List of Chinese monarchs

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.[a] 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 (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, rulers were referred to as Wang 王, meaning king.[4] China was fully united for the first time by Qin Shi Huang (r. 259–210 BCE), who established the first Imperial dynasty, adopting the title Huangdi (皇帝), meaning Emperor, which remained in use until the Imperial system's fall in 1912.[4]

At no point during Ancient or Imperial China was there a formalized means to confer legitimate succession between rulers.[5] From the Zhou dynasty onwards, monarchs justified their reigns by claiming the Mandate of Heaven (天命; Tiānmìng).[6][b] The mandate held that a ruler and their successors had permission from the heavens to rule as long as they did so effectively.[6] It also declared a ruler the Son of Heaven (天子; Tiānzǐ), giving them the right to rule "all under heaven" (天下; Tiānxià).[10] Given the Mandate's subjective nature, rulers also utilized a variety of methods to retain support and justify their accession.[6] 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.[11] For most of Imperial China, the wuxing (五行; "Five Elements") philosophical scheme was also central to justify dynastic succession.[12]

Most Chinese monarchs had many names. They were given a personal name (名字; Míngzi) at birth, but later referred to by a posthumous name (謚號; Shìhào)—which memorialized their accomplishments or character—due to a cultural naming taboo.[13] Most emperors of the Imperial period also received a temple name (廟號; Miàohào), used to venerate them in ancestor worship.[14] From the rule of Emperor Wu of Han (r. 141–87 BCE) onwards,[c] emperors also adopted one or several era names (年號; Niánhào), or "reign mottos",[17] to divide their rule by important events or accomplishments.[18] Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) rulers are referred to solely by their era names, of which they only had one.[19]

Apart from ethnic Han rulers, China was also ruled by various non-Han monarchs, including Jurchen, Khitan, Manchu, Mongol and Tangut and many others.[20] To justify their reign, non-Han rulers sometimes aligned themselves with the Confucian sages or the Chakravarti of Chinese Buddhism.[5] There are numerous lengthy periods where many competing kingdoms claimed the throne, many of whose legitimacy are still debated by scholars.[20]

## Ancient China

[edit]

### Mythological rulers

[edit]

Further information: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors

In traditional Chinese historiography, various models of mythological founding rulers exist.[21] The relevancy of these figures to the earliest Chinese people is unknown, since most accounts of them were written from the Warring States period (c. 475–221 BCE) onwards.[22] 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."[23] 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.[24] Other gods include Nüwa, who repaired heaven; Hou Yi, a mythical archer; and Gonggong, a serpent-like water deity.[25]

Demigod and hero rulers from hero myths—the largest group Chinese myths—are attributed the invention of specific items, practices or traditions.[26] Among the more important of them are Fuxi, the inventor of hunting; Suiren, who invented fire; and Shennong, who invented both agriculture and medicine.[27] The subsequent legendary kings began with the Yellow Emperor (黃帝), known as Huangdi, a major culture hero of Chinese civilization whose reign was considered exemplary.[27] Succeeding rulers include some combination of Shaohao, Zhuanxu, Emperor Ku, Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun.[28] Since the late Warring States onwards, early Chinese monarchs have traditionally been ground into the concept of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors;[28] however, the chosen figures of this grouping varies considerably between sources.[27] 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.[28]

### Xia dynasty

[edit]

Further information: Xia dynasty

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period was followed by the Xia dynasty in traditional historiography.[29] Founded by Yu the Great, both the dynasty and its rulers are of highly uncertain and controversial historicity.[29][30]

(#) – Uncertain legitimacy

Xia dynasty (夏朝)  Name  | Speculative reign length[d] | Traditional succession  | Capital[31] | Purported life details

|
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ZTW | Trad[32]

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 succession[33]

啟 | 10  | 8  | Son of Yu | Xiayi  | Prevented a rebellion led by his son Wuguan[34]
(Tai) Kang
（太）康 | 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 Ao[35]
(Zhong) Kang (#)
（仲）康 | 13  | 13  | Son of Qi | Zhenxun  | May not have ruled as his existence is sometimes absent from Xia king lists[36]
Xiang
相 | 28  | 28  | Son of (Zhong) Kang | Shang, then Zhenxun  | Killed by a son of Han Zhuo[37]
Interregnum, ruled by Han Zhuo
(Shao) Kang
（少）康 | 21  | 21  | Son of Xiang | Yuan  | Restored the dynasty after killing Han Zhuo and his sons[38]
Zhu
杼 | 17  | 16  | Son of (Shao) Kang | Yuan, then Laoqiu  | Little is known of his reign[39]
Huai
槐 | 26  | 25  | Son of Zhu | –  | Little is known of his reign; may have ruled up to 40 years[40]
Mang
芒 | 18  | 17  | Son of Huai | –  | Little is known of his reign[40]
Xie
泄 | 16  | 15  | Son of Mang | –  | Little is known of his reign[41]
(Bu) Jiang
（不）降 | 59  | 58  | Son of Xie | –  | Little is known of his reign; campaigned against the northwestern Jiuyuan [zh] peoples[40]
Jiong
扃 | 21  | 20  | Son of Xie | –  | Little is known of his reign[40]
Jin
廑 | 21  | 20  | Son of Jiong | Xihe  | Little is known of his reign[40]
Kong Jia
孔甲 | 31  | 30  | Son of (Bu) Jiang | Xihe  | His reign inaugurated the Xia's gradual decline[40]
Gao
皋 | 11  | 10  | Son of Kong Jia | –  | Little is known of his reign[40]

發 | 11  | 20?  | Son of Gao | –  | May have only reigned 7 years. His reign saw the earliest recorded earthquake, identified with the Mount Tai earthquake.[40]
Jie
桀 | 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 Shang[42]

### Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)

[edit]

Further information: Shang dynasty

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 (c. 1250—1046 BCE), during the reign of Wu Ding (1250–1192), putting the exact details of earlier rulers into doubt.[43][44]

(#) – Uncertain legitimacy

Shang dynasty (商朝; c. 1600–1046/c. 1570—1045 BCE)  Posthumous name[45] | Personal name[45] | Tentative reign (BCE)[e] | Traditional succession[46][47] | Residence[48] | Purported life details

|
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XSZ Project[49][50] | CHAC[51]

#### Early Shang

[edit]

Tang

* * *

Da Yi
大乙 | Zi Lü
子履 | fl. c. 1600 | fl. c. 1570[52] | 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[53]
Da Ding (#)

* * *

Tai Ding (#)
太丁 | unknown | –  | –  | Son of Tang  | –  | Uncertain whether he was ever enthroned; may have died before succeeding his father[54][53]
Wai Bing
外丙 | Zi Sheng
子勝 | —  | —  | Son of Tang  | Bo  | —[53]
Zhong Ren (#)
中壬 | Zi Yong
子庸 | —  | —  | Son of Tang  | Bo  | Not listed in the oracle bones inscriptions[53]
Tai Jia
太甲 | Zi Zhi
子至 | —  | —  | Son of Da Ding  | Bo  | Traditionally considered an autocratic and cruel ruler[53]
Wo Ding (#)

* * *

Qiang Ding
羌丁 | Zi Xuan
子絢 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Jia  | Bo  | His name is not found in oracle bone inscriptions, making his certainty as a ruler less secure.[54][53]
Tai Geng

* * *

Da Geng
大庚 | Zi Bian
子辯 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Jia  | Bo  | –[55]
Xiao Jia
小甲 | Zi Gao
子高 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Geng  | Bo  | –[55]
Yong Ji
雍己 | Zi Zhou
子伷 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Geng  | Bo  | May have reigned after Tai Wu[55]
Tai Wu

* * *

Da Wu
大戊 | Zi Mi
子密 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Geng  | Bo  | Said to have had a particularly long reign; one source records 75 years. The astronomer Wuxian was active under him[55]
Zhong Ding
仲丁 | Zi Zhung
子莊 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Wu  | Ao  | May have succeeded Yong Ji[55]
Wai Ren
外壬 | Zi Fā
子發 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Wu  | Ao  | –[55]
He Dan Jia
河亶甲 | Zi Zheng
子整 | —  | —  | Son of Tai Wu  | Xiang  | Moved the capital to Xiang (相) and engaged in military campaigns[55]
Zu Yi
祖己 | Zi Teng
子滕 | —  | —  | Son of Zhong Ding  | Geng  | The dynasty flourished particularly during his reign[55]
Zu Xin
祖辛 | Zi Dan
子旦 | —  | —  | Son of Zu Yi  | Bi  | –[55]
Wo Jia

* * *

Qiang Jia
羌甲 | Zi Yu
子踰 | —  | —  | Son of Zu Yi  | Bi  | –[55]
Zu Ding
祖丁 | Zi Xin
子新 | —  | —  | Son of Zu Xin  | Bi  | –[55]
Nan Geng
南庚 | Zi Geng
子更 | —  | —  | Son of Wo Jia  | Bi, then Yan  | Moved the capital from Bi (庇) to Yan (奄)[55]
Yang Jia
陽甲 | Zi He
子和 | —  | —  | Son of Zu Ding  | Yan  | His reign marked the decline of the Shang[56]
Pan Geng
盤庚 | Zi Xun
子旬 | 1300–1251
(48–49 years) | —  | Son of Zu Ding  | Yan, then Yin  | Traditionally said to have moved the dynasty's capital from Yan (奄) to Yin (殷)[57] Led a prosperous reign[56]
Xiao Xin
小辛 | Zi Song
子颂 | —  | Son of Zu Ding  | Yin | His reign saw the continuation of the Shang's decline[56]
Xiao Yi
小乙 | Zi Lian
子敛 | —  | Son of Zu Ding  | Yin | –[56]

#### Late Shang

[edit]

See also: Late Shang and Periodization of the Shang dynasty

Wu Ding
武丁 | Zi Zhao
子昭 | 1250–1192
(57–58 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.[58] The first ruler whose name is included in oracle bones which date to his reign.[59][56]
Zu Geng
祖庚 | Zi Yue
子躍 | 1191–1148
(42–43 years) | 1188–1178
(9–10 years) | Son of Wu Ding  | Yin | Possibly commissioned the Houmuwu ding in memory of his mother Fu Jing[60][56][f]
Zu Jia
祖甲 | Zi Zai
子載 | 1177–1158
(18–19 years) | Son of Wu Ding  | Yin | Reformed the ritual and calendar systems, as recording in the Book of Documents[56]
Lin Xin (#)
廩辛 | Zi Xian
子先 | 1157–1149
(7–8 years) | Son of Zu Jia  | Yin | Due to inconsistencies in the oracle bone inscriptions, it is possible he did not reign.[62][63]
Geng Ding

* * *

Kang Ding
康丁 | Zi Xiao
子囂 | 1148–1132
(15–16 years) | Son of Zu Jia  | Yin | His reign accelerated the dynasty's decline[64]
Wu Yi
武乙 | Zi Qu
子瞿 | 1147–1131
(15–16 years) | 1131–1117
(13–14 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 omen[64]
Wen Wu Ding
文武丁

* * *

Wen Ding
文丁 | Zi Tuo
子托 | 1112–1102
(9–10 years) | 1116–1106
(9–10 years) | Son of Wu Yi  | Yin | The Predynastic Zhou rose in power during his reign, led by Ji, King of Zhou[64]
Di Yi
帝乙 | Zi Xian
子羡 | 1101–1076
(24–25 years) | 1105–1087
(17–18 years) | Son of Wen Wu Ding  | Yin | Supposedly married his daughter to King Wen of Zhou,[65][66] or married his sister to Ji, King of Zhou[67]
Di Xin
帝辛 (紂) | Zi Shou
子受 | 1075–1046
(28–29 years) | 1086–1045
(40–41 years) | Son of Di Yi  | Yin | Killed by Ji Fa during the Battle of Muye[68][64]

### Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE)

[edit]

Further information: Zhou dynasty and Zhou dynasty family tree

Zhou dynasty (周; c. 1046–256 BCE)  Posthumous name[69] | Personal name  | Tentative reign (BCE)  | Traditional succession[70] | Purported life details

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XSZ Project[49][50] | CHAC[69]

#### Western Zhou

[edit]

See also: Western Zhou

武 | Ji Fa
姬發 | 1046–1043
(2–3 years) | 1049–1043
(5–6 years) | Son of King Wen | Defeated the tyrannical King Zhou of Shang in the Battle of Muye[71]
Cheng
成 | Ji Song
姬誦 | 1042–1021
(20–21 years) | 1042–1006
(35–36 years) | Son of Wu  | Most of his reign was controlled by the Duke of Zhou, who suppressed the Rebellion of the Three Guards[71]
Kang
康 | Ji Zhao
姬釗 | 1020–996
(23–24 years) | 1005–978
(26–27 years) | Son of Cheng  | His accession established Zhou primogeniture. A largely peaceful reign[71]
Zhao
昭 | Ji Xia
姬瑕 | 995–977
(17–18 years) | 977–957
(19–20 years) | Son of Kang  | Lost the Zhou–Chu War, during which he died. His reign marked the Zhou's gradual decline[72]

穆 | Ji Man
姬滿 | 976–922
(53–54 years) | 956–918
(39–40 years) | Son of Zhao  | Engaged in many destabilizing territory conflicts[73]
Gong
共 | Ji Yihu
姬繄扈 | 922–900
(21–22 years) | 917–900
(16–17 years) | Son of Mu  | Little is known of his reign[73]
Yih
懿 | Ji Jian
姬囏 | 899–892
(6–7 years) | 899–873
(25–26 years) | Son of Gong  | Little is known of his reign; may have been removed from power by Xiao[73]
Xiao
孝 | Ji Pifang
姬辟方 | 891–886
(4–5 years) | 872–866
(5–6 years) | Son of Mu  | Little is known of his reign[73]

夷 | Ji Xie
姬燮 | 885–878
(6–7 years) | 865–858
(6–7 years) | Son of Yih  | Continued decline of the Zhou[73]

厲 | Ji Hu
姬胡 | 877–841
(35–36 years) | 857–842
(14–15 years) | Son of Yí  | Traditionally considered a corrupt and cruel ruler. Exiled amid a peasant rebellion[74]
Gonghe Regency (共和; 841–828)[75]
Xuan
宣 | Ji Jing
姬靜 | 827–782  | Son of Li  | Had military successes, aiming to restore Zhou authority[75]
You
幽 | Ji Gongnie
姬宮涅 | 781–771
(9–10 years) | 782–771
(10–11 years) | Son of Xuan  | Numerous natural disasters occurred, after which Quanrong him and overran the capital[75]

#### Eastern Zhou

[edit]

See also: Eastern Zhou

Spring and Autumn period (春秋時代; 770–476 BCE)
Ping
平 | Ji Yijiu
姬宜臼 | 770–720
(49–50 years) | Son of You  | Moved the capital to Luoyang[76]
Huan
桓 | Ji Lin
姬林 | 719–697
(21–22 years) | Grandson of Ping  | Defeated by the Duke of Zheng at the Battle of Xuge, accelerating the Zhou dynasty's decline in power[76]
Zhuang
莊 | Ji Tuo
姬佗 | 696–682
(13–14 years) | Son of Huan  | Royal court's authority began declining[76]

釐 | Ji Huqi
姬胡齊 | 681–677
(3–4 years) | Son of Zhuang  | Briefly reigned as the Duke Huan led the Qi to surpass the Zhou in power[76]
Hui
惠 | Ji Lang
姬閬 | 676–652
(23–24 years) | Son of Xi  | Slowed the Chu state's rise[76]
Xiang
襄 | Ji Zheng
姬鄭 | 651–619
(31–32 years) | Son of Hui  | Briefly deposed by his brother, but reinstated by Duke Wen[76]
Qing
頃 | Ji Renchen
姬壬臣 | 618–613
(4–5 years) | Son of Xiang  | Briefly reigned[76]
Kuang
匡 | Ji Ban
姬班 | 612–607
(4–5 years) | Son of Qing  | Increasing fighting between surrounding kingdoms[76]
Ding
定 | Ji Yu
姬瑜 | 606–586
(19–20 years) | Son of Qing  | Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms[77]
Jian
簡 | Ji Yi
姬夷 | 585–572
(12–13 years) | Son of Ding  | Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms[77]
Ling
靈 | Ji Xiexin
姬泄心 | 571–545
(25–26 years) | Son of Jian  | Weakened relations with surrounding kingdoms[77]
Jing
景 | Ji Gui
姬貴 | 544–521
(22–23 years) | Son of Ling  | Died without an heir, causing a power struggle and rebellion[77]
Dao
悼 | Ji Meng
姬猛 | 520
(less than a year) | Son of Jing (544–521)  | Briefly ruled before being murdered by his brother[77]
Jing
敬 | Ji Gai
姬丐 | 519–476
(42–43 years) | Son of Jing (544–521)  | Briefly exiled during a revolt. Ruled during the lifetime of Confucius[77]
Warring States period (戰國時代; 475–221 BCE)
Yuan
元 | Ji Ren
姬仁 | 475–469
(5–6 years) | Son of Jing (519–476)  | Decline in Zhou's power[77]
Zhending
貞定 | Ji Jie
姬介 | 468–442
(25–26 years) | Son of Yuan  | Continued decline of Zhou[78]

哀 | Ji Quji
姬去疾 | 441
(less than a year) | Son of Zhending  | Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Si[79]

思 | Ji Shu
姬叔 | 441
(less than a year) | Son of Zhending  | Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Kao[79]
Kao
考 | Ji Wei
姬嵬 | 440–426
(13–14 years) | Son of Zhending  | –[79]
Weilie
威烈 | Ji Wu
姬午 | 425–402
(22–23 years) | Son of Kao  | –[79]

