Editing List of Chinese monarchs (section)

==Ancient China==
===Mythological rulers===
{{further|Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors}}

In traditional [[Chinese historiography]], various models of mythological founding rulers exist.{{sfn|Chang|1999|pp=65–66}} The relevancy of these figures to the earliest Chinese people is unknown, since most accounts of them were written from the [[Warring States period]] ({{circa|475–221}} BCE) onwards.{{sfnm|1a1=Chang|1y=1999|1p=67|2a1=Wilkinson|2y=2018|2p=746}} The sinologist [[Kwang-chih Chang]] has generalized the typical stages: "the first period was populated by [[Deity|god]]s, the second by [[demigod]]s/[[culture hero]], and the third by the [[Mythological king|legendary king]]s."{{sfn|Chang|1999|p=66}} The primordial god [[Pangu]] is given by many texts as the earliest figure and is credited with [[creation myth|forming the world]] by separating heaven and earth.{{sfnm|1a1=Wilkinson|1y=2018|1p=746|2a1=Chang|2y=1999|2pp=66–67}} Other gods include [[Nüwa]], who repaired heaven; [[Hou Yi]], a mythical archer; and [[Gonggong]], a serpent-like [[List of water deities|water deity]].{{sfn|Chang|1999|pp=66–68}}

Demigod and hero rulers from hero myths—the largest group [[Chinese mythology|Chinese myths]]—are attributed the invention of specific items, practices or traditions.{{sfn|Chang|1999|pp=68–69}} Among the more important of them are [[Fuxi]], the inventor of hunting; [[Suiren]], who invented fire; and [[Shennong]], who invented both agriculture and medicine.{{sfn|Chang|1999|p=70}} The subsequent legendary kings began with the [[Yellow Emperor]] ({{lang|zh-hant|黃帝}}), known as ''Huangdi'', a major [[culture hero]] of Chinese civilization whose reign was considered exemplary.{{sfn|Chang|1999|p=70}} Succeeding rulers include some combination of [[Shaohao]], [[Zhuanxu]], [[Emperor Ku]], [[Emperor Yao]] and [[Emperor Shun]].{{sfn|Wilkinson|2018|p=747}} Since the late Warring States onwards, early Chinese monarchs have traditionally been ground into the concept of the [[Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors]];{{sfn|Wilkinson|2018|p=747}} however, the chosen figures of this grouping varies considerably between sources.{{sfn|Chang|1999|p=70}} 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.{{sfn|Wilkinson|2018|p=747}}

===Xia dynasty===
{{further|Xia dynasty}}
The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period was followed by the [[Xia dynasty]] in traditional historiography.{{sfn|Morton|Lewis|2004|p=14}} Founded by [[Yu the Great]], both the dynasty and its rulers are of highly uncertain and controversial historicity.{{sfn|Morton|Lewis|2004|p=14}}{{sfn|Chang|1999|pp=71–73}}

