)
Struggled with his mother for power throughout his reign. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Chongzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Qianshun
Template:Lang
11 November 1086 – 1 July 1139
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Huizong 1084 – 1 July 1139
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Renzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Renxiao
Template:Lang
July 1139 – 16 October 1193
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Chongzong 1124 – 16 October 1193
(aged Template:Age in years)
Longest ruling ruler of the dynasty. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Huanzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Chunyou
Template:Lang
1193 – 1 March 1206
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Renzong 1177 – 1 March 1206
(aged Template:Age in years)
Overthrown in a coup d'état led by Xiangzong. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Xiangzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Anquan
Template:Lang
March 1206 – 13 September 1211
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Renzong 1170 – 13 September 1211
(aged Template:Age in years)
Suffered many losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Shenzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Li Zunxu
Template:Lang
12 August 1211 – 1223
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Descendant of Jingzong 1163 – 1226
(aged Template:Age in years)
Abdicated amid Mongol invasions. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Xianzong
Template:Lang
Li Dewang
Template:Lang
1223 – August 1226
(Template:Age in years years)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shenzong 1181 – August 1226
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, known by his personal name Li Xian
Template:Lang
1226 – 1227
(1 year or less)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Shenzong ? – 1227
(aged ?)
Killed by the MongolsTemplate:Sfnm

Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

[edit]

Template:Further

Jin dynasty (金朝; 1115–1234)Template:Sfn
Temple name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
Taizu
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Wanyan Min
Template:Lang
28 January 1115 – 19 September 1123
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Helibo from the Wanyan tribe 1 August 1068 – 19 September 1123
(aged Template:Age in years)
Conquered the Liao dynastyTemplate:Sfnm
Taizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Wanyan Sheng
Template:Lang
27 September 1123 – 7 February 1135
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Brother of Taizu 1075 – 7 February 1135
(aged Template:Age in years)
Sacked the North Song dynasty's capital. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Xizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Wanyan Dan
Template:Lang
8 February 1135 – 9 January 1150
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Taizu 1119 –  9 January 1150
(aged Template:Age in years)
Assassinated by his chancellor and successor Wanyan LiangTemplate:Sfnm
None, informally known as
Prince of Hailing
Template:Lang
Wanyan Liang
Template:Lang
9 January 1150 – 15 December 1161
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Taizu 1122 – 15 December 1161
(aged Template:Age in years)
Assassinated by his military commanders after losing the Battle of CaishiTemplate:Sfnm
Shizong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Wanyan Yong
Template:Lang
27 October 1161 – 20 January 1189
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Taizu 1123 – 20 January 1189
(aged Template:Age in years)
Had the longest and most stable reign of the dynastyTemplate:Sfnm
Zhangzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Wanyan Jing
Template:Lang
20 January 1189 – 29 December 1208
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Shizong 31 August 1168 – 29 December 1208
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, informally known as
Prince Shao of Wei
Template:Lang
Wanyan Yongji
Template:Lang
29 December 1208 – 11 September 1213
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Shizong ? – 11 September 1213Template:Efn
(aged ?)
Assassinated under the orders of the general Template:IllTemplate:Sfnm
Xuanzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Wanyan Xun
Template:Lang
22 September 1213 – 14 January 1224
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Shizong 1163 – 14 January 1224
(aged Template:Age in years)
Suffered heavy losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Aizong
Template:Lang
Wanyan Shouxu
Template:Lang
15 January 1224 – 8 February 1234
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuanzong 25 September 1198 – 9 February 1234
(aged Template:Age in years)
Committed suicide amid Mongol invasionsTemplate:Sfnm
Mo
Template:Lang
Wanyan Chenglin
Template:Lang
9 February 1234
(less than a day)
Descendant of Helibo ? – 9 February 1234
(aged ?)
The shortest reigning Chinese monarch, ruled for less than a day. Died during the Mongol conquest of the JinTemplate:Sfnm

Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

[edit]