安 | Ji Jiao
姬驕 | 401–376
(24–25 years) | Son of Weilie  | Wei increased in power[79]
Lie
烈 | Ji Xi
姬喜 | 375–369
(5–6 years) | Son of An  | –[79]
Xian
顯 | Ji Bian
姬扁 | 368–321
(46–47 years) | Son of An  | Qin began to rise in power[79]
Shenjing
慎靚 | Ji Ding
姬定 | 320–315
(5–6 years) | Son of Xian  | Qin's power grew significantly during his reign[79]
Nan
赧 | Ji Yan
姬延 | 314–256
(57–58 years) | Son of Shenjing  | Longest reigning Zhou ruler, though held little power amid the divided kingdom. Conquered and deposed by King Zhaoxiang of Qin[79]

## Early imperial China

[edit]

### Qin dynasty (221–207 BCE)

[edit]

Further information: Qin dynasty, Qin dynasty family tree, and Qin (state)

Qin dynasty (秦朝; 221–207 BCE)[80] Dynastic name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Qin Shi Huang[g]
秦始皇 | Ying Zheng

* * *

Zhao Zheng
趙政 | 221[h] – July 210 BCE[i]
(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).[84] | 259 – July 210 BCE
(48–49 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,[85] possibly alchemical elixir poisoning[86]
Qin Er Shi[j]
秦二世 | Ying Huhai
嬴胡亥 | 210[k] – 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.[87] | 231/222 – October 207 BCE
(23–24/14–15 years)

* * *

His reign was completely dominated by Zhao Gao. Forced by Zhao to commit suicide[88]
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 BCE[l]

### Han and Xin dynasties (202 BCE – 220 CE)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Han dynasty.

Further information: Han dynasty, Xin dynasty, and Han and Xin dynasties family tree

(#) – contested legitimacy

Han (漢朝; 202 BCE – 9 CE; 25–220 CE) and Xin (新; 9–23 CE) dynasties  Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign[92] | Succession  | Life details

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#### Western Han (202 BCE – 9 CE)

[edit]

See also: Han dynasty § Western Han

Gaozu

* * *

Gao
高帝 | Liu Bang
劉邦 | 28 February 202[m]– 1 June 195 BCE
(7 years, 3 months and 4 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 Bu[94]
Hui
惠帝 | Liu Ying
劉盈 | 23 June 195 – 26 September 188 BCE
(7 years, 3 months and 3 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 illness[95]
Qianshao[n] (#)
前少帝 | Liu Gong
劉恭 | 19 October 188 – 15 June 184 BCE
(3 years, 7 months and 27 days) | Purportedly a son of Hui[o] | ? – 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 184[98]
Houshao[p] (#)
後少帝 | Liu Yi

* * *

Liu Hong
劉弘 | 15 June 184 – 15 August 180 BCE
(4 years and 2 months) | Purportedly a son of Hui[o] | ? – 14 November 180

* * *

An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Put to death by the House of Lü[100]
Wen
文帝 | Liu Heng
劉恆 |
14 November 180 – 6 July 157 BCE
(22 years, 5 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qianyuan (前元)
25 November 180 – 14 November 164 BCE
* Houyuan (後元)
15 November 164 – 28 October 157 BCE

| Son of Gao | 203/202 – 6 July 157 BCE
(aged 46)

* * *

Died of natural causes[101]
Jing
景帝 | Liu Qi
劉啟 |
14 July 157 – 10 March 141 BCE
(15 years, 7 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qianyuan (前元)
29 October 157 – 10 November 150 BCE
* Zhongyuan (中元)
11 November 149 – 3 November 144 BCE
* Houyuan (後元)
4 November 143 – 31 October 141 BCE

| Son of Wen | 188 – 10 March 141 BCE
(aged 47)

* * *

Died of natural causes[102]

武帝 | Liu Che
劉徹 |
10 March 141 – 29 March 87 BCE[q]
(54 years and 19 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyuan (建元)
1 November 141 – 25 October 135 BCE
* Yuanguang (元光)
26 October 135 – 17 November 129 BCE
* Yuanshuo (元朔)
18 November 129 – 11 November 123 BCE
* Yuanshou (元狩)
12 November 123 – 5 November 117 BCE
* Yuanding (元鼎)
6 November 117 – 14 May 110 BCE
* Yuanfeng (元封)
15 May 110 – 24 June 104 BCE
* Taichu (太初)
25 June 104 – 5 February 100 BCE
* Tianhan (天漢)
6 February 100 – 22 January 96 BCE
* Taishi (太始)
23 January 96 – 6 February 92 BCE
* Zhenghe (征和)
7 February 92 – 23 January 88 BCE
* Houyuan (後元)
24 January 88 – 29 March 87 BCE

| Son of Jing | 157/156 – 29 March 87 BCE[q]
(aged 69)

* * *

Among the longest reigning and highly regarded Chinese emperors. Expanded the Han dynasty considerably. Died from an unknown illness[103]
Zhao
昭帝 | Liu Fuling
劉弗陵 |
30 March 87 – 5 June 74 BCE
(13 years, 2 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shiyuan (始元)
1 February 86 – 25 January 80 BCE
* Yuanfeng (元鳳)
26 January 80 – 18 February 74 BCE
* Yuanping (元平)
19 February 74 – 8 February 73 BCE

| Son of Wu | 94 – 5 June 74 BCE
(aged 20)

* * *

Died from natural causes[104]
None, known as
Marquis of Haihun (#)
海昏侯 | Liu He
劉賀 | 18 July – 14 August 74 BCE
(27 days) | Grandson of Wu | 92–59 BCE
(aged 32–33)

* * *

Briefly installed by Huo Guang and not often considered legitimate. Died from natural causes[105]
Xuan
宣帝 | Liu Bingyi
劉病已

* * *

Liu Xun
劉詢 |
10 September 74 – 10 January 48 BCE
(25 years and 4 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Benshi (本始)
8 February 73 – 24 January 69 BCE
* Dijie (地節)
25 January 69 – 8 February 65 BCE
* Yuankang (元康)
9 February 65 – 25 January 61 BCE
* Shenjue (神爵)
26 January 61 – 10 February 57 BCE
* Wufeng (五鳳)
11 February 57 – 27 January 53 BCE
* Ganlu (甘露)
28 January 53 – 12 February 49 BCE
* Huanglong (黃龍)
13 February 49 – 10 January 48 BCE

| Great-grandson Wu | 91 – 10 January 48 BCE
(aged 43)

* * *

His reign is sometimes considered a cultural and political 'renaissance'. Died from natural causes[106]
Yuan
元帝 | Liu Shi
劉奭 |
29 January 48 – 3 July 33 BCE
(15 years, 5 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Chuyuan (初元)
1 February 48 – 5 February 43 BCE
* Yongguang (永光)
6 February 43 – 10 February 39 BCE
* Jianzhao (建昭)
11 February 38 – 15 February 34 BCE
* Jingning (竟寧)
16 February 33 – 3 July 33 BCE

| Son of Xuan | 75 – 8 July 33 BCE
(aged 42)

* * *

Died from an unknown illness[107]
Cheng
成帝 | Liu Ao
劉驁 |
4 August 33 – 17 April 7 BCE
(25 years, 8 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianshi (建始)
4 February 32 – late 28 BCE
* Heping (河平)
late 28 – 10 August 25 BCE
* Yangshuo (陽朔)
11 August 25 – 20 February 20 BCE
* Hongjia (鴻嘉)
21 February 20 – 6 February 17 BCE
* Yongshi (永始)
7 February 16 – 23 January 13 BCE
* Yuanyan (元延)
24 January 12 – 8 February 8 BCE
* Suihe (綏和)
9 February 8 – 17 April 7 BCE

| Son of Yuan | 51 – 17 April 7 BCE
(aged 44)

* * *

Died from a stroke or possibly complications from an aphrodisiac overdose[108]

哀帝 | Liu Xin
劉欣 |
7 May 7 – 15 August 1 BCE
(6 years, 3 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianping (建平)
17 February 6 – 2 February 2 BCE
* Taichu Yuan Jiang (太初元將)
9 July – September 5 BCE
* Yuanshou (元壽)
3 February 2 – 11 February 1 CE

| Grandson of Yuan | 27 – 15 August 1 BCE
(aged 26)

* * *

Died from an unknown illness[109]
Ping
平帝 | Liu Kan
劉衎 |
17 October 1 BCE – 3 February 6 CE
(6 years, 3 months and 17 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanshi (元始)
12 February 1 CE – 16 February 6 CE

| 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.[110]
None, known as
Ruzi Ying (#)
孺子嬰 | Liu Ying
劉嬰 |
17 April 6 – 10 January 9 CE
(2 years, 8 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jushe (居攝)
17 February 6 – 27 January 8 CE
* Chushi (初始)
27 January – 10 January 9 CE

| 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 him[111]

#### Xin dynasty (9–23 CE)

[edit]

See also: Xin dynasty

—  | Wang Mang
王莽 |
10 January 9 – 6 October 23 CE
(14 years, 8 months and 26 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shijianguo (始建國)
15 January 9 – 19 January 14 CE
* Tianfeng (天鳳)
20 January 14 – 13 January 20 CE
* Dihuang (地皇)
14 January 20 – 6 October 23 CE

| 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.[112]

#### Gengshi Emperor (23–25 CE)

[edit]

None, known by his era:
Gengshi (#)
更始帝 | Liu Xuan
劉玄 |
11 March 23 – November 25 CE
(2 years and 8 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Gengshi (更始)
10 February 23 – November 25 CE

| Descendant of Jing | ? – November 25 CE

* * *

Strangled on the orders of Xie Lu [zh], a leader of the Red Eyebrows. Sometimes considered a pretender and illegitimate[113]

#### Eastern Han (25–220 CE)

[edit]

See also: Han dynasty § Eastern Han

Guangwu
光武帝 | Liu Xiu
劉秀 |
5 August 25 – 29 March 57 CE
(31 years, 7 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianwu (建武)
5 August 25 – 13 May 56 CE
* Jianwezhongyuan (建武中元)
14 May 56 – 12 February 57 CE

| Descendant of Jing | 15 January 5 BCE – 29 March 57 CE
(aged 62)

* * *

Died of natural causes[114]
Ming
明帝 | Liu Yang

* * *

Liu Zhuang
劉莊 |
29 March 57 – 5 September 75 CE
(18 years, 5 months and 7 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongping (永平)
13 February 58 – 23 February 76 CE

| Son of Guangwu | 28 – 5 September 75 CE
(aged 48)

* * *

Died of natural causes[115]
Zhang
章帝 | Liu Da
劉炟 |
5 September 75 – 9 April 88 CE
(12 years, 7 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianchu (建初)
24 February 76 – 26 January 84 CE
* Yuanhe (元和)
27 January 84 – 11 September 87 CE
* Zhanghe (章和)
12 September 87 – 29 April 88 CE

| Son of Ming | 56 – 9 April 88 CE
(aged 32)

* * *

His reign marked the beginning of the Han's decline. Died of natural causes[116]

和帝 | Liu Zhao
劉肇 |
9 April 88 – 13 February 106 CE
(17 years, 10 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongyuan (永元)
30 January 89 – 17 May 105 CE
* Yuanxing (元興)
18 May 105 – 20 February 106 CE

| Son of Zhang | 79 – 13 February 106
(aged 27)

* * *

Died of natural causes[117]
Shang
殤帝 | Liu Long
劉隆 |
13 February – 21 September 106 CE
(7 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yanping (延平)
21 February 106 – 9 February 107 CE

| Son of He | 105 – 21 September 106
(aged 4)

* * *

Died of natural causes[118]

安帝 | Liu Hu

* * *

Liu You
劉友 |
23 September 106 – 30 April 125 CE
(18 years, 7 months and 7 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongchu (永初)
10 February 107 – 23 February 113 CE
* Yuanchu (元初)
24 February 114 – 24 May 120 CE
* Yongning (永寧)
25 May 120 – 30 September 121 CE
* Jianguang (建光)
1 August 121 – 24 April 122 CE
* Yanguang (延光)
25 April 122 – 30 April 125 CE

| Grandson of Zhang | 94 – 30 April 125
(aged 32)

* * *

Died of natural causes[119]
None, known as
Marquess of Beixiang (#)
北鄉侯 | Liu Yi
劉懿 | 18 May – 10 December 125 CE[r]
(6 months and 22 days) | Grandson of Emperor Zhang | ?–125 CE

* * *

Briefly reigned, probably as a child; often not considered legitimate. Died of natural causes[120]
Shun
順帝 | Liu Bao
劉保 |
16 December 125 – 20 September 144
(18 years, 9 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongjian (永建)
10 February 126 – 15 April 132 CE
* Yangjia (陽嘉)
16 April 132 – 4 March 135 CE
* Yonghe (永和)
5 March 136 – 25 February 142 CE
* Han'an (漢安)
26 February 142 – 2 June 144 CE
* Jiankang (建康)
3 June 144 – 9 February 145 CE

| Son of An | 115 – 20 September 144 CE
(aged 29)

* * *

Died of natural causes[121]
Chong
沖帝 | Liu Bing
劉炳 |
20 September 144 – 15 February 145
(4 months and 26 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongxi (永嘉)
10 February 145 – 29 January 146 CE

| Son of Shun | 143 – 15 February 145 CE
(aged 2)

* * *

Died of natural causes[122]
Zhi
質帝 | Liu Zuan
劉纘 |
6 March 145 – 26 July 146
(1 year, 4 months and 20 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Benchu (本初)
30 January 146 – 17 February 147 CE

| 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 poisoning[123]
Huan
桓帝 | Liu Zhi
劉志 |
1 August 146 – 25 January 168
(21 years, 5 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianhe (建和)
18 February 147 – 14 February 150 CE
* Heping (和平)
15 February 150 – 18 February 151 CE
* Yuanjia (元嘉)
19 February 151 – 30 June 153 CE
* Yongxing (永興)
1 July 153 – 4 March 155 CE
* Yongshou (永壽)
5 March 155 – 16 July 158 CE
* Yanxi (延熹)
17 July 158 – 11 July 167 CE
* Yongkang (永康)
12 July 167 – 16 February 168 CE

| Great-grandson of Zhang | 132 – 25 January 168 CE
(aged 36)

* * *

Died of natural causes[124]
Ling
靈帝 | Liu Hong
劉宏 |
17 February 168 – 13 May 189
(21 years and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianning (建寧)
17 February 168 – 23 June 172 CE
* Xiping (熹平)
24 June 172 – 25 April 178 CE
* Guanghe (光和)
26 April 178 – 15 February 185 CE
* Zhongping (中平)
16 February 184 – 14 May 189 CE

| Great-great-grandson of Zhang | 156 – 13 May 189 CE
(aged 32–33)

* * *

Died of an unknown illness[125]
Prince of Hongnong (#)
弘農王 | Liu Bian
劉辯 |
15 May – 28 September 189 CE
(6 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guingxi (光熹)
15 May – 24 September 189 CE
* Zhaoning (昭宁)
25–27 September 189 CE

| Son of Ling | 173/176 – 22 March 190 CE
(aged 13–14)

* * *

Briefly reigned as a child; often not considered legitimate. Poisoned by Dong Zhuo[126]
Xian
獻帝 | Liu Xie
劉協 |
28 September 189 – 11 December 220[s]
(31 years, 2 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yonghan (永汉)
28 September 189 – 18 February 190 CE
* Zhongping (中平)
19–22 February 193 CE
* Chuping (初平)
23 February 190 – 20 February 194 CE
* Xingping (兴平)
21 February 194 – 22 February 196 CE
* Jian'an (建安)
23 February 196 – 20 March 220 CE
* Yankang (延康)
21 March – 11 December 220 CE

| 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 causes[127]
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.[128]

## Six Dynasties

[edit]

Further information: Six Dynasties

### Three Kingdoms (220–280)

[edit]

Further information: Three Kingdoms

#### Cao Wei (220–266)

[edit]

Further information: Cao Wei and Cao Wei family trees

Cao Wei (曹魏; 220–266)  Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Cao Pi
曹丕 | Emperor Wen
文帝 | 11 December 220 – 29 June 226
(5 years, 6 months and 18 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huangchu (黃初) December 220–226

| 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 causes[129]
Cao Rui
曹叡 | Emperor Ming
明帝 | 29 June 226 – 22 January 239
(12 years, 6 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taihe (太和) 227–233
* Qinglong (青龍) 233–237
* Jingchu (景初) 237–239

| Son of Cao Pi and grandson of Cao Cao | c. 206 – 22 January 239
(aged 34–35)

* * *

Died of natural causes[130]
Cao Fang
曹芳 | Emperor Shao

* * *

Emperor Fei
廢帝 | 22 January 239 – 16 October 254
(15 years, 8 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhengshi (正始) 240 – 7 May 249
* Jiaping (嘉平) 8 May 249 – 1 November 254

| 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 causes[131]
Cao Mao
曹髦 | Duke of Gaogui District
高貴鄉公 | 2 November 254 – 2 June 260
(5 years and 7 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhengyuan (正元) 2 November 254 – 9 July 256
* Ganlu (甘露) 10 July 256 – 13 July 260

| The cousin of Cao Fang and grandson of Cao Pi. Put on the throne by Sima Shi | c. 241 – 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 Zhao[132]
Cao Huan
曹奐 | Emperor Yuan
元皇帝 | 27 July 260 – 4 February 266
(5 years, 6 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingyuan (景元) 8 July 260 – June 264
* Xianxi (咸熙) June 264 – 4 February 266

| 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 causes[133]

#### Shu Han (221–263)

[edit]