{{legend|#EBEBEB|({{Hash-tag}}) – Uncertain legitimacy}}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ Xia dynasty (夏朝)
|-
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="13%" | Name
! scope="col" colspan="2" width="20%" | Speculative reign length{{efn|All reign dates for the [[Xia dynasty|Xia]] rulers are excluded. They are highly speculative, due to their dependence on the already uncertain beginning and ending dates of the dynasty}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="22%" | Traditional succession
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="15%" | Capital{{sfn|Theobald|2018a}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="30%" | Purported life details
|-
! {{abbr|ZTW|''Zizhi Tongjian Waiji'' lengths}}
! {{abbr|Trad|Traditional reign lengths}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|pp=314–316}}
|-
| '''[[Yu the Great|Yu]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|禹}}
| 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 monarchy|hereditary succession]]{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=110–117|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2pp=30, 314}}
|-
| '''[[Qi of Xia|Qi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|啟}}
| 10
| 8
| Son of [[Yu the Great|Yu]]
| Xiayi
| Prevented a rebellion led by his son Wuguan{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=117–119|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=314}}
|-
| '''[[Tai Kang|(Tai) Kang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|（太）康}}
| 29
| 28
| Son of [[Qi of Xia|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 Ao{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=119–121|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=314}}
|-
! colspan="6" |
|-style="background-color: #EAECF0"
| '''[[Zhong Kang|(Zhong) Kang]]''' ({{Hash-tag}})<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|（仲）康}}
| 13
| 13
| Son of [[Qi of Xia|Qi]]
| Zhenxun
| May not have ruled as his existence is sometimes absent from Xia king lists{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=121–122|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=314}}
|-
! colspan="6" |
|-
| '''[[Xiang of Xia|Xiang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|相}}
| 28
| 28
| Son of [[Zhong Kang|(Zhong) Kang]]
| Shang, then Zhenxun
| Killed by a son of [[Han Zhuo]]{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=122–123|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=315}}
|-
| colspan="6" style="background-color: #D8D8D8" | Interregnum, ruled by [[Han Zhuo]]
|-
| '''[[Shao Kang|(Shao) Kang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|（少）康}}
| 21
| 21
| Son of [[Xiang of Xia|Xiang]]
| Yuan
| Restored the dynasty after killing [[Han Zhuo]] and his sons{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=123–125|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Zhu of Xia|Zhu]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|杼}}
| 17
| 16
| Son of [[Shao Kang|(Shao) Kang]]
| Yuan, then Laoqiu
| Little is known of his reign{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=125–126|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Huai of Xia|Huai]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|槐}}
| 26
| 25
| Son of [[Zhu of Xia|Zhu]]
| –
| Little is known of his reign; may have ruled up to 40 years{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Mang of Xia|Mang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|芒}}
| 18
| 17
| Son of [[Huai of Xia|Huai]]
| –
| Little is known of his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Xie of Xia|Xie]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|泄}}
| 16
| 15
| Son of [[Mang of Xia|Mang]]
| –
| Little is known of his reign{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=126–127|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Bu Jiang|(Bu) Jiang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|（不）降}}
| 59
| 58
| Son of [[Xie of Xia|Xie]]
| –
| Little is known of his reign; campaigned against the northwestern {{ill|九苑|zh|lt=Jiuyuan}} peoples{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Jiong of Xia|Jiong]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|扃}}
| 21
| 20
| Son of [[Xie of Xia|Xie]]
| –
| Little is known of his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Jin of Xia|Jin]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|廑}}
| 21
| 20
| Son of [[Jiong of Xia|Jiong]]
| Xihe
| Little is known of his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Kong Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|孔甲}}
| 31
| 30
| Son of [[Bu Jiang|(Bu) Jiang]]
| Xihe
| His reign inaugurated the Xia's gradual decline{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Gao of Xia|Gao]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|皋}}
| 11
| 10
| Son of [[Kong Jia]]
| –
| Little is known of his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Fa of Xia|Fa]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|發}}
| 11
| 20?
| Son of [[Gao of Xia|Gao]]
| –
| May have only reigned 7 years. His reign saw the earliest recorded earthquake, identified with the [[Mount Tai earthquake]].{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=315}}
|-
| '''[[Jie of Xia|Jie]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|桀}}
| 52
| 52
| Son of [[Fa of Xia|Fa]]
| Zhenxun, then Henan
| Traditionally considered a cruel and oppressive ruler. Fled the empire after losing the [[Battle of Mingtiao]] to the state of Shang{{sfnm|1a1=Wu|1y=1982|1pp=129–143|2a1=''Imperial China''|2y=2020|2p=315}}
|}

===Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)===
{{further|Shang dynasty}}
Unlike the Xia, the [[Shang dynasty]]'s historicity is firmly established, due to [[Oracle bone script|written records]] on divination objects known as [[Oracle bone]]s. The oldest such oracle bones date to the [[Late Shang]] ({{circa|1250—1046 BCE}}), during the reign of [[Wu Ding]] (1250–1192), putting the exact details of earlier rulers into doubt.{{sfn|Keightley|1999|p=232}}{{sfn|Wilkinson|2018|p=1277}}

{{legend|#EBEBEB|({{Hash-tag}}) – Uncertain legitimacy}}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
|+ Shang dynasty (商朝; c. 1600–1046/c. 1570—1045 BCE)
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="15%" | Posthumous name{{sfn|Keightley|1985|pp=204–207}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="15%" | Personal name{{sfn|Keightley|1985|pp=204–207}}
! scope="col" colspan="2" width="20%" | Tentative reign (BCE){{efn|The traditional dating method (beginning the [[Shang dynasty|Shang]] in 1766) is not included in this table. See {{harvnb|Liu|Wu|Guo|Yuan|2021|pp=165, 169}} for another, more recent, method of dating}}
! rowspan="2" scope="col" width="20%" | Traditional succession{{sfn|Moule|1957|p=xiv}}{{sfn|Indiana University|2006|pp=2–3}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="10%" | Residence{{sfn|Theobald|2018b}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="20%" | Purported life details
|-
! XSZ Project{{sfn|Lee|2002|p=18}}{{sfn|XSZCP Group|2000|pp=86–88}}
! {{abbr|CHAC|The Cambridge History of Ancient China}}{{sfn|Loewe|Shaughnessy|1999|p=25}}
|-
| colspan="9" data-sort-value="ZZZZ9999" |