Template:Main list Template:Further

Yuan dynasty (大元; 1271–1368)
Portrait Khan name Personal name Reign Succession Life details
File:YuanEmperorAlbumKhubilaiPortrait.jpg Setsen Khan
Template:Lang
better known as
Kublai Khan
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Kublai
Template:Lang
18 December 1271 – 18 February 1294
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Genghis Khan; declared emperor after defeating the Song in the Battle of Yamen 23 September 1215 – 18 February 1294
(aged Template:Age in years)
Fully conquered the Song dynasty, won the Toluid Civil War, moved the capital to Khanbaliq and employed Marco PoloTemplate:Sfnm
File:YuanEmperorAlbumTemurOljeituPortrait.jpg Öljeytü Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Temür
Template:Lang
10 May 1294 – 10 February 1307
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Kublai 15 October 1265 – 10 February 1307
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:YuanEmperorAlbumQaishanKulugPortrait.jpg Külüg Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Haishan
Template:Lang
21 June 1307 – 27 January 1311
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-grandson of Kublai 4 August 1281 – 27 January 1311
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:YuanEmperorAlbumAyurbarvadaBuyantuPortrait.jpg Buyantu Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Ayurbarwada
Template:Lang
7 April 1311 – 1 March 1320
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-grandson of Kublai 9 April 1285 – 1 March 1320
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Gegeen Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Shidibala
Template:Lang
19 April 1320 – 4 September 1323
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Ayurbarwada 22 February 1302 – 4 September 1323
(aged Template:Age in years)
Killed in a coup led by Template:IllTemplate:Sfnm
None, known either by his personal or era name Borjigin Yesün Temür
Template:Lang
4 October 1323 – 15 August 1328
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Great-Grandson of Kublai 28 November 1293 – 15 August 1328Template:Efn
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
None, known either by his personal or era name Borjigin Ragibagh
Template:Lang
October 1328 – 14 November 1328
(Template:Age in years and months)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yesün 1320 – 14 November 1328
(aged Template:Age in years)
Child emperor; probably murdered amid the War of the Two CapitalsTemplate:Sfnm
File:YuanEmperorAlbumTughTemurPortrait.jpg Jayaatu Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Tugh Temür
Template:Lang
16 October 1328 – 26 February 1329
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Külüg 16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332
(aged Template:Age in years)
Abdicated in favor of his brother Khutughtu KhanTemplate:Sfnm
Khutughtu Khan Khutughtu Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Kusala
Template:Lang
27 February 1329 – 30 August 1329
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Külüg 22 December 1300 – 30 August 1329
(aged Template:Age in years)
Briefly ruled before killed by El TemürTemplate:Sfnm
File:YuanEmperorAlbumTughTemurPortrait.jpg Jayaatu Khan
Template:Lang
(second reign)
Borjigin Tugh Temür
Template:Lang
8 September 1329 – 2 September 1332
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Külüg 16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332
(aged Template:Age in years)
A patron of the arts and scholarship, his reign was dominated by the ministers El Temür and Bayan of the Merkid. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:YuanEmperorAlbumIrinchinbalPortrait.jpg None, known by his personal name
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Rinchinbal
Template:Lang
23 October 1332 – 14 December 1332
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Khutughtu 1 May 1326 – 14 December 1332
(aged Template:Age in years)
Child emperor; died of sudden illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Ukhaghatu Khan
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Borjigin Toghon Temür
Template:Lang
19 July 1333 – 10 September 1368
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Khutughtu 25 May 1320 – 23 May 1370
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm

Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

[edit]