Further information: Shu Han and Shu Han family trees

Shu Han (蜀漢; 221–263)  Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Liu Bei
劉備 | Emperor Zhaolie
昭烈皇帝 | 15 May 221 – 10 June 223
(2 years and 26 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhangwu (章武) 221–223

| 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 causes[134]
Liu Shan
劉禪 | Emperor Xiaohuai
孝懷皇帝 | June 223 – December 263
(40 years and 6 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianxing (建興) 223–237
* Yanxi (延熙) 238–257
* Jingyao (景耀) 258–263
* Yanxing (炎興) 263

| The son of Liu Bei | 207–271
(aged 63–64)

* * *

Abdicated after the fall on the Shu capital of Chengdu in 263.[135]

#### Eastern Wu (222–280)

[edit]

Further information: Eastern Wu and Eastern Wu family trees

Eastern Wu (東吳; 222–280)  Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Sun Quan
孫權 | Emperor Da
大皇帝 | 23 May 229 – May 252
(22 years, 11 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huangwu (黃武) 222–229
* Huanglong (黃龍) 229–231
* Jiahe (嘉禾) 232–238
* Chiwu (赤烏) 238–251
* Taiyuan (太元) 251–252
* Shenfeng (神鳳) 252

| 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 causes[136]
Sun Liang
孫亮 | Emperor Fei
吳廢帝 | May 252 – 9 November 258
(6 years, 6 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianxing (建興) 252–253
* Wufeng (五鳳) 254–256
* Taiping (太平) 256–258

| 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 causes[137]
Sun Xiu
孫休 | Emperor Jing
景皇帝 | 30 November 258 – 3 September 264
(5 years, 11 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongan (永安) 258–264

| Son of Sun Quan | 235–264
(aged 28–29)

* * *

Died of natural causes[137]
Sun Hao
孫皓 | Emperor Mo
末帝 | 3 September 264 – 1 May 280
(15 years, 5 months and 28 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanxing (元興) 264–265
* Ganlu (甘露) 265–266
* Baoding (寶鼎) 266–269
* Jianheng (建衡) 269–271
* Fenghuang (鳳凰) 272–274
* Tiance (天冊) 275–276
* Tianxi (天璽) 276
* Tianji (天紀) 277–280

| 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 causes[138]

### Jin dynasty (266–420)

[edit]

Further information: Jin dynasty (266–420) and Jin emperors family tree

Jin dynasty (晉朝; 266–420)[139] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

#### Western Jin (266–316)

[edit]

See also: Jin dynasty (266–420) § Western Jin

Emperor Wu
晉武帝 | Sima Yan
司馬炎 |
8 February 266 – 16 May 290
(24 years, 4 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taishi (泰始) 266–274
* Xianning (咸寧) 275–280
* Taikang (太康) 280–289
* Taixi (太熙) 290

| 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 causes[140]
Emperor Hui
晉惠帝 | Sima Zhong
司馬衷 |
16 May 290 – 8 January 307
(16 years, 7 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongxi (永熙) 290
* Yongping (永平) 291
* Yuankang (元康) 291–299
* Yongkang (永康) 300–301
* Yongning (永寧) 301–302
* Taian (太安) 302–303
* Yongan (永安) 304
* Jianwu (建武) 304
* Yongan (永安) 304
* Yongxing (永興) 305–306
* Guangxi (光熙) 306

| 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 Yue[141]
—  | Sima Lun
司馬倫 |
3 February – 30 May 301
(3 months and 27 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianshi (建始) 301

| 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 Yong[142]
Emperor Huai
晉懷帝 | Sima Chi
司馬熾 |
8 January 307 – 14 March 311
(4 years, 2 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongjia (永嘉) 307–313

| 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-Zhao[143]
Emperor Min
晉愍帝 | Sima Ye
司馬鄴 |
14 March 313 – 7 February 316
(2 years, 10 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianxing (建興) 313–317

| 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-Zhao[144]

#### Eastern Jin (318–420)

[edit]

See also: Jin dynasty (266–420) § Eastern Jin

Emperor Yuan
晉元帝 | Sima Rui
司馬睿 |
26 April 318 – 3 January 323
(4 years, 8 months and 8 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianwu (建武) 317–318
* Taixing (太興) 318–322
* Yongchang (永昌) 322–323

| 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 causes[145]
Emperor Ming
晉明帝 | Sima Shao
司馬紹 |
3 January 323 – 18 October 325
(2 years, 9 months and 15 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taining (太寧) 323–326

| Son of Emperor Yuan  | 299 – 325
(aged 26)

* * *

His reign was dominated by Wang Dao and antagonized by Wang Dun. Died of natural causes[146]
Emperor Cheng
晉成帝 | Sima Yan
司馬衍 | 19 October 325 – 26 July 342
(16 years, 9 months and 7 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xianhe (咸和) 326–335
* Xiankang (咸康) 335–342

| 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 causes[147]
Emperor Kang
晉康帝 | Sima Yue
司馬岳 |
27 July 342 – 17 November 344
(2 years, 3 months and 21 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyuan (建元) 343–344

| Son of Emperor Ming  | 322 – 344
(aged 22)

* * *

Died of natural causes[148]
Emperor Mu
晉穆帝 | Sima Dan
司馬聃 |
18 November 344 – 10 July 361
(16 years, 7 months and 22 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yonghe (永和) 345–357
* Shengping (升平) 357–361

| Son of Emperor Kang, "ruled" under the regency of Empress Dowager Chu until 357  | 343 – 361
(aged 18)

* * *

The youngest Chinese emperor.[t] Died of natural causes[149]
Emperor Ai
晉哀帝 | Sima Pi
司馬丕 |
13 July 361 – 30 March 365
(3 years, 8 months and 17 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Longhe (隆和) 362–363
* Xingning (興寧) 363–365

| Son of Emperor Cheng, reigned alongside Empress Dowager Chu | 341 – 365
(aged 24)

* * *

Died of drug poisoning[150]
none, known as:
Emperor Fei[u]
晉廢帝 | Sima Yi
司馬奕 |
31 March 365 – 6 January 372
(6 years, 9 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taihe (太和) 366–372

| Son of Emperor Cheng  | 342 – 386
(aged 44)

* * *

Deposed by Huan Wen, later dying of natural causes[152]
Emperor Jianwen
晉簡文帝 | Sima Yu
司馬昱 |
6 January – 19 August 372
(7 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xianan (咸安) 372

| Son of Emperor Yuan and great-great-grandson of Sima Yi, enthroned by Huan Wen | 320 – 372
(aged 52)

* * *

Died of natural causes[153]
Emperor Xiaowu
晉孝武帝 | Sima Yao
司馬曜 |
19 August 372 – 6 November 396
(24 years, 2 months and 18 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Ningkang (寧康) 373–376
* Taiyuan (太元) 376–397

| 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 concubine[154]
Emperor An
晉安帝 | Sima Dezong
司馬德宗 |
7 November 396 – 28 January 419
(22 years, 2 months and 21 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Longan (隆安) 397–402
* Yuanxing (元興) 402–405
* Yixi (義熙) 405–419

| Son of Emperor Xiaowu  | 382/3 – 419
(aged 36–37)

* * *

Dominated by Sima Daozi, Huan Xuan and Liu Yu, he was killed by the latter[155]
Emperor Gong
晉恭帝 | Sima Dewen
司馬德文 |
28 January 419 – 5 July 420
(1 year, 5 months and 7 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanxi (元熙) 419–420

| Son of Emperor Xiaowu  | 386 – 12 November 421
(aged 35)

* * *

Abdicated in favor of Liu Yu (Emperor Wu of Song), later assassinated[156]

### Sixteen Kingdoms (304–439)

[edit]

Further information: Sixteen Kingdoms

Cheng Han (成漢; 304–347)[157] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Li Xiong
李雄 | Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | 304–334
(29–30 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianxing (建興) 304–306
* Yanping (晏平) 306–311
* Yuheng (玉衡) 311–334

| Son of rebel Li Te, proclaimed himself King in 304 and then Emperor in 306  | 274–334
(aged 59–60)

* * *

Died of disease[158]
Li Ban
李班 | Emperor Ai
哀皇帝 | 334
(less than a year) | Nephew of Li Xiong | 274–334
(aged 59–60)

* * *

Killed by Li Qi[159]
Li Qi
李期 | Duke You
幽公 | 334–338
(3–4 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuheng (玉恆) 335–338

| Son of Li Xiong | 314–338
(aged 23–24)

* * *

Committed suicide[160]
Li Shou
李壽 | Emperor Xiaowen
昭文皇帝 | 338–343
(4–5 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hanxing (漢興) 338–344

| 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 causes[160]
Li Shi
李勢 | Marquess of Guiyi
歸義侯 | 343–347
(3–4 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taihe (太和) 343–346
* Jianing (嘉寧) 346–347

| 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 capital[160]
Han-Zhao (漢趙; 304–319) / Former Zhao (前趙; 319–329)[161] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Liu Yuan
劉淵 | Emperor Guangwen
光文皇帝 | 304–310
(5–6 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanxi (元熙) 304–308
* Yongfeng (永鳳) 308–309
* Herui (河瑞) 309–310

| Rebelled against the Jin dynasty. Proclaimed himself King of Han in 304 and Emperor in 308  | c. 250–310
(aged approx. 60)

* * *

Died of natural causes[162]
Liu He
劉和 | –  | 310
(less than a year) | Son of Liu Yuan | Killed by his brother Liu Cong[163]
Liu Cong
劉聰 | Emperor Zhaowu
昭武皇帝 | 310–318
(7–8 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangxing (光興) 310–311
* Jiaping (嘉平) 311–315
* Jianyuan (建元) 315–316
* Linjia (麟嘉) 316–318

| Son of Liu Yuan | Died of natural causes in 318[163]
Liu Can
劉粲 | Emperor Yin
隱皇帝 | 318
(less than a year) | Son of Liu Cong | Killed by officer Jin Zhun in 318[163]
Liu Yao
劉曜 | –  | 318–329
(10–11 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangchu (光初) 318–329

| 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 Zhao[162]
Later Zhao (後趙; 319–351)  Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Shi Le
石勒 | Emperor Ming
明皇帝 | 319–333
(13–14 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhaowang (趙王) 319–328
* Taihe (太和) 328–330
* Jianping (建平) 330–333

| 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 causes[164]
Shi Hong
石弘 | –  | 333–334
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yanxi (延熙) 334

| Son of Shi Le | 313–334
(aged 20–21)

* * *

Deposed and killed by Shi Hu[164]
Shi Hu
石虎 | Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | 334–349
(14–15 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianwu (建武) 335–349
* Taining (太寧) 349

| 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 causes[164]
Shi Shi
石世 | –  | 349
(less than a year) | Son of Shi Hu | 339–349
(aged 9–10)

* * *

Murdered[164]
Shi Zun
石遵 | –  | 349
(less than a year) | Son of Shi Hu | Killed by Ran Min[164]
Shi Jian
石鑒 | –  | 349–350
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qinglong (青龍) 350

| Son of Shi Hu, enthroned by Ran Min | Killed by Ran Min[164]
Shi Zhi
石祇 | –  | 350–351
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongning (永寧) 350–351

| Son of Shi Hu | Gave up the imperial title in 351, later killed by a subordinate officer[164]
Former Liang (前涼; 320–376)[165] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Zhang Mao
張茂 | Duke Cheng
成公 | 320–324
(3–4 years) | Son of governor Zhang Gui | 377–324
(aged 52–53)

* * *

Made vassal of Former Zhao in 323. Died of natural causes[166]
Zhang Jun
張駿 | Duke Zhongcheng
忠成公 | 324–346
(21–22 years) | Son of governor Zhang Shi | 307–346
(aged 38–39)

* * *

Died of natural causes[167]
Zhang Chonghua
張重華 | Duke Huan
桓公 | 346–353
(6–7 years) | Son of Zhang Jun, didn't assume the dynastic title until 349  | 327–353
(aged 25–26)

* * *

Died of natural causes[168]
Zhang Yaoling
張曜靈 | Duke Ai
哀公 | 353
(less than a year) | Son of Zhang Chonghua | 344–355
(aged 25–26)

* * *

Killed by Zhang Zuo[167]
Zhang Zuo
張祚 | King Wei
威王 | 354–355
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Heping (和平) 354–355

| Son of Zhang Jun | Discontinued the use of Western Jin era names before being killed in 355[167]
Zhang Xuanjing
張玄靚 | Duke Chong
沖公 | 355–363
(7–8 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taishi (太始) 355–356

| Son of Zhang Chonghua | 350–363
(aged 12–13)

* * *

Killed by Zhang Tianxi[167]
Zhang Tianxi
張天錫 | Duke Dao
悼公 | 363–376
(12–13 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taiqing (太清) 363–376

| Son of Zhang Jun | 346–406
(aged 59–60)

* * *

Surrendered to the Former Qin, later dying of natural causes in Eastern Jin[167]
Former Yan (前燕; 337–370)[169] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Murong Huang
慕容皝 | Emperor Wenming
文明皇帝 | 337–348
(10–11 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 causes[170]
Murong Jun
慕容儁 | Emperor Jingzhao
景昭皇帝 | 348–360
(11–12 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanxi (元璽) 353–357
* Guangshou (光壽) 357–360

| Son of Murong Huang, proclaimed himself Emperor in 352  | 319–360
(aged 38–39)

* * *

Died of natural causes[167]
Murong Wei
慕容暐 | Emperor You
幽皇帝 | 360–370
(9–10 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianxi (建熙) 360–370

| 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 coup[168]
Former Qin (前秦; 351–394)[171] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Fu Jiàn
苻健 | Emperor Jingming
景明皇帝 | 351–355
(3–4 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huangshi (皇始) 351–355

| 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 causes[172]
Fu Sheng
苻生 | Prince Li
厲王 | 355–357
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shouguang (壽光) 355–357

| Son of Fu Jiàn | 335–357
(aged 22)

* * *

Killed by his cousin[172]
Fu Jiān
苻堅 | Emperor Xuanzhao
宣昭皇帝 | 357–385
(27–28 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongxing (永興) 357–359
* Ganlu (甘露) 359–364
* Jian yuan (建元) 365–385

| Grandson of Fu Hong, ruled as Heavenly King | 338–385
(aged 47)

* * *

Conquered Former Yan, Former Liang, and Dai. Killed by Yao Chang.[172]
Fu Pi
苻丕 | Emperor Aiping
哀平皇帝 | 385–386
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taian (太安) 385–386

| Son of Fu Jiān | Defeated by Murong Yong of Western Yan, later killed by the Eastern Jin army[172]
Fu Deng
苻登 | Emperor Gao
高皇帝 | 386–394
(7–8 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichu (太初) 386–394

| Grandnephew of Fu Jiān | 343–394
(aged 51)

* * *

Killed by Yao Xing of Later Qin[172]
Fu Chong
苻崇 | –  | 394
(less than a year)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yanchu (延初) 394

| Son of Fu Deng | Killed by Qifu Qiangui of Western Qin[172]
Later Yan (後燕; 384–409)[169] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Murong Chui
慕容垂 | Emperor Wucheng
成武皇帝 | 384–396
(11–12 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianxing (建興) 386–396

| 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 394[173]
Murong Bao
慕容寶 | Emperor Huimin
惠愍皇帝 | 396–398
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongkang (永康) 396–398

| Son of Murong Chui | 355–398
(aged 43)

* * *

Killed by the usurper Lan Han[173]
Murong Sheng
慕容盛 | Emperor Zhaowu
昭武皇帝 | 398–401
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianping (建平) 398
* Changle (長樂) 399–401

| Son of Murong Bao, came to power after killing Lan Han | 373–401
(aged 28)

* * *

Killed by general Duan Ji[173]
Murong Xi
慕容熙 | Emperor Zhaowen
昭文皇帝 | 401–407
(5–6 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangshi (光始) 401–406
* Jianshi (建始) 407

| Son of Murong Chui | 385–407
(aged 22)

* * *

Killed by Feng Ba[173]
Later Qin (後秦; 384–417)[171] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Yao Chang
姚萇 | Emperor Wuzhao
武昭皇帝 | 384–393
(8–9 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Baique (白雀) 384–386
* Jianchu (建初) 386–393

| Proclaimed King after the Battle of Fei River, then Emperor after killing Fu Jiān of Former Qin | 343–394
(aged 51)

* * *

Died of natural causes[174]
Yao Xing
姚興 | Emperor Wenhuan
文桓皇帝 | 394–416
(21–22 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huangchu (皇初) 394–399
* Hongshi (弘始) 399–416

| Son of Yao Chang | 366–416
(aged 50)

* * *

Conquered Former Qin and Later Liang. Favored Buddhism and Taoism.[174]
Yao Hong
姚泓 | –  | 416–417
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yonghe (永和) 416–417

| Son of Yao Xing | 388–417
(aged 29)