====Early Shang====
|-
| '''[[Tang of Shang|Tang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|汤}}
----'''[[Tang of Shang|Da Yi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|大乙}}
| Zi Lü<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子履}}
| {{floruit|{{circa|1600}}}}
| {{floruit|{{circa|1570}}}}{{sfn|Loewe|Shaughnessy|1999|p=2}}
| 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 ruler{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=316}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-style="background-color: #EAECF0"
| '''[[Da Ding]]''' ({{Hash-tag}})<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|大丁}}
----'''[[Da Ding|Tai Ding]]''' ({{Hash-tag}})<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|太丁}}
| ''unknown''
| –
| –
| Son of Tang
| –
| Uncertain whether he was ever enthroned; may have died before succeeding his father{{sfn|Indiana University|2006}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=316}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-
| '''[[Wai Bing]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|外丙}}
| Zi Sheng<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子勝}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tang
| Bo
| —{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=316}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-style="background-color: #EAECF0"
| '''[[Zhong Ren]]''' ({{Hash-tag}})<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|中壬}}
| Zi Yong<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子庸}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tang
| Bo
| Not listed in the oracle bones inscriptions{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=316}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-
| '''[[Tai Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|太甲}}
| Zi Zhi<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子至}}
| —
| —
| Son of Da Ding
| Bo
| Traditionally considered an [[autocratic]] and cruel ruler{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=316}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-style="background-color: #EAECF0"
| '''[[Wo Ding]]''' ({{Hash-tag}})<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|沃丁}}
----'''[[Wo Ding|Qiang Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|羌丁}}
| Zi Xuan<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子絢}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Jia
| Bo
| His name is not found in oracle bone inscriptions, making his certainty as a ruler less secure.{{sfn|Indiana University|2006}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=316}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-
| '''[[Tai Geng]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|太庚}}
----'''[[Tai Geng|Da Geng]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|大庚}}
| Zi Bian<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子辯}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Jia
| Bo
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Xiao Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|小甲}}
| Zi Gao<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子高}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Geng
| Bo
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Yong Ji]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|雍己}}
| Zi Zhou<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子伷}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Geng
| Bo
| May have reigned after [[Tai Wu]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Tai Wu]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|太戊}}
----'''[[Tai Wu|Da Wu]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|大戊}}
| Zi Mi<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子密}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Geng
| Bo
| Said to have had a particularly long reign; one source records 75 years. The astronomer [[Wuxian (Shang dynasty)|Wuxian]] was active under him{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Zhong Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|仲丁}}
| Zi Zhung<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子莊}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Wu
| Ao
| May have succeeded [[Yong Ji]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Wai Ren]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|外壬}}
| Zi Fā<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子發}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Wu
| Ao
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[He Dan Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|河亶甲}}
| Zi Zheng<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子整}}
| —
| —
| Son of Tai Wu
| Xiang
| Moved the capital to Xiang ({{lang|zh-hant|相}}) and engaged in military campaigns{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Zu Yi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|祖己}}
| Zi Teng<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子滕}}
| —
| —
| Son of Zhong Ding
| Geng
| The dynasty flourished particularly during his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Zu Xin]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|祖辛}}
| Zi Dan<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子旦}}
| —
| —
| Son of Zu Yi
| Bi
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Wo Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|沃甲}}
----'''[[Wo Jia|Qiang Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|羌甲}}
| Zi Yu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子踰}}
| —
| —
| Son of Zu Yi
| Bi
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Zu Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|祖丁}}
| Zi Xin<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子新}}
| —
| —
| Son of Zu Xin
| Bi
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Nan Geng]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|南庚}}
| Zi Geng<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子更}}
| —
| —
| Son of Wo Jia
| Bi, then Yan
| Moved the capital from Bi ({{lang|zh-hant|庇}}) to Yan ({{lang|zh-hant|奄}}){{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=317}}
|-
| '''[[Yang Jia of Shang|Yang Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|陽甲}}
| Zi He<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子和}}
| —
| —
| Son of Zu Ding
| Yan
| His reign marked the decline of the Shang{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}
|-
| '''[[Pan Geng]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|盤庚}}
| Zi Xun<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子旬}}
| rowspan="3" | ''1300–1251''<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1300|-1251}} years)</small>
| —
| Son of Zu Ding
| Yan, then Yin
| Traditionally said to have moved the dynasty's capital from Yan ({{lang|zh-hant|奄}}) to [[Yinxu|Yin]] ({{lang|zh-hant|殷}}){{sfn|Keightley|1985|pp=xiii–xiv}} Led a prosperous reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}
|-
| '''[[Xiao Xin]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|小辛}}
| Zi Song<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子颂}}
| —
| Son of Zu Ding
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| His reign saw the continuation of the Shang's decline{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}
|-
| '''[[Xiao Yi of Shang|Xiao Yi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|小乙}}
| Zi Lian<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子敛}}
| —
| Son of Zu Ding
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}
|-
| colspan="9" data-sort-value="ZZZZ9999" |