Template:Main list Template:Further

Ming dynasty (大明; 1368–1644)
Portrait Era name Personal name ReignTemplate:Efn Succession Life details
File:A Seated Portrait of Ming Emperor Taizu.jpg Hongwu
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Yuanzhang
Template:Lang
23 January 1368 – 24 June 1398
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Born into poverty, he led the Red Turban Rebellions to establish the Ming dynasty 21 October 1328 – 24 June 1398
(aged Template:Age in years)
Initiated cultural reconstruction and political reform, also noted for his extreme and violent methods of enforcement. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
Jianwen
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Yunwen
Template:Lang
30 June 1398 – 13 July 1402
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Grandson of Hongwu 5 December 1377 – 13 July 1402
(aged Template:Age in years)
Overthrown by the future Yongle Emperor, his uncle. Either died in or disappeared after the fires in the Ming Palace.Template:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Ming Chengzu.jpg Yongle
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Di
Template:Lang
17 July 1402 – 12 August 1424
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Hongwu 2 May 1360 – 12 August 1424
(aged Template:Age in years)
Raised the Ming to its highest power. Patron of many projects, including the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing, Yongle Encyclopedia and the Ming treasure voyages. Died of natural causes.Template:Sfnm
File:MingRenzongPortrait.jpg Hongxi
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Gaochi
Template:Lang
7 September 1424 – 29 May 1425
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yongle 16 August 1378 – 29 May 1425
(aged Template:Age in years)
Focused primarily on domestic affairs. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Ming Xuanzong.jpg Xuande
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Zhanji
Template:Lang
27 June 1425 – 31 January 1435
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Hongxi 16 March 1399 – 31 January 1435
(aged Template:Age in years)
A noted painter. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Ming Yingzong.jpg known by his temple:
Yingzong
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Qizhen
朱祁镇
7 February 1435 – 1 September 1449
(Template:Age in years, months and days)Template:Efn
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuande 29 November 1427 – 23 February 1464
(aged Template:Age in years)
His reign was dominated by eunuchs, particularly Wang Zhen, which led to growing instability. Captured by the Northern Yuan dynasty during the Tumu Crisis.Template:Sfnm
Jingtai
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Qiyu
Template:Lang
22 September 1449 – 24 February 1457
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuande 11 September 1428 – 14 March 1457
(aged Template:Age in years)
Briefly ruled while his brother was held captive; deposed soon after. Died a month later, possibly from murder.Template:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Ming Yingzong.jpg Yingzong
Template:Lang
(second reign)
Zhu Qizhen
朱祁镇
11 February 1457 – 23 February 1464
(Template:Age in years, months and days)Template:Efn
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Xuande 29 November 1427 – 23 February 1464
(aged Template:Age in years)
Restored to power after his release. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Ming Xianzong.jpg Chenghua
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Jianshen
Template:Lang
28 February 1464 – 9 September 1487
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Yingzong 9 December 1447 – 9 September 1487
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Hongzhi.jpg Hongzhi
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Youcheng
Template:Lang
22 September 1487 – 8 June 1505
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Chenghua 30 July 1470 – 9 June 1505
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Ming Wuzong.jpg Zhengde
Template:Lang
Template:Collapsible list
Zhu Houzhao
Template:Lang
19 June 1505 – 20 April 1521
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
Template:Collapsible list
Son of Hongzhi 14 November 1491 – 20 April 1521
(aged Template:Age in years)
His reign saw the rise of influence from eunuchs, particularly Liu Jin. Probably drowned after his boat sank.Template:Sfnm
File:Portrait assis de l'empereur Jiajing.jpg Jiajing
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Zhu Houcong
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27 May 1521 – 23 January 1567
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Grandson of Chenghua, brother of Zhengde 16 September 1507 – 23 January 1567
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:明穆宗坐像 軸.jpg Longqing
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Zhu Zaiji
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4 February 1567 – 5 July 1572
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Son of Jiajing 4 March 1537 – 5 July 1572
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Ming Shenzong (1).jpg Wanli
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Zhu Yijun
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19 July 1572 – 18 August 1620
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Son of Longqing 4 September 1563 – 18 August 1620
(aged Template:Age in years)
Despite early successes, the gradual decline of Ming began towards the end of his reign. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Ming Guangzong.jpg Taichang
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Zhu Changluo
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28 August – 26 September 1620
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Son of Wanli 28 August 1582 – 26 September 1620
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died suddenly after a reign of around a month, possibly murdered by poisonTemplate:Sfnm
File:明熹宗坐像.tiff Tianqi
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Zhu Youjiao
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1 October 1620 – 30 September 1627
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Son of Taichang 23 December 1605 – 30 September 1627
(aged Template:Age in years)
A weak ruler, his reign was dominated by the eunuch Wei Zhongxian. Died from an unknown illnessTemplate:Sfnm
Chongzhen
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Zhu Youjian
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2 October 1627 – 25 April 1644
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Son of Taichang, brother of Tianqi 6 February 1611 – 25 April 1644
(aged Template:Age in years)
Committed suicide, possibly by hanging himself on a tree.Template:Sfnm

Qing dynasty (1644–1912)