* * *

Executed by the Eastern Jin[174]
Western Qin (西秦; 385–400, 409–431)[171] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Qifu Guoren
乞伏國仁 | Prince Xuanlie
宣烈王 | 385–388
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyi (建義) 385–388

| Former general of Former Qin | Died of natural causes[175]
Qifu Gangui
乞伏乾歸 | Prince Wuyuan
武元王 | 388–412
(23–24 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichu (太初) 388–400
* Gengshi (更始) 409–412

| Younger brother of Qifu Guoren | Surrendered to Later Qin in 400, reclaimed the throne in 409. Killed by his nephew[175]
Qifu Chipan
乞伏熾磐 | Prince Wenzhao
文昭王 | 412–428
(15–16 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongkang (永康) 412–419
* Jianhong (建弘) 419–428

| Son of Qifu Gangui | Conquered Southern Liang in 414[175]
Qifu Mumo
乞伏暮末 | –  | 428–431
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yonghong (永弘) 428–431

| Son of Qifu Chipan | Killed by the Xia[175]
Later Liang (後涼; 386–403)[176] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Lü Guang
呂光 | Emperor Yiwu
懿武皇帝 | 386–399
(12–13 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taian (太安) 386–389
* Linjia (麟嘉) 389–396
* Longfei (龍飛) 396–400

| 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 son[177]
Lü Shao
呂紹 | Prince Yin
隱王 | 399
(less than a year) | Son of Lü Guang | Forced to commit suicide by his brother[177]
Lü Zuan
呂纂 | Emperor Ling
靈皇帝 | 399–401
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xianning (咸寧) 400–401

| Son of Lü Guang | Killed by Lü Chao, Guang's nephew[177]
Lü Long
呂隆 | –  | 401–403
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shending (神鼎) 401–403

| Nephew of Lü Guang | Killed by Yao Hong of Later Qin[177]
Southern Liang (南涼; 397–414)[178] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Tufa Wugu
禿髮烏孤 | Prince Wu
武王 | 397–399
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichu (太初) 397–400

| Proclaimed himself Great Chanyu | Died of natural causes[179]
Tufa Lilugu
禿髮利鹿孤 | Prince Kang
康王 | 399–402
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianhe (建和) 400–402

| Elder brother of Tufa Wugu | Died of natural causes[179]
Tufa Rutan
禿髮傉檀 | Prince Jing
景王 | 402–414
(11–12 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hongchang (弘昌) 402–404
* Jiaping (嘉平) 409–414

| Elder brother Tufa Lilugu | 364–415
(aged 51)

* * *

Captured and killed by Western Qin[179]
Northern Liang (北涼; 397–439)[169] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Duan Ye
段業 | –  | 397–401
(3–4 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shenxi (神璽) 397–399
* Tianxi (天璽) 399–401

| Governor of Later Liang, proclaimed himself Prince of Liang in 397  | Killed by Juqu Mengxun[180]
Juqu Mengxun
沮渠蒙遜 | –  | 401–433
(31–32 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongan (永安) 401–412
* Xuanshi (玄始) 412–428
* Chengxuan (承玄) 428–430
* Yihe (義和) 430–433

| Former ally of Duan Ye, proclaimed himself Duke of Zhangye  | Conquered Western Liang in 421[181]
Juqu Mujian
沮渠牧犍 | Prince Ai
哀王 | 433–439
(5–6 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shenxi (神璽) 397–399
* Yonghe (永和) 433–439

| Son of Juqu Mengxun | Defeated by Northern Wei, later forced to commit suicide in 449 for sedition[181]
Southern Yan (南燕; 398–410)[169] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Murong De
慕容德 | Emperor Xianwu
獻武皇帝 | 398–405
(6–7 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianping (建平) 400–405

| 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 Qin[182]
Murong Chao
慕容超 | –  | 405–410
(4–5 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taishang (太上) 405–410

| Uncertain succession  | 385–410
(aged 25)

* * *

Captured and killed by Eastern Jin[182]
Western Liang (西涼; 400–421)[178] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Li Gao
李暠 | Prince Wuzhao
武昭王 | 400–417
(16–17 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Gengzi (庚子) 400–405
* Jianchu (建初) 406–417

| Governor of Dunhuang under Duan Ye of Northern Liang, declared himself Duke  | 351–417
(aged 66)

* * *

Died of natural causes[183]
Li Xin
李歆 | –  | 417–420
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jiaxing (嘉興) 417–420

| Son of Li Gao | Killed by Juqu Mengxun of Northern Liang[184]
Li Xun
李恂 | –  | 420–421
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongjian (永建): 420–421

| Son of Li Gao | Committed suicide after the fall of Dunhuang[184]
Helian Xia (胡夏; 407–431)[171] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Helian Bobo
赫連勃勃 | Emperor Wulie
武烈皇帝 | 407–425
(17–18 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Longsheng (龍升) 407–413
* Fengxiang (鳳翔) 413–418
* Changwu (昌武) 418–419
* Zhenxing (真興) 419–425

| 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 causes[185]
Helian Chang
赫連昌 | –  | 425–428
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Chengguang (承光) 425–428

| Son of Helian Bobo | Executed by Northern Wei in 434[185]
Helian Ding
赫連定 | –  | 428–431
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shengguang (勝光): 428–431

| Son of Helian Bobo | Executed by Tuyuhun in 432[185]
Northern Yan (北燕; 407–436)[169] Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Gao Yun
高雲 | Emperor Huiyi
惠懿皇帝 | 407–409
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhengshi (正始) 407–409

| Adopted son of Murong Bao or Later Yan, proclaimed Heavenly King by Feng Ba | Killed by his underlings[185]
Feng Ba
馮跋 | Emperor Wencheng
文成皇帝 | 409–430
(20–21 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taiping (太平) 409–430

| Seized power after Yun's death  | Died of natural causes[186]
Feng Hong
馮弘 | Emperor Zhaocheng
昭成皇帝 | 430–436
(5–6 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Daxing (大興) 431–436

| Younger brother of Feng Ba | Defeated by Northern Wei, later murdered in Goguryeo[185]

### Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589)

[edit]

Further information: Northern and Southern dynasties

#### Northern Dynasties (420–581)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of China's Northern Dynasties.

Northern Wei (北魏; 386–535)[187] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Daowu
道武皇帝 | Tuoba Gui
拓拔珪 | 20 February 386 – 409

Era(s)

* * * *

* Dengguo (登國) 386–396
* Huangshi (皇始) 396–398
* Tianxing (天興) 398–404
* Tianci (赤烏)404–409

| Leader of the Tuoba, refounded the Dai State as Wei  | 371–409
(aged 39)

* * *

Killed by his son Tuoba Shao[188]
Emperor Mingyuan
明元皇帝 | Tuoba Si
拓拔嗣 | 409–423

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongxing (永興) 409–413
* Shenrui (神瑞) 414–416
* Taichang (泰常) 416–423

| Son of Emperor Daowu  | 392–423
(aged 31)

* * *

Died of disease[188]
Emperor Taiwu
太武皇帝 | Tuoba Tao
拓拔燾 | 423–452

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shiguang (始光) 424–428
* Shenjia (神䴥) 428–431
* Yanhe (延和) 432–434
* Taiyan (太延) 435–440
* Taipingzhenjun (太平真君) 440–451
* Zhengping (正平) 451–452

| Son of Emperor Mingyuan  | 408–452
(aged 43–44)

* * *

Conquered Xia, Northern Yan and Liang. Killed by eunuch Zong Ai[188]
Tuoba Yu
拓拔余 | Tuoba Yu
拓拔余 | 452

Era(s)

* * * *

* Chengping(承平)

| Son of Taiwu. Put on the throne by eunuch Zong Ai | Killed by Zong Ai[189]
Emperor Wencheng
文成皇帝 | Tuoba Jun
拓拔濬 | 452–465

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xing'an (興安) 452–454
* Xingguang (興光) 454–455
* Tai'an (太安) 455–459
* Heping (和平) 460–465

| Grandson of Taiwu. Ascended to the throne after the murder of Zong.  | 440–465
(aged 24–25)

* * *

Died of natural causes[190]
Emperor Xianwen
獻文皇帝 | Tuoba Hong
拓拔弘 | 465–471

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianan (天安) 466–467
* Huangxin (皇興) 467–471

| Son of Wencheng  | 454–476
(aged 21–22)

* * *

Abdicated in favor of his son Yuan Hong, later dying of natural causes[191]
Emperor Xiaowen
孝文皇帝 | Tuoba Hong
拓拔宏

* * *

Yuan Hong
元宏 | 471–499

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yanxing (延興) 471–476
* Chengming (承明) 476
* Taihe (太和) 477–499

| 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 causes[192]
Emperor Xuanwu
宣武皇帝 | Yuan Ke
元恪 | 499–515

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingming (景明) 500–503
* Zhengshi (正始) 504–508
* Yongping (永平) 508–512
* Yanchang (延昌) 512–515

| Son of Xiaowen  | 483–515
(aged 31–32)

* * *

His reign marked the decline of Wei[193]
Emperor Xiaoming
孝明皇帝 | Yuan Xu
元詡 | 515–528

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xiping (熙平) 516–518
* Shengui (神龜) 518–520
* Zhengguang (正光) 520–525
* Xiaochang (孝昌) 525–527
* Wutai (武泰) 528

| Son of Xuanwu  | 510–528
(aged 17–18)

* * *

Killed in a power struggle against Empress Dowager Hu[194]
None, known as
Youzhu of Northern Wei
北魏幼主 | Yuan Zhao
元釗 | 528  | Enthroned by Empress Dowager Hu | 526–528
(aged 2)

* * *

Killed by general Erzhu Rong[195]
Emperor Xiaozhuang
孝莊皇帝 | Yuan Ziyou
元子攸 | 528–530

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyi (建義) 528
* Yongan (永安) 528-530

| Enthroned by Erzhu Rong | 507–early 531
(aged 24)

* * *

Killed by general Erzhu Zhao[196]
Yuan Ye
元曄 | Yuan Ye
元曄 | 530–531

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianming (建明) 530–531

| Enthroned by the Erzhu Clan in opposition to Xiaozhuang  | Executed in 532[197]
Emperor Jiemin
節閔皇帝 | Yuan Gong
元恭 | 531–532

Era(s)

* * * *

* Putai (普泰) 531–532

| Enthroned by Erzhu Shilong | 498–532
(aged 33–34)

* * *

Deposed and executed by Gao Huan[198]
Yuan Lang
元朗 | Yuan Lang
元朗 | 531–532

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhongxing (中興) 531–532

| Enthroned by Gao Huan | 513–532
(aged 19–18)

* * *

Deposed and executed by Gao Huan[198]
Emperor Xiaowu
孝武皇帝 | Yuan Xiu
元脩 | 532–535

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichang (太昌) 532
* Yongxing (永興) 532
* Yongxi (永熙) 532–534

| Enthroned by Gao Huan | 510–early 535
(aged 25)

* * *

Fled to Chang’an, where he was poisoned by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou[199]
Eastern Wei (东魏; 534–550)[200] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Xiaojing
孝靜皇帝 | Yuan Shanjian
元善見 | 534–550

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianping (登國) 534–537
* Yuanxiang (皇始) 538–539
* Xinghe (天興) 539–542
* Wuding (赤烏) 543–550

| Enthroned by Gao Huan | 524–552
(aged 27–28)

* * *

Forced to abdicate and later poisoned by Gao Yang[201]
Northern Qi (北齐; 550–577)[200] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Wenxuan
文宣皇帝 | Gao Yang
高洋 | 550–559

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianbao (天保)

| 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 causes[202]
Emperor Fei
廢皇帝 | Gao Yin
高殷 | 559–560

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qianming (乾明)

| 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 executed[202]
Emperor Xiaozhao
孝昭皇帝 | Gao Yan
高演 | 560–561

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huangjian (登國)

| Son of Gao Huan, seized power through a palace coup  | 535–559
(aged 25–26)

* * *

Died of natural causes[202]
Emperor Wucheng
武成皇帝 | Gao Zhan
高湛 | 561–565

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taining (太寧) 561–562
* Heqing (河清) 562–565

| Brother of Xiaozhao  | 537–569
(aged 31–32)

* * *

Abdicated in favor of his son, later dying of natural causes[203]
Gao Wei
高緯 | Gao Wei
高緯 | 565–577

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tiantong (天統) 565–569
* Wǔpíng (河清) 570–576
* Longhua (隆化) 576

| 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 Zhou[204]
Gao Heng
高恆 | Gao Heng
高恆 | 577

Era(s)

* * * *

* Chengguang (承光)

| Son of Gao Wei  | 557–577
(aged 19–20)

* * *

Abdicated in favor of his uncle Gao Jie, but was soon killed alongside him[205]
Western Wei (西魏; 535–557)[200] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Wen
文皇帝 | Yuan Baoyu
元寶炬 | 535–551

Era(s)

* * * *

* Datong (大統) 535–551

| Grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei | 507–551
(aged 43–44)

* * *

Killed by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou[206]
Emperor Fei
廢帝 | Yuan Qin
元欽 | 551–554  | Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai | Poisoned to death by Yuwen Tai[206]
Emperor Gong
恭皇帝 | Yuan Kuo
元廓 | 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 after[206]
Northern Zhou (北周; 557–581)[207] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Xiaomin
孝閔皇帝 | Yuwen Jue
宇文覺 | 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 Hu[208]
Emperor Ming
明皇帝 | Yuwen Yu
宇文毓 | 557–560

Era(s)

* * * *

* Wucheng (武成) 559–560

| Son of Yuwen Tai, ruled alongside Yuwen Hu | 534–560
(aged 25–26)

* * *

Poisoned to death by Yuwen Hu[209]
Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | Yuwen Yong
宇文邕 | 561–578

Era(s)

* * * *

* Baoding (保定) 561–565
* Tianhe (河清) 565–572
* Jiande (隆化) 572–578
* Xuanzheng (隆化) 578

| Son of Yuwen Tai, sole ruler after deposing Yuwen Hu in 572  | 543–578
(aged 34–35)

* * *

Died of natural causes[209]
Emperor Xuan
宣皇帝 | Yuwen Yun
宇文贇 | 578–579

Era(s)

* * * *

* Dacheng (大成) 579

| Son of Yuwen Yong  | 559–580
(aged 34–35)

* * *

He neglected government and abdicated in favor of his son[209]
Emperor Jing
靜皇帝 | Yuwen Yan
宇文衍

* * *

Yuwen Chan
宇文闡 | 579–581

Era(s)

* * * *

* Daxiang (大象) 579–581
* Dading (大定) 581

| Son of Yuwen Yun  | 573–581
(aged 7–8)

* * *

Killed by officer Yang Jian, the future Emperor Wen of Sui[209]

#### Southern Dynasties (420–589)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of China's Southern Dynasties.

Liu Song dynasty (劉宋, 420–479)[210] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | Liu Yu
劉裕 | 420–422
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongchu (永初)

| 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 causes[211]
Emperor Shao
少帝 | Liu Yifu
劉義符 | 422–424
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingping (景平) 423–424

| Son of Emperor Wu  | 406–424
(aged 17–18)

* * *

Killed by officer Xu Xianzhi[212]
Emperor Wen
文皇帝 | Liu Yilong
劉義隆 | 424–453
(28–29 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanjia (元嘉) 424–453

| Son of Emperor Wu  | 407–453
(aged 45–46)

* * *

Killed by his son[213]
Liu Shao
劉劭 | Liu Shao
劉劭 | 453
(less than a year)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichu (太初) 453

| Son of Emperor Wen  | c. 426–453
(aged c. 27)

* * *

Killed by his brother[214]
Emperor Xiaowu
孝武皇帝 | Liu Jun
劉駿 | 453–464
(10–11 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xiaojian (孝建) 454–456
* Daming (大明) 457–464

| Son of Emperor Wen  | 430–464
(aged 13–14)

* * *

Died of natural causes[215]
Emperor Qianfei
前廢帝 | Liu Ziye
劉子業 | 464–465
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongguang (永光) 456
* Jinghe (景和) 456

| Son of Emperor Xiaowu  | 449–465
(aged 15–16)

* * *

Killed in a conspiracy[216]
Emperor Ming
明皇帝 | Liu Yu
劉彧 | 466–472
(5–6 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taishi (泰始) 465–471
* Taiyu (泰豫) 472

| Son of Emperor Wen  | 439–472
(aged 15–16)

* * *

Died of natural causes[217]
Emperor Houfei
後廢帝 | Liu Yu
劉昱 | 472–477
(4–5 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanhui (元徽) 473–477

| Son of Emperor Ming  | 463–477
(aged 13–14)

* * *

Killed by Xiao Daocheng[218]
Emperor Shun
順皇帝 | Liu Zhun
劉準 | 477–479
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shengming (昇明)

| Son of Emperor Ming, enthroned by Xiao Daocheng, the future Emperor Gao of Southern Qi | 467–479
(aged 13–14)

* * *

Killed by Xiao Daocheng[219]
Southern Qi (南齊; 479–502)[210] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Gao
高皇帝 | Xiao Daocheng
蕭道成 | 479–482
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyuan (建元) 479–482

| Proclaimed himself emperor after overthrowing the Liu Song dynasty | 427–482
(aged 54–55)

* * *

Died of natural causes[220]
Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | Xiao Ze
蕭賾 | 482–493
(10–11 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyuan (建元) 483–493

| Son of Emperor Gao  | 440–493
(aged 54–55)

* * *

Died of natural causes[221]
Prince of Yulin
鬱林王 | Xiao Zhaoye
蕭昭業 | 493–494
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyuan (隆昌) 494

| Grandson of Emperor Wu  | 473–494
(aged 20–21)

* * *

Killed by Xiao Luan[221]
Xiao Zhaowen
蕭昭文 | Xiao Zhaowen
蕭昭文 | 494
(less than a year)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yanxing (延興) 494

| Younger brother of Xiao Zhaoye | 480–494
(aged 13–14)

* * *

Killed by Xiao Luan[222]
Emperor Ming
明皇帝 | Xiao Luan
蕭鸞 | 494–498
(3–4 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianwu (建武) 494–498
* Tongtai (永泰) 498

| Nephew of Emperor Gao  | 452–498
(aged 45–46)

* * *

Died of natural causes[223]
Marquess of Donghun
東昏侯 | Xiao Baojuan
蕭寶卷 | 498–501
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongyuan (永元) 499–501

| Son of Xiao Luan | 483–501
(aged 17–18)

* * *

Killed by his underlings[224]
Emperor He
和皇帝 | Xiao Baorong
蕭寶融 | 501–502
(0–1 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhongxing (中興) 501–502

| Son of Xiao Luan, set up in Jiangling in opposition to his brother  | 488–502
(aged 13–14)