====Late Shang====

{{see also|Late Shang|Periodization of the Shang dynasty}}
|-
| '''[[Wu Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|武丁}}
| Zi Zhao<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子昭}}
| 1250–1192<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1250|-1192}} years)</small>
| ?–1189
| Son of Xiao Yi
| [[Yinxu|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.{{sfn|Shaughnessy|1997|pp=13–14}} The first ruler whose name is included in [[oracle bone]]s which date to his reign.{{sfn|Keightley|1985|p=xiii}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}
|-
| '''[[Zu Geng of Shang|Zu Geng]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|祖庚}}
| Zi Yue<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子躍}}
| rowspan="6" | ''1191–1148''<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1191|-1148}} years)</small>
| 1188–1178<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1188|-1178}} years)</small>
| Son of Wu Ding
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| Possibly commissioned the [[Houmuwu ding]] in memory of his mother [[Fu Jing (Shang dynasty)|Fu Jing]]{{sfnp|Li|2012|p=13}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}{{efn|[[Zu Ji]], another son of [[Wu Ding]] is given a kingly title in some [[oracle bone]] texts, but did probably not reign.{{sfnm|1a1=Indiana University|1y=2006|1p=3|2a1=Theobald|2y=2018b}}}}
|-
| '''[[Zu Jia]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|祖甲}}
| Zi Zai<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子載}}
| 1177–1158<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1177|-1158}} years)</small>
| Son of Wu Ding
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| Reformed the ritual and calendar systems, as recording in the ''[[Book of Documents]]''{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=318}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-style="background-color: #EAECF0"
| '''[[Lin Xin]]''' ({{Hash-tag}})<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|廩辛}}
| Zi Xian<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子先}}
| 1157–1149<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1157|-1149}} years)</small>
| Son of Zu Jia
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| Due to inconsistencies in the oracle bone inscriptions, it is possible he did not reign.{{sfn|Keightley|1985|p=187}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|pp=318–319}}
|-
! colspan="7" |
|-
| '''[[Geng Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|庚丁}}
----'''[[Geng Ding|Kang Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|康丁}}
| Zi Xiao<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子囂}}
| 1148–1132<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1148|-1132}} years)</small>
| Son of Zu Jia
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| His reign accelerated the dynasty's decline{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=319}}
|-
| '''[[Wu Yi of Shang|Wu Yi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|武乙}}
| Zi Qu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子瞿}}
| 1147–1131<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1147|-1131}} years)</small>
| 1131–1117<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1131|-1117}} years)</small>
| Son of Geng Ding
| [[Yinxu|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 omen{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=319}}
|-
| '''[[Wen Wu Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|文武丁}}
----'''[[Wen Wu Ding|Wen Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|文丁}}
| Zi Tuo<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子托}}
| 1112–1102<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1112|-1102}} years)</small>
| 1116–1106<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1116|-1106}} years)</small>
| Son of Wu Yi
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| The [[Predynastic Zhou]] rose in power during his reign, led by [[Ji, King of Zhou]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=319}}
|-
| '''[[Di Yi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|帝乙}}
| Zi Xian<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子羡}}
| 1101–1076<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1101|-1076}} years)</small>
| 1105–1087<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1105|-1087}} years)</small>
| Son of Wen Wu Ding
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| Supposedly married his daughter to [[King Wen of Zhou]],{{sfn|Shaughnessy|1997|p=14}}{{sfn|Marshall|2001|p=157}} or married his sister to [[Ji, King of Zhou]]{{sfn|Marshall|2001|pp=157–158}}
|-
| '''[[King Zhou of Shang|Di Xin]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|帝辛 (紂)}}
| Zi Shou<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|子受}}
| 1075–1046<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1075|-1046}} years)</small>
| 1086–1045<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1086|-1045}} years)</small>
| Son of Di Yi
| [[Yinxu|Yin]]
| Killed by [[King Wu of Zhou|Ji Fa]] during the [[Battle of Muye]]{{sfn|Lee|2002|pp=31–32}}{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=319}}
|}

===Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE)===
{{further|Zhou dynasty|Family tree of Chinese monarchs (ancient)#Zhou dynasty|label2=Zhou dynasty family tree}}

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center; width:100%;"
|+Zhou dynasty (周; c. 1046–256 BCE)
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="15%" | Posthumous name{{sfn|Loewe|Shaughnessy|1999|pp=25–28}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="15%" | Personal name
! scope="col" colspan="2" width="25%" | Tentative reign (BCE)
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="20%" | Traditional succession{{sfn|Moule|1957|pp=xvii–xviii}}
! scope="col" rowspan="2" width="25%" | Purported life details
|-
! XSZ Project{{sfn|Lee|2002|p=18}}{{sfn|XSZCP Group|2000|pp=86–88}}
! {{abbr|CHAC|The Cambridge History of Ancient China}}{{sfn|Loewe|Shaughnessy|1999|pp=25–28}}
|-
| colspan="7" |