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Qing dynasty (大清; 1644–1912)
Portrait Era name Personal name ReignTemplate:Efn Succession Life details
File:清 佚名 《清世祖顺治皇帝朝服像》.jpg Shunzhi
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Aisin-Gioro Fulin
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8 November 1644 – 5 February 1661
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Son of Hong Taiji; chosen by a council of Manchu princes 15 March 1638 – 5 February 1661
(aged Template:Age in years)
Finished the Manchu conquest of the Ming, pushing the remaining Ming sympathizers to the South. Died suddenly of smallpoxTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait of the Kangxi Emperor in Court Dress.jpg Kangxi
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Aisin-Gioro Xuanye
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5 February 1661 – 20 December 1722
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Son of Shunzhi 4 May 1654 – 20 December 1722
(aged Template:Age in years)
Longest ruling Chinese emperor. Expanded the empire's territory, and commissioned both the Kangxi Dictionary and Complete Tang Poems. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:Portrait of the Yongzheng Emperor in Court Dress.jpg Yongzheng
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Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen
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27 December 1722 – 8 October 1735
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Son of Kangxi 13 December 1678 – 8 October 1735
(aged Template:Age in years)
Ruled for a relatively short period, establishing the Grand Council. Probably died of alchemical elixir poisoning; death officially recorded as natural causes.Template:SfnmTemplate:Efn
File:清 郎世宁绘《清高宗乾隆帝朝服像》.jpg Qianlong
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Aisin-Gioro Hongli
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18 October 1735 – 9 February 1796
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Son of Yongzheng 25 September 1711 – 7 February 1799
(aged Template:Age in years)
Brought the empire to its height. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:清 佚名 《清仁宗嘉庆皇帝朝服像》.jpg Jiaqing
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Aisin-Gioro Yongyan
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9 February 1796 – 2 September 1820
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Son of Qianlong 13 November 1760 – 2 September 1820
(aged Template:Age in years)
Died suddenly from apoplexyTemplate:Sfnm
A man in a grey suit, white shirt and dark tie, he has a birthmark on his forehead Daoguang
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Aisin-Gioro Minning
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3 October 1820 – 26 February 1850
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Son of Jiaqing 16 September 1782 – 25 February 1850
(aged Template:Age in years)
An ineffective ruler who led a highly unstable reign, marked by the First Opium War and the early Taiping Rebellion. Probably died from a strokeTemplate:Sfnm
File:《咸丰皇帝朝服像》.jpg Xianfeng
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Aisin-Gioro Yizhu
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9 March 1850 – 22 August 1861
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Son of Daoguang 17 July 1831 – 22 August 1861
(aged Template:Age in years)
The last Chinese emperor to have personal power for the entirety of his reign, which was unstable after the Taiping Rebellion, Nian Rebellion and Second Opium War. Died of natural causesTemplate:Sfnm
File:清 佚名 《清穆宗同治皇帝朝服像》.jpg Tongzhi
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Aisin-Gioro Zaichun
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11 November 1861 – 12 January 1875
(Template:Age in years, months and days)
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Son of Xianfeng 27 April 1856 – 12 January 1875
(aged Template:Age in years)
Reign was completely dominated by Empress Dowager Cixi, who initiated the Tongzhi Restoration. Died suddenly, under suspicious circumstancesTemplate:Sfnm
File:The Imperial Portrait of Emperor Guangxu2.jpg Guangxu
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Aisin-Gioro Zaitian
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25 February 1875 – 14 November 1908
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Cousin of Tongzhi 14 August 1871 – 14 November 1908
(aged Template:Age in years)
Initiated the failed Hundred Days' Reform, and from 1898 on, his reign was completely dominated by Empress Dowager Cixi. Died of poisoning, possibly from Cixi.Template:Sfnm
File:Xuantong.jpg Xuantong
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Aisin-Gioro Puyi
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2 December 1908 – 12 February 1912
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Nephew of Guangxu 7 February 1906 – 17 October 1967
(aged Template:Age in years)
Reigned as a young child, but was forced to abdicate in 1912 amid the 1911 Revolution, ending the 2,000-year monarchial system of Imperial China. Died of natural causes.Template:Sfnm
For the subsequent heads of state of China, see List of presidents of the Republic of China and List of state representatives of the People's Republic of China

References

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Notes

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Citations

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Sources

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Ancient Era

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Early Imperial Era

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Late Imperial Era

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General

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Further reading

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