* * *

Deposed and killed by Xiao Yan[225]
Liang dynasty (梁; 502–557)[210] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | Xiao Yan
蕭衍 | 502–549
(46–47 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianjian (天監) 502–519
* Putong (普通) 520–527
* Datong (大通) 527–529
* Zhongdatong (中大通) 529–534
* Datong (大同) 535–546
* Zhongdatong (中大同) 546–547
* Taiqing (太清) 547–549

| Overthrew the Southern Qi | 464–549
(aged 85)

* * *

Imprisoned during the rebellion of Hou Jing, died of hunger[226]
Emperor Jianwen
簡文皇帝 | Xiao Gang
蕭綱 | 549–551
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Dabao (大寶) 550–551

| Son of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing | 503–551
(aged 47–48)

* * *

Deposed and killed by Hou Jing[227]
None, known by his personal name | Xiao Dong
蕭棟 | 551
(less than a year)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianzheng (天正) 551

| 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 Yi[227]
Emperor Yuan
元皇帝 | Xiao Yi
蕭繹 | 552–555
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Chengsheng (承聖) 552–555

| 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 Wei[227]
Emperor Min
閔皇帝 | Xiao Yuanming
蕭淵明 | 555
(less than a year)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tiancheng (天成) 555

| Nephew of Wu, enthroned by official Wang Sengbian | Deposed by Chen Baxian, died of natural causes in 556[228]
Emperor Jin
敬皇帝 | Xiao Fangzhi
蕭方智 | 555–557
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shaotai (紹泰) 555–556
* Taiping (太平) 556–557

| Son of Yuan, enthroned by Chen Baxian | 543–558
(aged 14–15)

* * *

Deposed and killed by Chen Baxian[229]
Western Liang (西梁; 555–587)[230] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Xuan
宣皇帝 | Xiao Cha
蕭詧 | 555–562
(6–7 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Dading (大定) 555–562

| Son of Xiao Tong and grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Western Wei | 519–562
(aged 42–43)

* * *

Died of natural causes[231]
Emperor Ming
明皇帝 | Xiao Kui
蕭巋 | 562–585
(22–23 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianbao (天保) 562–585

| Son of Xiao Cha | 542–585
(aged 42–43)

* * *

Died of natural causes[232]
Emperor Jing
靖皇帝 | Xiao Cong
蕭琮 | 585–587
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangyun (廣運) 586–587

| Son of Xiao Kui | Deposed by Emperor Wen of Sui in 587, died of natural causes c. 607[231]
Chen dynasty(陳; 557–589)[230] Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Emperor Wu
武皇帝 | Chen Baxian
陳霸先 | 557–559
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongding (永定) 557–559

| Overthrew the Liang Dynasty | 503–559
(aged 55–56)

* * *

Died of natural causes[233]
Emperor Wen
文皇帝 | Chen Qian
陳蒨 | 559–566
(6–7 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianjia (永定) 560–566
* Tiankang (天康) 566

| Nephew of Chen Baxian | 522–566
(aged 43–44)

* * *

Died of natural causes[234]
Emperor Fei
廢帝 | Chen Bozong
陳伯宗 | 566–568
(1–2 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangda (光大) 555–568

| Son of Emperor Wen  | 554–570
(aged 15–16)

* * *

Deposed by his uncle[235]
Emperor Xuan
宣皇帝 | Chen Xu
陳頊 | 569–582
(12–13 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taijian (太建) 569–582

| Younger brother of Emperor Wen  | 528–582
(aged 59–60)

* * *

Died of natural causes[236]
Chen Houzhu
陳後主 | Chen Shubao
陳叔寶 | 582–589
(6–7 years) | Son of Emperor Xuan  | 553–604
(aged 50–51)

* * *

Neglect of government, he was captured by the Sui army. Died of natural causes[237]

## Mid-imperial China

[edit]

### Sui dynasty (581–619)

[edit]

Further information: Sui dynasty and Sui emperors family tree

Sui dynasty (隋朝; 581–619)  Portrait  | Posthumous name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|
|

| Wen
文 | Yang Jian
楊堅 |
4 March 581 – 13 August 604
(23 years, 5 months and 9 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Kaihuang (開皇)
4 March 581 – 7 February 601
* Renshou (仁壽)
8 February 601 – 13 August 604

| 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 son[238]
| Yang
煬 | Yang Guang
楊廣 |
21 August 604 – 11 April 618
(13 years, 7 months and 21 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Daye (大業)
25 January 605 – 11 April 618

| Son of Wen | 569 – 11 April 618
(aged 51)

* * *

Led several construction projects and military campaigns. Overthrown in a rebellion and killed by his underlings[239]
Gong
恭 | Yang You
楊侑 | 18 December 617 – 12 June 618[v]
(5 months and 25 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yining (義寧)
18 December 617 – 12 June 618

| Grandson of Wen | 605 – 619
(aged 14)

* * *

A puppet of Li Yuan. Deposed and later executed[241]

### Tang and Zhou dynasties (618–907)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Tang dynasty.

Further information: Tang dynasty and Tang emperors family tree

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]

| Gaozu

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (635) Emperor Taiwu (太武皇帝)
Posthumous name (674) Emperor Shenyao
(神堯皇帝)
Posthumous name (754)
Emperor Shenyao Dasheng Daguang Xiao
(神堯大聖大光孝皇帝)

| Li Yuan
李淵 | 18 June 618 – 4 September 626
(8 years, 2 months and 17 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Wude (武德)
18 June 618 – 22 January 627

| 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 son[242]
| Taizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (649): Emperor Wen (文皇帝)
Posthumous name (754):
Emperor Wen Wu Dasheng Daguang Xiao
(文武大聖大廣孝皇帝)

| Li Shimin
李世民 | 4 September 626 – 10 July 649
(23 years, 10 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhenguan (貞觀)
23 January 627 – 6 February 650

| 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 poisoning[243]

(non-contemporary) | Gaozong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (683): Great Emperor Tianhuang (天皇大皇帝)
Posthumous name (754): Emperor Tianhuang Dasheng Dahong Xiao
(天皇大聖大弘孝皇帝)

| Li Zhi
李治 |
15 July 649 – 27 December 683
(34 years, 5 months and 12 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yonghui (永徽)
7 February 650 – 6 February 656
* Xianqing (顯慶)
7 February 656 – 3 April 661
* Longshuo (龍朔)
4 April 661 – 1 February 664
* Linde (麟德)
2 February 664 – 13 February 666
* Qianfeng (乾封)
14 February 666 – 21 April 668
* Zongzhang (總章)
22 April 668 – 26 March 670
* Xianheng (咸亨)
27 March 670 – 19 September 674
* Shangyuan (上元)
20 September 674 – 17 December 676
* Yifeng (儀鳳)
18 December 676 – 14 July 679
* Tiaolu (調露)
15 July 679 – 21 September 680
* Yonglong (永隆)
22 September 680 – 14 November 681
* Kaiyao (開耀)
15 November 681 – 1 April 682
* Yongchun (永淳)
2 April 682 – 26 December 683
* Hongdao (弘道)
27 December 683 – 22 January 684

| 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 illness[244]

(non-contemporary) | Zhongzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (710): Emperor Xiaohe (孝和皇帝)
Posthumous name (754):
Emperor Dahe Dasheng Dazhao Xiao
(大和大聖大昭孝皇帝)

| Li Xian
李顯 |
3 January 684 – 26 February 684
(1 month and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Sisheng (嗣聖)
23 January – 26 February 684

| Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian | 26 November 656 – 3 July 710
(aged 53)

* * *

Deposed by his mother after challenging her authority[245]
| Ruizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (716): Great Emperor Shengzhen (大圣真皇帝)
Posthumous name (754):
Emperor Xuanzhen Dasheng Daxing Xiao
(玄真大聖大興孝皇帝)

| Li Dan
李旦 |
27 February 684 – 16 October 690
(6 years, 7 months and 19 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Wenming(文明)
27 February – 18 October 684
* Guangzhai(光宅)
19 October 684 – 8 February 685
* Chuigong(垂拱)
9 February 685 – 26 January 689
* Yongchang(永昌)
27 January – 17 December 689
* Zaichu(載初)
18 December 689 – 15 October 690

| Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian | 22 June 662 – 13 July 716
(aged 54)

* * *

A complete puppet of his mother; forced to abdicate[246]

#### Wu Zhou (690–705)

[edit]

See also: Wu Zhou

| none, known as
Wu Zetian
武則天[w]

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Dynastic name:
Emperor Jinlun (金輪皇帝)
Posthumous name (706): Emperor Zetian Dasheng
(則天大聖皇帝)
Posthumous name (710):
Holy Empress (大聖天后)
Posthumous name (716):
Empress Zetian (則天皇后)
Posthumous name (749):
Holy Empress Zetianshun (則天順聖皇后)

| Wu Zhao
武曌 |
16 October 690 – 21 February 705
(14 years, 4 months and 5 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianshou (天授)
16 October 690 – 21 April 692
* Ruyi (如意)
22 April – 22 October 692
* Changshou (長壽)
23 October 692 – 8 June 694
* Yanzai (延載)
9 June 694 – 21 January 695
* Zhengsheng (證聖)
22 January – 21 October 695
* Tiancewansui (天冊萬歲)
22 October 695 – 19 January 696
* Wansuidengfeng (萬歲登封)
20 January – 21 April 696
* Wansuitongtian (萬歲通天)
22 April 696 – 28 September 697
* Shengong (神功)
29 September – 19 December 697
* Shengli (聖曆)
20 December 697 – 26 May 700
* Jiushi (久視)
27 May 700 – 14 February 701
* Dazu (大足)
15 February – 25 November 701
* Chang'an (長安)
26 November 701 – 21 February 705

| 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 causes[248]

#### Tang restoration (705–907)

[edit]

(non-contemporary) | Zhongzong
(second reign) | Li Xian
李顯 |
23 February 705 – 3 July 710
(5 years, 4 months and 10 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shenlong (神龍)
21 February 705 – 4 October 707
* Jinglong (景龍)
5 October 707 – 4 July 710

| 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 Wei[249]
none, known as
Emperor Shang
唐殤帝[x] | Li Chongmao
李重茂 |
8 July 710 – 25 July 710
(17 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tanglong (唐隆)
5 July – 18 August 710

| Son of Zhongzong; installed by Empress Wei | 698–714 (aged 16)

* * *

Second shortest-reigning emperor; deposed in a palace coup[250]

(non-contemporary) | Ruizong
(second reign) | Li Dan
李旦 |
25 July 710 – 8 September 712
(2 years, 1 month and 14 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingyun (景雲)
19 August 710 – 28 February 712
* Taiji (太極)
1 March – 20 June 712
* Yanhe (延和)
21 June – 11 September 712

| 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 influence[251]

(non-contemporary) | Xuanzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (long): Emperor Zhidao Dasheng Daming Xiao
(至道大聖大明孝皇帝)
Posthumous name (short): Emperor Ming (明皇帝)

| Li Longji
李隆基 |
8 September 712 – 12 August 756
(43 years, 11 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xiantian (先天)
12 September 712 – 21 December 713
* Kaiyuan (開元)
22 December 713 – 9 February 742
* Tianbao (天寶)
10 February 742 – 11 August 756

| 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 son[252]
| Suzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Wenming Wude Dasheng Daxuan Xiao
(文明武德大聖大宣孝皇帝)

| Li Jun
李浚 |
12 August 756 – 16 May 762
(5 years, 9 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhide (至德)
12 August 756 – 17 March 758
* Qianyuan (乾元)
18 March 758 – 6 June 760
* Shangyuan (上元)
7 June 760 – 22 October 761
* Yuannian (元年)
23 October 761 – 13 May 762
* Baoying (上元)
14 May 762 – 23 August 763

| 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.[253]
| Daizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Ruiwen Xiaowu
(睿文孝武皇帝)

| Li Chu
李俶 |
18 May 762 – 10 June 779
(17 years and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangde (廣德)
24 August 763 – 25 January 765
* Yongtai (永泰)
26 January 765 – 17 December 766
* Dali (大曆)
18 December 766 – 10 February 780

| 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 provinces[254]
| Dezong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Shenwu Xiaowen
(神武孝文皇帝)

| Li Kuo
李适 |
12 June 779 – 25 February 805
(25 years, 8 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianzhong (建中)
11 February 780 – 26 January 784
* Xingyuan (興元)
27 January 784 – 13 February 785
* Zhenyuan (貞元)
14 February 785 – 31 August 805

| 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 783[255]
Shunzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Zhide Dasheng Da'an Xiao
(至德大聖大安孝皇帝)

| Li Song
李誦 |
28 February – 28 August 805
(6 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongzhen (永貞)
1 September 805 – 24 January 806

| Son of Dezong | February 761 – 11 February 806
(aged 45)

* * *

Aphasic, weak and ill, he was urged to abdicate by the court eunuchs[256]

(non-contemporary) | Xianzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Zhaowen Zhangwu Dasheng Zhishen Xiao
(昭文章武大聖至神孝皇帝)

| Li Chun
李純 |
5 September 805 – 14 February 820
(14 years, 5 months and 9 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanhe (元和)
25 January 806 – 8 February 810

| 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 Hongzhi[257]
| Muzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Ruisheng Wenhui Xiao (睿聖文惠孝皇帝)

| Li Heng
李恆 |
20 February 820 – 25 February 824
(4 years and 5 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Changqing (長慶)
9 February 821 – 28 January 825

| 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.[258]

(non-contemporary) | Jingzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Ruiwu Zhaomin Xiao (睿武昭湣孝皇帝)

| Li Zhan
李湛 |
29 February 824 – 9 January 827
(2 years, 10 months and 11 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Baoli (寶曆)
29 January 825 – 13 March 827

| Son of Muzong | 22 July 809 – 9 January 827
(aged 17)

* * *

A reckless player of football; he was killed by eunuchs[259]
| Wenzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Yuansheng Zhaoxian Xiao
(元聖昭獻孝皇帝)

| Li Ang
李昂 |
13 January 827 – 10 February 840
(13 years lacking 3 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taihe (太和)
14 March 827 – 21 January 836
* Kaicheng (開成)
22 January 836 – 3 February 841

| 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 causes[260]

(non-contemporary) | Wuzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Zhidao Zhaosu Xiao (至道昭肅孝皇帝)

| Li Yan
李炎 |
20 February 840 – 22 April 846
(6 years, 2 months and 2 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huichang (會昌)
4 February 841 – 5 February 847

| Son of Muzong | 2 July 814 – 22 April 846
(aged 31)

* * *

Notable for his persecution of Buddhism. Died of drug overdose[261]
| Xuanzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Yuansheng Zhiming Chengwu Xianwen Ruizhi Zhangren Shencong Yidao Daxiao
(元聖至明成武獻文睿智章仁神聰懿道大孝皇帝)

| Li Chen
李忱 |
25 April 846 – 7 September 859
(13 years, 4 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Dazhong (大中)
6 February 847 – 16 December 860

| 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 overdose[262]
| Yizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Zhaosheng Gonghui Xiao
(昭聖恭惠孝皇帝)

| Li Cui
李漼 |
13 September 859 – 15 August 873
(13 years, 11 months and 2 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xiantong (咸通)
17 December 847 – 16 December 860

| 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 power[263]

(non-contemporary) | Xizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Huisheng Gongding Xiao
(惠聖恭定孝皇帝)

| Li Xuan
李儇 |
16 August 873 – 20 April 888
(14 years, 8 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qianfu (乾符)
17 December 874 – 13 February 880
* Guangming (廣明)
14 February 880 – 8 August 881
* Zhonghe (中和)
9 August 881 – 1 April 885
* Guangqi (光啟)
2 April 885 – 4 April 888
* Wende (文德)
5 April 888 – 3 February 889

| 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 strife[264]
None, known by his personal name | Li Yun
李熅 |
31 October 886 – January 887
(3 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianzhen (建貞)
7 June 886 – January 887

| Great-grandson of Suzong, took power in Chang'an | Died in 887

* * *

Killed by Xizong's forces; often seen as an usurper[265]
| Zhaozong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name: Emperor Shèngmù Jǐngwén Xìao (聖穆景文孝皇帝)

| Li Ye
李曄 |
20 April 888 – 22 September 904
(12 years, 7 months and 11 days)[y]

Era(s)

* * * *

* Longji (龍紀)
4 February 889 – 24 January 890
* Dashun (大順)
25 January 890 – 1 February 891
* Jingfu (景福)
2 February 892 – 9 February 894
* Qianning (乾寧)
10 February 894 – 15 September 898
* Guanghua (光化)
16 September 898 – 12 May 901
* Tianfu (天復)
13 May 901 – 27 May 904
* Tianyou (天佑)
28 May 904 – 1 June 907

| 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 Wen[267]
better known as
Emperor Ai
唐哀帝

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Jǐngzōng (景宗)
Alternate posthumous name: Emperor Zhaoxuan (昭宣帝)

| Li Zhu
李柷 | 26 September 904 – 1 June 907
(2 years, 8 months and 6 days)[z] | Son of Zhaozong, proclaimed emperor in Luoyang | 27 October 892 – 25 March 908
(aged 15)

* * *

Installed, deposed, and later killed by Zhu Wen[268]

### Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

[edit]

Further information: Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period and Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period family tree(s)

#### Five Dynasties (907–912)

[edit]

Later Liang (後梁; 907–923)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Zhu Wen
朱溫 | Taizu
太祖 | 907–912
(4–5 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Kaiping (開平) 907–911
* Qianhua (乾化) 911–912

| 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 son[269]
Zhu Yougui
朱友珪 | —  | 912–913
(0–1 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Fengli (鳳曆) 913

| 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 brother[269]
Zhu Youzhen
朱瑱 | —  | 913–923
(9–10 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Qianhua (乾化) 913–915
* Zhenming (貞明) 915–921
* Longde (龍德) 921–923

| Son of Zhu Wen  | 888–923
(aged 35)