====Western Zhou====

{{see also|Western Zhou}}
|-
| '''[[King Wu of Zhou|Wu]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|武}}
| Ji Fa<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬發}}
| 1046–1043<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1046|-1043}} years)</small>
| 1049–1043<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1049|-1043}} years)</small>
| Son of [[King Wen of Zhou|King Wen]]
| Defeated the tyrannical [[King Zhou of Shang]] in the [[Battle of Muye]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=320}}
|-
| '''[[King Cheng of Zhou|Cheng]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|成}}
| Ji Song<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬誦}}
| 1042–1021<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1042|-1021}} years)</small>
| 1042–1006<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1042|-1006}} years)</small>
| Son of Wu
| Most of his reign was controlled by the [[Duke of Zhou]], who suppressed the [[Rebellion of the Three Guards]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=320}}
|-
| '''[[King Kang of Zhou|Kang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|康}}
| Ji Zhao<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬釗}}
| 1020–996<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1020|-996}} years)</small>
| 1005–978<br/><small>({{Age in years|-1005|-978}} years)</small>
| Son of Cheng
| His accession established Zhou [[primogeniture]]. A largely peaceful reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=320}}
|-
| '''[[King Zhao of Zhou|Zhao]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|昭}}
| Ji Xia<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬瑕}}
| 995–977<br/><small>({{Age in years|-995|-977}} years)</small>
| 977–957<br/><small>({{Age in years|-977|-957}} years)</small>
| Son of Kang
| Lost the [[Zhou–Chu War]], during which he died. His reign marked the Zhou's gradual decline{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|pp=320–321}}
|-
| '''[[King Mu of Zhou|Mu]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|穆}}
| Ji Man<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬滿}}
| 976–922<br/><small>({{Age in years|-976|-922}} years)</small>
| 956–918<br/><small>({{Age in years|-958|-918}} years)</small>
| Son of Zhao
| Engaged in many destabilizing territory conflicts{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=321}}
|-
| '''[[King Gong of Zhou|Gong]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|共}}
| Ji Yihu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬繄扈}}
| 922–900<br/><small>({{Age in years|-922|-900}} years)</small>
| 917–900<br/><small>({{Age in years|-917|-900}} years)</small>
| Son of Mu
| Little is known of his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=321}}
|-
| '''[[King Yih of Zhou|Yih]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|懿}}
| Ji Jian<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬囏}}
| 899–892<br/><small>({{Age in years|-899|-892}} years)</small>
| 899–873<br/><small>({{Age in years|-899|-873}} years)</small>
| Son of Gong
| Little is known of his reign; may have been removed from power by [[King Xiao of Zhou|Xiao]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=321}}
|-
| '''[[King Xiao of Zhou|Xiao]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|孝}}
| Ji Pifang<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬辟方}}
| 891–886<br/><small>({{Age in years|-891|-886}} years)</small>
| 872–866<br/><small>({{Age in years|-872|-866}} years)</small>
| Son of Mu
| Little is known of his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=321}}
|-
| '''[[King Yi of Zhou (Xie)|Yí]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|夷}}
| Ji Xie<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬燮}}
| 885–878<br/><small>({{Age in years|-885|-878}} years)</small>
| 865–858<br/><small>({{Age in years|-865|-858}} years)</small>
| Son of Yih
| Continued decline of the Zhou{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=321}}
|-
| '''[[King Li of Zhou|Li]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|厲}}
| Ji Hu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬胡}}
| 877–841<br/><small>({{Age in years|-877|-841}} years)</small>
| 857–842<br/><small>({{Age in years|-857|-842}} years)</small>
| Son of Yí
| Traditionally considered a corrupt and cruel ruler. Exiled amid a peasant rebellion{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|pp=321–322}}
|-
| colspan="7" style="background-color: #D8D8D8" | [[Gonghe Regency]] (共和; 841–828){{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=322}}
|-
| '''[[King Xuan of Zhou|Xuan]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|宣}}
| Ji Jing<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬靜}}
| colspan="2" | 827–782
| Son of Li
| Had military successes, aiming to restore Zhou authority{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=322}}
|-
| '''[[King You of Zhou|You]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|幽}}
| Ji Gongnie<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬宮涅}}
| 781–771<br/><small>({{Age in years|-781|-771}} years)</small>
| 782–771<br/><small>({{Age in years|-782|-771}} years)</small>
| Son of Xuan
| Numerous natural disasters occurred, after which [[Quanrong]] him and overran the capital{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=322}}
|-
| colspan="7" |

====Eastern Zhou====

{{see also|Eastern Zhou}}
|-
| colspan="7" style="background-color: #D8D8D8" | [[Spring and Autumn period]] (春秋時代; 770–476 BCE)
|-
| '''[[King Ping of Zhou|Ping]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|平}}
| Ji Yijiu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬宜臼}}
| colspan="2" | 770–720<br/><small>({{Age in years|-770|-720}} years)</small>
| Son of You
| Moved the capital to [[Luoyang]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Huan of Zhou|Huan]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|桓}}
| Ji Lin<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬林}}
| colspan="2" | 719–697<br/><small>({{Age in years|-719|-697}} years)</small>
| Grandson of Ping
| Defeated by the [[Duke Zhuang of Zheng|Duke of Zheng]] at the [[Battle of Xuge]], accelerating the Zhou dynasty's decline in power{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Zhuang of Zhou|Zhuang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|莊}}
| Ji Tuo<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬佗}}
| colspan="2" | 696–682<br/><small>({{Age in years|-696|-682}} years)</small>
| Son of Huan
| Royal court's authority began declining{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Xi of Zhou|Xi]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|釐}}
| Ji Huqi<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬胡齊}}
| colspan="2" | 681–677<br/><small>({{Age in years|-681|-677}} years)</small>
| Son of Zhuang
| Briefly reigned as the [[Duke Huan of Qi|Duke Huan]] led the [[Qi (state)|Qi]] to surpass the Zhou in power{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Hui of Zhou|Hui]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|惠}}
| Ji Lang<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬閬}}
| colspan="2" | 676–652<br/><small>({{Age in years|-676|-652}} years)</small>
| Son of Xi
| Slowed the [[Chu (state)|Chu]] state's rise{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Xiang of Zhou|Xiang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|襄}}
| Ji Zheng<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬鄭}}
| colspan="2" | 651–619<br/><small>({{Age in years|-651|-619}} years)</small>
| Son of Hui
| Briefly deposed by his brother, but reinstated by [[Duke Wen of Jin|Duke Wen]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Qing of Zhou|Qing]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|頃}}
| Ji Renchen<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬壬臣}}
| colspan="2" | 618–613<br/><small>({{Age in years|-618|-613}} years)</small>
| Son of Xiang
| Briefly reigned{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Kuang of Zhou|Kuang]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|匡}}
| Ji Ban<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬班}}
| colspan="2" | 612–607<br/><small>({{Age in years|-612|-607}} years)</small>
| Son of Qing
| Increasing fighting between surrounding kingdoms{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=323}}
|-
| '''[[King Ding of Zhou|Ding]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|定}}
| Ji Yu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬瑜}}
| colspan="2" | 606–586<br/><small>({{Age in years|-606|-586}} years)</small>
| Son of Qing
| Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| '''[[King Jian of Zhou|Jian]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|簡}}
| Ji Yi<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬夷}}
| colspan="2" | 585–572<br/><small>({{Age in years|-585|-572}} years)</small>
| Son of Ding
| Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| '''[[King Ling of Zhou|Ling]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|靈}}
| Ji Xiexin<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬泄心}}
| colspan="2" | 571–545<br/><small>({{Age in years|-571|-545}} years)</small>
| Son of Jian
| Weakened relations with surrounding kingdoms{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| '''[[King Jing of Zhou (Gui)|Jing]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|景}}
| Ji Gui<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬貴}}
| colspan="2" | 544–521<br/><small>({{Age in years|-544|-521}} years)</small>
| Son of Ling
| Died without an heir, causing a power struggle and rebellion{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| '''[[King Dao of Zhou|Dao]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|悼}}