* * *

Killed by the forces of Li Cunxu[269]
Later Tang (後唐; 923–937)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Li Cunxu
李存勗 | Zhuangzong
莊宗 | 923–926
(2–3 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Tongguang (同光) 923–926

| Proclaimed himself Emperor after conquering Later Liang | 885–926
(aged 41)

* * *

Killed in a coup[270]
Li Siyuan
李嗣源 | Mingzong
明宗 | 926–933
(6–7 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Tiancheng (天成) 926–933

| Adopted son of Li Keyong, took Luoyang and proclaimed himself Emperor after the murder of Li Cunxu  | 867–933
(aged 66)

* * *

Died of natural causes[271]
Li Conghou
李從厚 | —  | 934
(less than a year)

Eras

* * * *

* Yingshun (应顺) 934

| Son of Li Siyuan  | 914–early 934
(aged 20)

* * *

Killed by Li Congke[272]
Li Congke
李從珂 | —  | 934–937
(2–3 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Qingtai (清泰) 934–937

| 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 death[272]
Later Jin (後晉; 936–947)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Shi Jingtang
石敬瑭 | Gaozu
高祖 | 936–942
(5–6 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Tianfu (天福) 936–942

| Proclaimed himself emperor with the help of the Shatuo and Khitan people | 892–942
(aged 50)

* * *

Died of natural causes[273]
Shi Chonggui
石重貴 | —  | 942–947
(4–5 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Tianfu (天福) 942–944
* Kaiyun (開運) 944–946

| Nephew of Shi Jingtang | 914–947
(aged 33)

* * *

Captured by Emperor Taizong of Liao but spared; died of natural causes[273]
Later Han (後漢; 947–951)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Liu Zhiyuan
劉知遠 | Gaozu
高祖 | 947–948
(0–1 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Tianfu (天福) 947
* Qianyou (乾祐) 948

| Jiedushi under the Later Jin, proclaimed himself emperor after the capture of Shi Chonggui by the Khitan | 895–948
(aged 53)

* * *

Died of natural causes[274]
Liu Chengyou
劉承祐 | —  | 948–951
(2–3 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Qianyou (乾祐) 947–951

| Son of Liu Zhiyuan | 931–951
(aged 20)

* * *

Killed by the forces of Guo Wei[275]
Later Zhou (後周; 951–960)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Guo Wei
郭威 | Taizu
太祖 | 951–954
(2–3 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Guangshun (廣順) 951–953
* Xiande (顯德) 954

| Officer of Later Han, proclaimed himself emperor and dethroned Liu Chengyou | 904–954
(aged 50)

* * *

Died of natural causes; introduced reforms that greatly benefited farming[276]
Chai Rong
柴榮 | Shizong
世宗 | 954–959
(4–5 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Xiande (顯德) 954–959

| Adopted son of Guo Wei | 921–959
(aged 38)

* * *

Conquered Eastern and Southwest China; died of natural causes[277]
Chai Zongxun
柴宗訓 | —  | 959–960
(0–1 years)

Eras

* * * *

* Xiande (顯德) 959–960

| Son of Chai Rong | 953–973
(aged 20)

* * *

Deposed by Emperor Taizu of Song[278]

#### Ten Kingdoms (907–979)

[edit]

Former Shu (前蜀; 907–925)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Wang Jian
王建 | Gaozu
高祖 | 907–918
(10–11 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 statues[279]
Wang Zongyan
王宗衍 | —  | 918–925
(6–7 years) | Son of Wang Jian | 899–926
(aged 27)

* * *

Lustful and neglected of government, he was killed by Li Cunxu[280]
Yang Wu (楊吳; 907–937)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Yang Xingmi
楊行密 | Taizu
太祖 | 902–905
(2–3 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 causes[281]
Yang Wo
楊渥 | —  | 905–908
(2–3 years) | Son of Yang Xingmi | 886–908
(aged 22)

* * *

Killed by Zhang Hao and Xu Wen[282]
Yang Longyan
楊隆演 | —  | 908–920
(11–12 years) | Son of Yang Xingmi, enthroned by Xu Wen | 897–920
(aged 23)

* * *

Died of natural causes[282]
Yang Pu
楊溥 | —  | 920–937
(16–17 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 causes[283]
Ma Chu (馬楚; 907–951)  Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Ma Yin
馬殷 | Prince Wumu
武穆王 | 907–930
(22–23 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 causes[284]
Ma Xisheng
馬希聲 | Prince of Hengyang
衡陽王 | 930–932
(1–2 years) | Son of Ma Yin | 899–932
(aged 33)

* * *

An admirer of Zhu Wen, he cooked 50 chickens a day; died of natural causes[284]
Ma Xifan
馬希範 | Prince Wenzhao
文昭王 | 932–947
(14–15 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 causes[285]
Ma Xiguang
馬希廣 | —  | 947–951
(3–4 years) | Son of Ma Yin | Died in 951

* * *

Deposed and later killed by his brother[286]
Ma Xi'e
馬希萼 | —  | 951
(less than a year) | Son of Ma Yin | Deposed by his brother, fate unknown[286]
Ma Xichong
馬希崇 | —  | 951
(less than a year) | Son of Ma Yin | Deposed by the Southern Tang with the help of Xi’e's supporters, fate unknown[286]
Wuyue (吳越; 907–978)  Personal name  | Posthumous name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Qian Liu
錢鏐 | Prince Wusu
武肅王 | 907–932
(24–25 years) | Named "Prince of Wuyue" by Later Liang | 852–932
(aged 80)

* * *

Died of natural causes[287]
Qian Yuanguan
錢元瓘 | Prince Wensu
文肅王 | 932–941
(8–9 years) | Son of Qian Liu | 887–941
(aged 54)

* * *

Died of natural causes[287]
Qian Hongzuo
錢弘佐 | Prince Zhongxian
忠獻王 | 941–947
(5–6 years) | Son of Qian Yuanguan | 928–947
(aged 69)

* * *

Died of natural causes[288]
Qian Hongzong
錢弘倧 | Prince Zhongxun
忠遜王 | 947–early 948
(0–1 years) | Son of Qian Yuanguan | c. 929–c. 971
(aged approx. 42)

* * *

Deposed by general Hu Jinsi, fate unknown[289]
Qian Chu
錢俶 | Prince Zhongyi
忠懿王 | 978
(less than a year) | Son of Qian Yuanguan | 929–988
(aged 59)

* * *

Surrendered to the Song dynasty, died of sudden illness or poisoning[290]
Min (閩; 909–944) & Yin (殷; 943–945)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Wang Shenzhi
王審知 | Taizu
太祖 | 909–925
(15–16 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 causes[291]
Wang Yanhan
王延翰 | —  | 926–927
(0–1 years) | Son of Wang Shenzhi | Died in 927

* * *

Killed by his brother[292]
Wang Yanjun
王延鈞 | Huizong
惠宗 | 927–935
(7–8 years) | Son of Wang Shenzhi, proclaimed Prince in 928 and later Emperor in 933  | Died in 935

* * *

Killed by his son[292]
Wang Jipeng
王繼鵬

* * *

Wang Chang
王昶 | Kangzong
康宗 | 935–939
(3–4 years) | Son of Wang Yanjun | Died in 939

* * *

A devout Taoist, he was killed in a coup[293]
Wang Yanxi
王延羲 | Jingzong
景宗 | 939–944
(4–5 years) | Son of Wang Shenzhi | Died in 944

* * *

A despotic ruler, he was killed by Lian Chongyu and his associates[294]
Wang Yanzheng
王延政 | Gongyi
恭懿王 | 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 captivity[294]
Great Yue (大越; 917–918) Southern Han (南漢; 918–971)  Personal name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Liu Yan
劉巖 | Gaozu
高祖 | 917–942
(24–25 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 causes[295]
Liu Bin
劉玢 | —  | 942–943
(0–1 years) | Son of Liu Yan | 920–943
(aged 63)

* * *

An hedonistic ruler; he was killed by his brother[296]
Liu Sheng
劉晟 | Zhongzong
中宗 | 943–958
(14–15 years) | Son of Liu Yan | 920–958
(aged 38)

* * *

Died of natural causes[297]
Liu Chang
劉鋹 | —  | 958–971
(12–13 years) | Son of Liu Sheng | 943–980
(aged 37)

* * *

Another hedonistic ruler, he surrendered to the Song army and was spared[296]
Jingnan (荊南; 924–963)  Personal Name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Gao Jixing
高季興 | —  | 924–early 929
(4–5 years) | Named King of Nanping by Later Tang in 924, ruled under the vassalage of Wu | 858–929
(aged 71)

* * *

Died of natural causes[298]
Gao Conghui
高從誨 | —  | 929–948
(18–19 years) | Son of Gao Jixing | 891–948
(aged 57)

* * *

A weak ruler, he was nicknamed "Gao the Jerk" (高賴子); died of natural causes[298]
Gao Baorong
高寶融 | —  | 948–960
(11–12 years) | Son of Gao Conghui | 920–960
(aged 40)

* * *

Died of natural causes[298]
Gao Baoxu
高寶勗 | —  | 960–962
(1–2 years) | Son of Gao Conghui, effective ruler during the reign of his brother  | 924–962
(aged 38)

* * *

Died of natural causes[298]
Gao Jichong
高繼沖 | —  | 962–963
(0–1 years) | Son of Gao Baorong | 943–973
(aged 30)

* * *

Surrendered to the Song but spared[298]
Later Shu (後蜀; 934–965)  Personal Name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Meng Zhixiang
孟知祥 | Gaozu
高祖 | 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 causes[299]
Meng Chang
孟昶 | —  | 934–965
(30–31 years) | Son of Meng Zhixiang | 919–965
(aged 60)

* * *

Defeated by the Song dynasty, died of natural causes[299]
Southern Tang (南唐; 937–976)  Personal Name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Li Bian
李昪 | Liezu
烈祖 | 937–943
(5–6 years) | Adopted son of Xu Wen, proclaimed himself Emperor after overthrowing the Yang Wu | 888–943
(aged 55)

* * *

Died of natural causes[300]
Li Jing
李璟 | Yuanzong
元宗 | 943–961
(17–18 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 causes[301]
Li Yu
李煜 | —  | 961–976
(14–15 years) | Son of Li Jing | 937–978
(aged 41)

* * *

A master of the ci poetry, he surrendered to the Song dynasty but was spared[302]
Northern Han (北漢; 951–979)  Personal Name  | Temple name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Liu Chong
劉崇 | Shizu
世祖 | 951–954
(2–3 years) | Cousin of Liu Zhiyuan of Later Tang, proclaimed himself Emperor  | 895–954
(aged 59)

* * *

Died of natural causes[303]
Liu Jun
劉鈞 | Ruizong
睿宗 | 954–968
(13–14 years) | Son of Liu Chong | 926–968
(aged 42)

* * *

Died of natural causes[304]
Liu Ji'en
劉繼恩 | –  | 968
(less than a year) | Adopted son of Liu Jun | 935–968
(aged 33)

* * *

Killed by Hou Barong[305]
Liu Jiyuan
劉繼元 | Yingwu
英武 | 968–979
(10–11 years) | Adopted son of Liu Jun | 956–991
(aged 35)

* * *

Surrendered to the Song and spared[305]

## Late imperial China

[edit]

### Song dynasty (960–1279)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Song dynasty.

Further information: Song dynasty and Song dynasty family tree

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

|
|
|
|
|

#### Northern Song (960–1127)

[edit]

See also: Northern Song

| Taizu

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Qiyun Liji Yingwu Ruiwen Shende Shenggong Zhiming Daxiao (啓運立極英武睿文神德聖功至明大孝皇帝)

| Zhao Kuangyin
趙匡胤 |
4 February 960 – 14 November 976
(16 years, 9 months and 10 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianlong (建隆)
4 February 960 – 3 December 963
* Qiande (乾德)
4 December 963 – 15 December 968
* Kaibao (開寶)
16 December 968 – 13 January 977

| 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 illness[306]
| Taizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Zhiren Yingdao Shengong Shengde Wenwu Ruilie Daming Guangxiao (至仁應道神功聖德文武睿烈大明廣孝皇帝)

| Zhao Jiong
趙炅 | 14 November 976 – 8 May 997
(20 years, 5 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taiping Xingguo (太平興國)
14 January 977 – 5 December 984
* Yongxi (雍熙)
6 December 984 – 7 February 988
* Duangong (雍熙)
8 February 988 – 29 January 990
* Chunhua (淳化)
30 January 990 – 2 February 995
* Zhidao (至道)
3 February 995 – 30 January 998

| 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 causes[307]
| Zhenzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Yingfu Jigu Shengong Rangde Wenming Wuding Zhangsheng Yuanxiao (膺符稽古神功讓德文明武定章聖元孝皇帝)

| Zhao Heng
趙恆 | 8 May 997 – 23 March 1022
(24 years, 10 months and 15 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xianping (咸平)
31 January 998 – 24 January 1004
* Jingde (景德)
25 January 1004 – 9 February 1008
* Dazhongxiangfu (大中祥符)
10 February 1008 – 30 January 1017
* Tianxi (天禧)
31 January 1017 – 3 February 1022
* Qianxing (乾興)
4 February 1022 – 24 January 1023

| 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 illness[308]
| Renzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Titian Fadao Jigong Quande Shenwen Shengwu Ruizhe Mingxiao (體天法道極功全德神文聖武睿哲明孝皇帝)

| Zhao Zhen
趙禎 | 23 March 1022 – 30 April 1063
(41 years, 1 month and 7 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tiansheng (天聖)
25 January 1023 – 10 December 1032
* Mingdao (明道)
11 December 1032 – 22 January 1034
* Jingyou (景祐)
23 January 1034 – 15 December 1038
* Baoyuan (寶元)
16 December 1038 – 4 April 1040
* Kangding (康定)
5 April 1040 – 15 December 1041
* Qingli (慶曆)
16 December 1041 – 4 February 1048
* Huangyou (皇祐)
5 February 1049 – 25 April 1054
* Zhihe (至和)
26 April 1054 – 22 October 1056
* Jiayou (嘉祐)
23 October 1056 – 20 January 1064

| 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 arts[309]
| Yingzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Tiyuan Xiandao Fagu Lixian Dide Wanggong Yingwen Liewu Qinren Shengxiao (體元顯道法古立憲帝德王功英文烈武欽仁聖孝皇帝)

| Zhao Shu
趙曙 | 1 May 1063 – 25 January 1067
(3 years, 8 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhiping (治平)
21 January 1064 – 5 February 1068

| 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 illness[310]
| Shenzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xianyuan Jidao Shide Yanggong Qinwen Ruiwu Qisheng Zhaoxiao (憲元繼道世德揚功欽文睿武齊聖昭孝皇帝)

| Zhao Xu
趙頊 | 25 January 1067 – 1 April 1085
(18 years, 2 months and 7 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xining (熙宁)
6 February 1068 – 22 December 1077
* Yuanfeng (元豐)
23 December 1077 – 17 January 1086

| Son of Yingzong | 25 May 1048 – 1 April 1085
(aged 36)

* * *

Best known by the implementation of the "New Policies". Died of illness[311]
| Zhezong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Tiqian Yingli Longgong Shengde Xianwen Suwu Ruisheng Xuanxiao (體乾應歷隆功盛德憲文肅武睿聖宣孝皇帝)

| Zhao Xu
趙煦 | 1 April 1085 – 23 February 1100
(14 years, 6 months and 25 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanyou (元祐)
18 January 1086 – 28 April 1094
* Shaosheng (紹聖)
29 April 1094 – 1 July 1098
* Yuanfu (元符)
2 July 1098 – 30 January 1101

| Son of Shenzong | 4 January 1077 – 23 February 1100
(aged 23)

* * *

Ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Gao until 1093. Died of illness[312]
| Huizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Tishen Hedao Junlie Xungong Shengwen Rende Xianci Xianxiao (體神合道駿烈遜功聖文仁德憲慈顯孝皇帝)

| Zhao Ji
趙佶 | 23 February 1100 – 18 January 1126
(25 years, 10 months and 26 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianzhongjingguo (建中靖國)
31 January 1101 – 20 January 1102
* Chongning (崇寧)
21 January 1102 – 25 January 1107
* Daguan (大觀)
26 January 1107 – 9 February 1111
* Zhenghe (政和)
10 February 1111 – 14 December 1118
* Chonghe (重和)
15 December 1118 – 15 March 1119
* Xuanhe (宣和)
16 March 1119 – 24 January 1125

| 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 captivity[313]
| Qinzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Gongwen Shunde Renxiao (恭文順德仁孝皇帝)

| Zhao Huan
趙桓 | 19 January 1126 – 25 March 1127
(1 year, 2 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingkang (靖康)
25 January 1126 – 11 June 1127

| 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 captivity[314]

#### Southern Song (1127–1279)

[edit]

See also: Southern Song

| Gaozong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Shouming Zhongxing Quangong Zhide Shengshen Wuwen Zhaoren Xianxiao (受命中興全功至德聖神武文昭仁憲孝皇帝)

| Zhao Gou
趙構 | 12 June 1127 – 24 July 1162
(35 years, 1 month and 12 days)[aa]