| Ji Meng<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬猛}}
| colspan="2" | 520<br/><small>(less than a year)</small>
| Son of Jing (544–521)
| Briefly ruled before being murdered by his brother{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| '''[[King Jing of Zhou (Gai)|Jing]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|敬}}
| Ji Gai<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬丐}}
| colspan="2" | 519–476<br/><small>({{Age in years|-519|-476}} years)</small>
| Son of Jing (544–521)
| Briefly exiled during a revolt. Ruled during the lifetime of [[Confucius]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| colspan="7" style="background-color: #D8D8D8" | [[Warring States period]] (戰國時代; 475–221 BCE)
|-
| '''[[King Yuan of Zhou|Yuan]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|元}}
| Ji Ren<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬仁}}
| colspan="2" | 475–469<br/><small>({{Age in years|-475|-469}} years)</small>
| Son of Jing (519–476)
| Decline in Zhou's power{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=324}}
|-
| '''[[King Zhending of Zhou|Zhending]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|貞定}}
| Ji Jie<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬介}}
| colspan="2" | 468–442<br/><small>({{Age in years|-468|-442}} years)</small>
| Son of Yuan
| Continued decline of Zhou{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|pp=324–325}}
|-
| '''[[King Ai of Zhou|Ai]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|哀}}
| Ji Quji<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬去疾}}
| colspan="2" | 441<br/><small>(less than a year)</small>
| Son of Zhending
| Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by [[King Si of Zhou|Si]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Si of Zhou|Si]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|思}}
| Ji Shu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬叔}}
| colspan="2" | 441<br/><small>(less than a year)</small>
| Son of Zhending
| Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by [[King Kao of Zhou|Kao]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Kao of Zhou|Kao]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|考}}
| Ji Wei<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬嵬}}
| colspan="2" | 440–426<br/><small>({{Age in years|-440|-426}} years)</small>
| Son of Zhending
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Weilie of Zhou|Weilie]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|威烈}}
| Ji Wu<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬午}}
| colspan="2" | 425–402<br/><small>({{Age in years|-425|-402}} years)</small>
| Son of Kao
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King An of Zhou|An]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|安}}
| Ji Jiao<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬驕}}
| colspan="2" | 401–376<br/><small>({{Age in years|-401|-376}} years)</small>
| Son of Weilie
| [[Wei (state)|Wei]] increased in power{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Lie of Zhou|Lie]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|烈}}
| Ji Xi<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬喜}}
| colspan="2" | 375–369<br/><small>({{Age in years|-375|-369}} years)</small>
| Son of An
| –{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Xian of Zhou|Xian]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|顯}}
| Ji Bian<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬扁}}
| colspan="2" | 368–321<br/><small>({{Age in years|-368|-321}} years)</small>
| Son of An
| [[Qin (state)|Qin]] began to rise in power{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Shenjing of Zhou|Shenjing]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|慎靚}}
| Ji Ding<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬定}}
| colspan="2" | 320–315<br/><small>({{Age in years|-321|-315}} years)</small>
| Son of Xian
| [[Qin (state)|Qin]]'s power grew significantly during his reign{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|-
| '''[[King Nan of Zhou|Nan]]'''<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|赧}}
| Ji Yan<br/>{{lang|zh-hant|姬延}}
| colspan="2" | 314–256<br/><small>({{Age in years|-314|-256}} years)</small>
| Son of Shenjing
| Longest reigning Zhou ruler, though held little power amid the divided kingdom. Conquered and deposed by [[King Zhaoxiang of Qin]]{{sfn|''Imperial China''|2020|p=325}}
|}