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jianyan (建炎)
12 June 1127 – 30 January 1131
* Shaoxing (紹興)
31 January 1131 – 22 December 1162

| 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 causes[316]
None, known by his personal name | Zhao Fu
趙旉 | March – April 1129
(1 month or less)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Mingshou (明受)
1–22 April 1129

| Son of Gaozong, proclaimed emperor during a mutiny  | An infant installed by officers Miao Fu and Liu Zhengyan. They lost power within a month[315]
| Xiaozong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Shaotong Tongdao Guande Zhaogong Zhewen Shenwu Mingsheng Chengxiao (紹統同道冠德昭功哲文神武明聖成孝皇帝)

|   Zhao Shen[ab]
趙眘 | 24 July 1162 – 18 February 1189
(26 years, 6 months and 25 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Longxing (隆興)
23 December 1162 – 12 February 1165
* Qiandao (乾道)
13 February 1165 – 3 February 1174
* Chunxi (淳熙)
3 February 1174 – 7 February 1190

| 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 causes[318]
| Guangzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xundao Xianren Minggong Maode Wenwen Shunwu Shengzhe Cixiao (循道憲仁明功茂德溫文順武聖哲慈孝皇帝)

| Zhao Dun
趙惇 | 18 February 1189 – 24 July 1194
(5 years, 5 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shaoxi (紹熙)
7 February 1190 – 8 December 1194

| 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 causes[319]
| Ningzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Fatian Beidao Chunde Maogong Renwen Zhewu Shengrui Gongxiao (法天備道純德茂功仁文哲武聖睿恭孝皇帝)

| Zhao Kuo
趙擴 | 24 July 1194 – 17 September 1224
(30 years, 1 month and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qingyuan (慶元)
11 February 1195 – 1201)
* Jiatai (嘉泰)
1201–1204)
* Kaixi (開禧)
1205–1207)
* Jiading (嘉定)
1207–1224)

| 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 illness[320]
| Lizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Jiandao Beide Dagong Fuxing Liewen Renwu Shengming Anxiao (建道備德大功復興烈文仁武聖明安孝皇帝)

| Zhao Yun
趙昀 | 17 September 1224 – 16 November 1264
(40 years, 1 month and 30 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Baoqing (寶慶; 1225–1227)
* Shaoding (紹定; 1228–1233)
* Duanping (端平; 1234–1236)
* Jiaxi (嘉熙; 1237–1240)
* Chunyou (淳祐; 1241–1252)
* Baoyou (寶祐; 1253–1258)
* Kaiqing (開慶; 1259)
* Jingding (景定; 1260–1264)

| 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 illness[321]
| Duzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Duanwen Mingwu Jingxiao
(端文明武景孝皇帝)

| Zhao Qi
趙禥 | 16 November 1264 – 12 August 1274
(9 years, 8 months and 27 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xianchun (咸淳)
18 January 1265 – 28 January 1275

| 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 illness[322]
| Gongzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Duke Ying
(瀛國公, Yíng Guó Gōng)

| Zhao Xian
趙㬎 | 12 August 1274 – 21 February 1276
(1 year, 6 months and 5 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Deyou (德祐)
29 January 1275 – 13 June 1276

| 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 Gansu[323]
| Duanzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Duke Jian
(建國公, Jiàn Guó Gōng)

| Zhao Shi
趙昰 | 14 June 1276 – 8 May 1278
(1 year and 11 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingyan (景炎)
14 June 1276 – 22 May 1278

| 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 ship[324]
| None, known by his personal name | Zhao Bing
趙昺 | 10 May 1278 – 19 March 1279
(10 months and 9 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xiangxing (祥興)
23 May 1278 – 19 March 1279

| 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 suicide[325]

### Northern regimes (916–1234)

[edit]

#### Liao dynasty (916–1125)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Liao dynasty.

Further information: Liao dynasty and Liao dynasty family tree

Liao dynasty (大遼; 916–1125)  Temple name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Taizu

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Tian (天皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Dasheng Daming Shenlie Tian (大聖大明神烈天皇帝)[ac]

| Yelü Abaoji
耶律阿保机 | 27 February 907 – 6 September 926
(19 years, 6 months and 10 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shence (神冊)
17 March 916 – 22 March 922
* Tianzan (天贊)
23 March 922 – 20 March 926
* Tianxian (天顯)
21 March 926 – 6 September 926

| Led the Yelü clan as Khagan to unite the Khitan people | 872 – 6 September 926
(aged 53–54)

* * *

Died of natural causes[326]
Taizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xiaowu Huiwen (孝武惠文皇帝)[ad]

| Yelü Deguang
耶律德光 | 11 December 927 – 15 May 947
(19 years, 4 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianxian (天顯)
927 – 16 December 938
* Huitong (會同)
17 December 938 – 23 February 946
* Datong (大同)
24 February 947 – 18 May 947[ae]

| Son of Taizu | 902 – 15 May 947
(aged 44–45)

* * *

Died from a sudden illness[328]
Shizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xiaohe Zhuangxian (孝和莊憲皇帝)[af]

| Yelü Ruan
耶律阮 | 16 May 947 – 7 October 951
(4 years, 4 months and 21 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianlu (天祿)
1 November 947 – 7 October 951

| Grandson of Taizu | 918 – 7 October 951
(aged 32–33)

* * *

Murdered by his cousin in a coup d'état[329]
Muzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xiao'an Jingzheng (孝安敬正皇帝)

| Yelü Jing
耶律璟 | 11 October 951 – 12 March 969
(17 years, 5 months and 1 day)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yingli (應曆)
11 October 951 – 12 March 969

| Son of Taizong | 931 – 12 March 969
(aged 37–38)

* * *

Killed by his personal attendants[330]
Jingzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xiaocheng Kangjing (孝成康靖皇帝)[ag]

| Yelü Xian
耶律贤 | 13 May 969 – 13 October 982
(13 years and 5 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Baoning (保寧)
13 March 969 – 16 December 979
* Qianheng (乾亨)
17 December 979 – 13 October 982

| Son of Shizong | 948 – 13 October 982
(aged 33–34)

* * *

Died of illness on a hunting trip[331]
Shengzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Wenwu Daxiao Xuan (文武大孝宣皇帝)

| Yelü Longxu
耶律隆绪 | 14 October 982 – 25 June 1031
(48 years, 8 months and 11 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qianheng (乾亨)
982 – 21 July 983
* Tonghe (統和)
22 July 983 – 15 December 1012
* Kaitai (開泰)
16 December 1012 – 1021
* Taiping (太平)
1021 – 25 June 1031

| Son of Jingzong | 971 – 25 June 1031
(aged 59–60)

* * *

Longest reigning Liao ruler, though he was controlled by his mother Xiao Yanyan until 1009. Died of natural causes[332]
Xingzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Shensheng Xiaozhang (神聖孝章皇帝)

| Yelü Zongzhen
耶律宗真 | 25 June 1031 – 28 August 1055
(24 years, 2 months and 3 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingfu (景福)
7 July 1031 – 15 December 1302
* Chongxi (重熙)
16 December 1302 – 28 August 1055

| Son of Shengzong | 1016 – 28 August 1055
(aged 38–39)

* * *

Died of natural causes[333]
Daozong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Xiaowen (孝文皇帝)

| Yelü Hongji
耶律洪基 | 28 August 1055 – 12 February 1101
(45 years, 5 months and 15 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qingning (清寧)
9 September 1055 – 7 February 1065
* Xianyong (咸雍)
8 February 1065 – 6 January 1075
* Dakang (大康)
7 January 1075 – 1084
* Da'an (大安)
1085 – 1094
* Shouchang (壽昌)
1095 – 1101

| Son of Xingzong | 1032 – 12 February 1101
(aged 68–69)

* * *

Died of natural causes[334]
None, known by his posthumous name:
Tianzuo
天祚帝 | Yelü Yanxi
耶律延禧 | 12 February 1101 – 6 September 1125
(24 years, 6 months and 25 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qiantong (乾統)
2 March 1101 – 25 January 1111
* Tianqing (天慶)
26 January 1111 – 1120
* Baoda (保大)
1121 – 26 March 1125

| Grandson of Daozong | 1075 – after 6 September 1125
(aged 49–50)

* * *

Died in captivity from natural causes[335]

#### Western Xia (1038–1227)

[edit]

Further information: Western Xia and Western Xia emperors family tree

Western Xia (西夏; 1038–1227)  Temple name[ah] | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Jingzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Wulie (武烈皇帝)

| Li Yuanhao
李元昊 | 1038 – 1048[ai]
(9–10 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianshoulifayanzuo (天授禮法延祚)
7 February 1038 – 1048

| Son of the Tangut leader Li Deming | 1003–1048[ai]
(aged 44–45)

* * *

Assassinated by his son, Ningling Ge[337]
Yizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Zhaoying (昭英皇帝)

| Li Liangzuo
李諒祚 | 1048 – January 1068
(19–20 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yansiningguo (延嗣寧國)
18 January 1048 – 4 February 1049
* Tianyouchuisheng (天祐垂聖)
5 February 1049 – 3 February 1052
* Fushengchengdao (福聖承道)
4 February 1052 – 19 January 1056
* Duodu (奲都)
20 January 1056 – 11 February 1062
* Gonghua (拱化)
12 February 1062 – January 1068

| Son of Jingzong | 1047 – January 1068
(aged 20–21)

* * *

Infant emperor whose reign was controlled by Lady Mozang and later Mozang Epang. Died of natural causes[338]
Huizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Kangjing (康靖皇帝)

| Li Bingchang
李秉常 | January 1068 – 21 August 1086
(17–18 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qiandao (乾道)
18 January 1067 – 25 January 1069
* Tiancilishengguoqing (天賜禮盛國慶)
26 January 1069 – 29 January 1074
* Da'an (大安)
30 January 1074 – 28 January 1085
* Tian'anliding (天安禮定)
29 January 1085 – 21 August 1086

| Son of Yizong | 1061 – 21 August 1086
(aged 24–25)

* * *

Struggled with his mother for power throughout his reign. Died of natural causes[339]
Chongzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Shengwen (聖文皇帝)

| Li Qianshun
李乾順 | 11 November 1086 – 1 July 1139
(52–53 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianyizhiping (天儀治平)
18 January 1086 – 2 February 1090
* Tianyoumin'an (天祐民安)
3 February 1090 – 3 February 1098
* Yong'an (永安)
4 February 1098 – 30 January 1101
* Zhenguan (貞觀)
31 January 1101 – 7 February 1114
* Yongning (雍寧)
8 February 1114 – 11 February 1119
* Yuande (元德)
12 February 1119 – 12 February 1127
* Zhengde (正德)
13 February 1127 – 15 January 1135
* Dade (大德)
16 January 1135 – 1 July 1139

| Son of Huizong | 1084 – 1 July 1139
(aged 54–55)

* * *

Died of natural causes[340]
Renzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Shengde (聖德皇帝)

| Li Renxiao
李仁孝 | July 1139 – 16 October 1193
(53–54 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Daqing (大慶)
22 January 1140 – 17 January 1143
* Renqing (人慶)
18 January 1143 – 1 February 1147
* Tiansheng (天盛)
2 February 1147 – 10 February 1168
* Qianyou (乾祐)
11 February 1168 – 16 October 1193

| Son of Chongzong | 1124 – 16 October 1193
(aged 68–69)

* * *

Longest ruling ruler of the dynasty. Died of natural causes[340]
Huanzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Zhaojian (昭簡皇帝)

| Li Chunyou
李純佑 | 1193 – 1 March 1206
(12–13 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianqing (天慶)
24 January 1194 – 1 March 1206

| Son of Renzong | 1177 – 1 March 1206
(aged 28–29)

* * *

Overthrown in a coup d'état led by Xiangzong. Died of natural causes[341]
Xiangzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Jingmu (敬慕皇帝)

| Li Anquan
李安全 | March 1206 – 13 September 1211
(4–5 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yingtian (應天)
30 January 1207 – 26 January 1210
* Huangjian (皇建)
27 January 1210 – 13 September 1211

| Grandson of Renzong | 1170 – 13 September 1211
(aged 40–41)

* * *

Suffered many losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causes[341]
Shenzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name:
Emperor Yingwen (英文皇帝)

| Li Zunxu
李遵頊 | 12 August 1211 – 1223
(14–15 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangding (光定)
17 January 1211 – 1226

| Descendant of Jingzong | 1163 – 1226
(aged 62–63)

* * *

Abdicated amid Mongol invasions. Died of natural causes[341]
Xianzong
獻宗 | Li Dewang
李德旺 | 1223 – August 1226
(2–3 years)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qianding (乾定)
2 February 1223 – August 1226

| Son of Shenzong | 1181 – August 1226
(aged 44–45)

* * *

Died of natural causes[341]
None, known by his personal name | Li Xian
李晛 | 1226 – 1227
(1 year or less)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Baoyi (寶義)
30 January 1226 – 1227

| Grandson of Shenzong | ? – 1227
(aged ?)

* * *

Killed by the Mongols[341]

#### Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

[edit]

Further information: Jin dynasty and Jin dynasty family tree

Jin dynasty (金朝; 1115–1234)[342] Temple name | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|

Taizu

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Wuyuan (武元)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Yingqian Xingyun Zhaode Dinggong Renming Zhuangxiao Dasheng Wuyuan (應乾興運昭德定功仁明莊孝大聖武元皇帝)

| Wanyan Min
完顏旻 | 28 January 1115 – 19 September 1123
(8 years, 7 months and 22 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shouguo (收國)
28 January 1115 – 4 January 1117
* Tianfu (天輔)
5 January 1117 – 19 September 1123

| Son of Helibo from the Wanyan tribe  | 1 August 1068 – 19 September 1123
(aged 55)

* * *

Conquered the Liao dynasty[343]
Taizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Wenlie (文烈皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Tiyuan Yingyun Shide Zhaogong Zhehui Rensheng Wenlie (體元應運世德昭功哲惠仁聖文烈皇帝)

| Wanyan Sheng
完顏晟 | 27 September 1123 – 7 February 1135
(11 years, 4 months and 11 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianhui (天會)
7 October 1123 – 7 February 1135

| Brother of Taizu | 1075 – 7 February 1135
(aged 59–60)

* * *

Sacked the North Song dynasty's capital. Died of natural causes[343]
Xizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Xiaocheng (孝成皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Hongji Zuanwu Zhuangjing Xiaocheng (弘基纘武莊靖孝成皇帝)

| Wanyan Dan
完顏亶 | 8 February 1135 – 9 January 1150
(14 years, 11 months and 1 day)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianhui (天會)
1135 – 6 February 1138
* Tianjuan (天眷)
7 February 1138 – 20 February 1141
* Huangtong (皇統)
21 February 1141 – 9 January 1150

| Grandson of Taizu | 1119 –  9 January 1150
(aged 30–31)

* * *

Assassinated by his chancellor and successor Wanyan Liang[343]
None, informally known as
Prince of Hailing
海陵王 | Wanyan Liang
完顏亮 | 9 January 1150 – 15 December 1161
(11 years, 11 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tiande (天德)
11 January 1150 – 20 April 1153
* Zhenyuan (貞元)
21 April 1153 – 22 February 1156
* Zhenglong (正隆)
23 February 1156 – 15 December 1161

| Grandson of Taizu | 1122 – 15 December 1161
(aged 38–39)

* * *

Assassinated by his military commanders after losing the Battle of Caishi[344]
Shizong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Renxiao (仁孝皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Guangtian Yuyun Wende Wugong Shengming Renxiao (光天興運文德武功聖明仁孝皇帝)

| Wanyan Yong
完顏雍 | 27 October 1161 – 20 January 1189
(27 years, 2 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Dading (大定)
28 October 1161 – 20 January 1189

| Grandson of Taizu | 1123 – 20 January 1189
(aged 65–66)

* * *

Had the longest and most stable reign of the dynasty[345]
Zhangzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Yingxiao (英孝皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Xiantian Guangyun Renwen Yiwu Shensheng Yingxiao (憲天光運仁文義武神聖英孝皇帝)

| Wanyan Jing
完顏璟 | 20 January 1189 – 29 December 1208
(19 years, 11 months and 9 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Mingchang (明昌)
7 February 1190 – 13 December 1196
* Cheng'an (承安)
14 December 1196 – 6 January 1201
* Taihe (泰和)
7 January 1201 – 29 December 1208

| Grandson of Shizong | 31 August 1168 – 29 December 1208
(aged 40)

* * *

Died of natural causes[346]
None, informally known as
Prince Shao of Wei
衛紹王 | Wanyan Yongji
完顏永濟 | 29 December 1208 – 11 September 1213
(4 years, 8 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Da'an (大安)
5 March 1209 – 4 February 1212
* Chongqing (崇慶)
5 February 1212 – ? 1213
* Zhining (至寧)
? 1213 – 11 September 1213

| Son of Shizong | ? – 11 September 1213[aj]
(aged ?)

* * *

Assassinated under the orders of the general Hushahu [zh][346]
Xuanzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Shengxiao (聖孝皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Jitian Xingtong Shudao Qinren Yingwu Shengxiao (繼天興統述道勤仁英武聖孝皇帝)

| Wanyan Xun
完顏珣 | 22 September 1213 – 14 January 1224
(10 years, 3 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhenyou (貞祐)
30 September 1213 – 8 October 1217
* Xingding (興定)
9 October 1217 – 15 September 1222
* Yuanguang (元光)
15 September 1222 – 14 January 1224

| Grandson of Shizong | 1163 – 14 January 1224
(aged 60–61)

* * *

Suffered heavy losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causes[346]
Aizong
哀宗 | Wanyan Shouxu
完顏守緒 | 15 January 1224 – 8 February 1234
(10 years and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhengda (正大)
22 January 1224 – 10 February 1232
* Kaixing (開興)
11 February 1232 – 4 May 1232
* Tianxing (天興)
5 May 1232 – 8 February 1234

| Son of Xuanzong | 25 September 1198 – 9 February 1234
(aged 35)

* * *

Committed suicide amid Mongol invasions[346]

末 | Wanyan Chenglin
完顏承麟 | 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 Jin[346]

### Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Yuan dynasty.

Further information: Yuan dynasty and Yuan dynasty family tree

Yuan dynasty (大元; 1271–1368)  Portrait  | Khan name  | Personal name  | Reign  | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|
|

| Setsen Khan
薛禪汗

* * *

better known as
Kublai Khan

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Shizu (世祖)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Shengde Shengong Wenwu (聖德神功文武皇帝)

| Borjigin Kublai
孛兒只斤忽必烈 | 18 December 1271 – 18 February 1294
(22 years and 2 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhongtong (中統)
26 June 1260 – 6 September 1264
* Zhiyuan (至元)
7 September 1264 –  18 February 1294

| Grandson of Genghis Khan; declared emperor after defeating the Song in the Battle of Yamen | 23 September 1215 – 18 February 1294
(aged 78)

* * *

Fully conquered the Song dynasty, won the Toluid Civil War, moved the capital to Khanbaliq and employed Marco Polo[347]
| Öljeytü Khan
完澤篤汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Chengzong (成宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Qinming Guangxiao (欽明廣孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Temür
孛兒只斤鐵穆耳 | 10 May 1294 – 10 February 1307
(12 years and 9 months)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuanzhen (元貞)
17 January 1295 – 20 March 1297
* Dade (大德)
21 March 1297 – 10 February 1307

| Grandson of Kublai | 15 October 1265 – 10 February 1307
(aged 41)

* * *

Died of natural causes[348]
| Külüg Khan
曲律汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Wuzong (武宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Renhui Xuanxiao (仁惠宣孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Haishan
孛兒只斤海山 | 21 June 1307 – 27 January 1311
(3 years, 7 months and 6 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhida (至大)
23 January 1308 – 27 January 1311

| Great-grandson of Kublai | 4 August 1281 – 27 January 1311
(aged 29)

* * *

Died of natural causes[349]
| Buyantu Khan
普顏篤汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Renzong (仁宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Shengwen Qinxiao (聖文欽孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Ayurbarwada
孛兒只斤愛育黎拔力八達 | 7 April 1311 – 1 March 1320
(8 years, 10 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Huangqing (皇慶)
7 April 1311 – 6 February 1314
* Yanyou (延祐)
7 February 1314 – 1 March 1320

| Great-grandson of Kublai | 9 April 1285 – 1 March 1320
(aged 34)

* * *

Died of natural causes[350]
| Gegeen Khan
格堅汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Yingzong (英宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Ruisheng Wenxiao (睿聖文孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Shidibala
孛兒只斤硕德八剌 | 19 April 1320 – 4 September 1323
(3 years, 4 months and 16 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhizhi (至治)
30 December 1320 – 4 September 1323

| Son of Ayurbarwada | 22 February 1302 – 4 September 1323
(aged 21)

* * *

Killed in a coup led by Temuder [zh][351]
| None, known either by his personal or era name | Borjigin Yesün Temür
孛兒只斤也孫鐵木兒 | 4 October 1323 – 15 August 1328
(4 years, 10 months and 11 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taiding (泰定)
3 January 1324 – 6 May 1328
* Zhihe (致和)
7 May 1328 – 15 August 1328

| Great-Grandson of Kublai | 28 November 1293 – 15 August 1328[ak]
(aged 34)

* * *

Died of natural causes[352]
| None, known either by his personal or era name | Borjigin Ragibagh
孛兒只斤阿剌吉八 | October 1328 – 14 November 1328
(1 month)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianshun (天順)
October 1328 – 14 November 1328

| Son of Yesün | 1320 – 14 November 1328
(aged 8)

* * *

Child emperor; probably murdered amid the War of the Two Capitals[353]
| Jayaatu Khan
札牙篤汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Wenzong (文宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Shengming Yuanxiao (聖明元孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Tugh Temür
孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾 | 16 October 1328 – 26 February 1329
(4 months and 10 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianli (天曆)
16 October 1328 – 26 February 1329

| Son of Külüg | 16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332
(aged 28)

* * *

Abdicated in favor of his brother Khutughtu Khan[354]
| Khutughtu Khan
忽都篤汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Mingzong (明宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Yixian Jingxiao (翼獻景孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Kusala
孛兒只斤和世剌 | 27 February 1329 – 30 August 1329
(6 months and 3 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianli (天曆)
27 February 1329 – 30 August 1329

| Son of Külüg | 22 December 1300 – 30 August 1329
(aged 28)

* * *

Briefly ruled before killed by El Temür[353]
| Jayaatu Khan
札牙篤汗
(second reign) | Borjigin Tugh Temür
孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾 | 8 September 1329 – 2 September 1332
(2 years, 11 months and 25 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhishun (至順)
25 May 1330 – 2 September 1332

| Son of Külüg | 16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332
(aged 28)

* * *

A patron of the arts and scholarship, his reign was dominated by the ministers El Temür and Bayan of the Merkid. Died of natural causes[354]
| None, known by his personal name

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Ningzong (寧宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Chongsheng Sixiao (沖聖嗣孝皇帝)

| Borjigin Rinchinbal
孛兒只斤懿璘質班 | 23 October 1332 – 14 December 1332
(1 month and 21 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhishun (至順)
23 October 1332 – 14 December 1332

| Son of Khutughtu | 1 May 1326 – 14 December 1332
(aged 6)

* * *

Child emperor; died of sudden illness[355]
| Ukhaghatu Khan
烏哈噶圖汗

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Huizong (惠宗)
Posthumous name:
Emperor Shun (順皇帝)[al]

| Borjigin Toghon Temür
孛兒只斤妥懽帖睦爾 | 19 July 1333 – 10 September 1368
(35 years, 2 months and 22 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yuantong (元統)
15 November 1333 – 7 December 1335
* Zhiyuan (至元)
8 December 1335 – 17 January 1341
* Zhizheng (至正)
18 January 1341 – 10 September 1368

| Son of Khutughtu | 25 May 1320 – 23 May 1370
(aged 49)

* * *

Died of natural causes[357]

### Ming dynasty (1368–1644)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Ming dynasty.

Further information: Ming dynasty and Ming dynasty family tree

Ming dynasty (大明; 1368–1644)  Portrait  | Era name | Personal name  | Reign[am] | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|
|

| Hongwu

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Taizu (太祖)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Gao (高皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Kaitian Xingdao Zhaoji Liji Dasheng Zhishen Renwen Yiwu Junde Chenggong Gao (開天行道肇紀立極大聖至神仁文義武俊德成功高皇帝)

| Zhu Yuanzhang
朱元璋 | 23 January 1368 – 24 June 1398
(30 years, 5 months and 1 day)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hongwu (洪武)
23 January 1368 – 24 June 1398

| Born into poverty, he led the Red Turban Rebellions to establish the Ming dynasty  | 21 October 1328 – 24 June 1398
(aged 69)

* * *

Initiated cultural reconstruction and political reform, also noted for his extreme and violent methods of enforcement. Died of natural causes[359]
Jianwen

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Huizong (惠宗)[an]
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Hui (惠皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Gōngmǐn Hui (恭閔惠皇帝)[ao]

| Zhu Yunwen
朱允炆 | 30 June 1398 – 13 July 1402
(4 years and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hongwu (洪武)
30 June 1398 – 5 February 1399
* Jianwen (建文)
6 February 1399 – 13 July 1402

| Grandson of Hongwu | 5 December 1377 – 13 July 1402
(aged 24)

* * *

Overthrown by the future Yongle Emperor, his uncle. Either died in or disappeared after the fires in the Ming Palace.[361]
| Yongle

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Chengzu (成祖)[ap]
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Wen (文皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Qitian Hongdao Gaoming Zhaoyun Shengwu Shengong Chunren Zhixiao Wen (啓天弘道高明肇運聖武神功純仁至孝文皇帝)

| Zhu Di
朱棣 | 17 July 1402 – 12 August 1424
(22 years and 26 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hongwu (洪武)
30 July 1402 – 22 January 1403
* Yongle (永樂)
23 January 1403 – 19 January 1425

| Son of Hongwu | 2 May 1360 – 12 August 1424
(aged 64)

* * *

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.[362]
| Hongxi

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Renzong (仁宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Zhao (昭皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Jingtian Tidao Chuncheng Zhide Hongwen Qinwu Zhangsheng Daxiao Zhao (敬天體道純誠至德弘文欽武章聖達孝昭皇帝)

| Zhu Gaochi
朱高熾 | 7 September 1424 – 29 May 1425
(8 months and 22 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongle (永樂)
7 September 1424 – 19 January 1425
* Hongxi (洪熙)
20 January 1425 – 7 February 1426

| Son of Yongle | 16 August 1378 – 29 May 1425
(aged 46)

* * *

Focused primarily on domestic affairs. Died of natural causes[363]
| Xuande

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Xuanzong (宣宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Zhang (章皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Xiantian Chongdao Yingming Shensheng Qinwen Zhaowu Kuanren Chunxiao Zhang (憲天崇道英明神聖欽文昭武寬仁純孝章皇帝)

| Zhu Zhanji
朱瞻基 | 27 June 1425 – 31 January 1435
(9 years, 7 months and 4 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hongxi (洪熙)
28 June 1425 – 7 February 1426
* Xuande (宣德)
8 February 1426 – 17 January 1436

| Son of Hongxi | 16 March 1399 – 31 January 1435
(aged 35)

* * *

A noted painter. Died of natural causes[364]
| known by his temple:
Yingzong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Yingzong (英宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Rui (睿皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Fatian Lidao Renming Chengjing Zhaowen Xianwu Zhide Guangxiao Rui (法天立道仁明誠敬昭文憲武至德廣孝睿皇帝)

| Zhu Qizhen
朱祁镇  | 7 February 1435 – 1 September 1449
(14 years, 6 months and 25 days)[aq]

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xuande (宣德)
7 February 1435 – 17 January 1436
* Zhengtong (正統)
18 January 1436 – 13 January 1450

| Son of Xuande | 29 November 1427 – 23 February 1464
(aged 36)

* * *

His reign was dominated by eunuchs, particularly Wang Zhen, which led to growing instability. Captured by the Northern Yuan dynasty during the Tumu Crisis.[366]
Jingtai

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Daizong (代宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Jing (景皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Gongren Kangding Jing (恭仁康定景皇帝)

| Zhu Qiyu
朱祁鈺 | 22 September 1449 – 24 February 1457
(7 years, 5 months and 2 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhengtong (正統)
18 January 1436 – 13 January 1450
* Jingtai (景泰)
14 January 1450 – 11 February 1457

| Son of Xuande | 11 September 1428 – 14 March 1457
(aged 28)

* * *

Briefly ruled while his brother was held captive; deposed soon after. Died a month later, possibly from murder.[367]
| Yingzong

(second reign) | Zhu Qizhen
朱祁镇  | 11 February 1457 – 23 February 1464
(7 years and 12 days)[aq]

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianshun (天順)
11 February 1457 – 26 January 1465

| Son of Xuande | 29 November 1427 – 23 February 1464
(aged 36)

* * *

Restored to power after his release. Died of natural causes[368]
| Chenghua

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Xianzong (憲宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Chun (純皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Jitian Ningdao Chengming Renjing Chongwen Suwu Hongde Shengxiao Chun (繼天凝道誠明仁敬崇文肅武宏德聖孝純皇帝)

| Zhu Jianshen
朱見濡 | 28 February 1464 – 9 September 1487
(23 years, 6 months and 12 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jingtai (景泰)
28 February 1464 – 26 January 1465
* Chenghua (成化)
27 January 1465 – 9 September 1487

| Son of Yingzong | 9 December 1447 – 9 September 1487
(aged 39)

* * *

Died of natural causes[369]
| Hongzhi

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Xiaozong (孝宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Jing (敬皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Datian Mingdao Chuncheng Zhongzheng Shengwen Shenwu Zhiren Dade Jing (達天明道純誠中正聖文神武至仁大德敬皇帝)

| Zhu Youcheng
朱祐樘 | 22 September 1487 – 8 June 1505
(17 years, 8 months and 17 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Chenghua (成化)
22 September 1487 – 13 January 1488
* Hongzhi (弘治)
14 January 1488 – 23 January 1506

| Son of Chenghua | 30 July 1470 – 9 June 1505
(aged 34)

* * *

Died of natural causes[370]
| Zhengde

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Wuzong (武宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Yi (毅皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Chengtian Dadao Yingsu Ruizhe Zhaode Xiangong Hongwen Sixiao Yi (承天達道英肅睿哲昭德顯功弘文思孝毅皇帝)

| Zhu Houzhao
朱厚㷖 | 19 June 1505 – 20 April 1521
(15 years, 10 months and 1 day)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Hongzhi (弘治)
19 June 1505 – 23 January 1506
* Zhengde (正德)
24 January 1506 – 20 April 1521

| Son of Hongzhi | 14 November 1491 – 20 April 1521
(aged 29)

* * *

His reign saw the rise of influence from eunuchs, particularly Liu Jin. Probably drowned after his boat sank.[371]
| Jiajing

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Shizong (世宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Su (肅皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Qintian Lüdao Yingyi Shengshen Xuanwen Guangwu Hongren Daxiao Su (欽天履道英毅聖神宣文廣武洪仁大孝肅皇帝)

| Zhu Houcong
朱厚熜 | 27 May 1521 – 23 January 1567
(45 years, 7 months and 26 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Zhengde (正德)
27 May 1506 – 26 January 1522
* Jiajing (嘉靖)
28 January 1522 – 23 January 1567

| Grandson of Chenghua, brother of Zhengde | 16 September 1507 – 23 January 1567
(aged 59)

* * *

Died of natural causes[372]
| Longqing

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Muzong (穆宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Zhuang (莊皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Qitian Longdao Yuanyi Kuanren Xianwen Guangwu Chunde Hongxiao Zhuang (契天隆道淵懿寬仁顯文光武純德弘孝莊皇帝)

| Zhu Zaiji
朱載坖 | 4 February 1567 – 5 July 1572
(5 years, 5 months and 1 day)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jiajing (嘉靖)
4 February 1567 – 8 February 1567
* Longqing (隆慶)
9 February 1567 – 5 July 1572

| Son of Jiajing | 4 March 1537 – 5 July 1572
(aged 35)

* * *

Died of natural causes[373]
| Wanli

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Shénzōng (神宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Xian (顯皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Fantian Hedao Zhesu Dunjian Guangwen Zhangwu Anren Zhixiao Xian (範天合道哲肅敦簡光文章武安仁止孝顯皇帝)

| Zhu Yijun
朱翊鈞 | 19 July 1572 – 18 August 1620
(48 years and 30 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Longqing (隆慶)
19 July 1572 – 1 February 1573
* Wanli (萬曆)
2 February 1573 – 18 August 1620

| Son of Longqing | 4 September 1563 – 18 August 1620
(aged 56)

* * *

Despite early successes, the gradual decline of Ming began towards the end of his reign. Died of natural causes[374]
| Taichang

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Guangzong (光宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Zhen (貞皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Chongtian Qidao Yingrui Gongchun Xianwen Jingwu Yuanren Yixiao Zhen (崇天契道英睿恭純憲文景武淵仁懿孝貞皇帝)

| Zhu Changluo
朱常洛 | 28 August – 26 September 1620
(29 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichang (泰昌)
28 August 1620 – 26 September 1620

| Son of Wanli | 28 August 1582 – 26 September 1620
(aged 38)

* * *

Died suddenly after a reign of around a month, possibly murdered by poison[375]
| Tianqi

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Xizong (熹宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Zhen (貞皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Datian Chandao Dunxiao Duyou Zhangwen Xiangwu Jingmu Zhuangqin Zhen (達天闡道敦孝篤友章文襄武靖穆莊勤悊皇帝)

| Zhu Youjiao
朱由校 | 1 October 1620 – 30 September 1627
(6 years, 11 months and 29 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Taichang (泰昌)
1 October 1620 – 21 January 1621
* Tianqi (天啓)
22 January 1621 – 30 September 1627

| Son of Taichang | 23 December 1605 – 30 September 1627
(aged 21)

* * *

A weak ruler, his reign was dominated by the eunuch Wei Zhongxian. Died from an unknown illness[376]
Chongzhen

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Sīzōng (思宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Min (愍皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Zhuanglie Min (莊烈愍皇帝)

| Zhu Youjian
朱由檢 | 2 October 1627 – 25 April 1644
(16 years, 6 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Tianqi (天啓)
2 October 1627 – 4 February 1628
* Chongzhen (崇禎)
5 February 1628 – 25 April 1644

| Son of Taichang, brother of Tianqi | 6 February 1611 – 25 April 1644
(aged 33)

* * *

Committed suicide, possibly by hanging himself on a tree.[377]

### Qing dynasty (1644–1912)

[edit]

For a more comprehensive list, see List of emperors of the Qing dynasty.

Further information: Qing dynasty and Qing dynasty family tree

Qing dynasty (大清; 1644–1912)  Portrait  | Era name | Personal name  | Reign[ar] | Succession  | Life details

|
|
|
|
|

| Shunzhi

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Shizu (世祖)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Zhang (章皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Titian Longyun Dingtong Jianji Yingrui Qinwen Xianwu Dahe Honggong Zhiren Chunxiao Zhang (體天隆運定統建極英睿欽文顯武大德弘功至仁純孝章皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Fulin
愛新覺羅福臨 | 8 November 1644 – 5 February 1661
(16 years, 2 months and 28 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shunzhi (順治)
8 November 1644 – 5 February 1661

| Son of Hong Taiji; chosen by a council of Manchu princes | 15 March 1638 – 5 February 1661
(aged 22)

* * *

Finished the Manchu conquest of the Ming, pushing the remaining Ming sympathizers to the South. Died suddenly of smallpox[379]
| Kangxi

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Shengzu (聖祖)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Ren (仁皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Hetian Hongyun Wenwu Ruizhe Gongjian Kuanyu Xiaojing Chengxin Zhonghe Gongde Dacheng Ren (合天弘運文武睿哲恭儉寬裕孝敬誠信中和功德大成仁皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Xuanye
愛新覺羅玄燁 | 5 February 1661 – 20 December 1722
(61 years, 10 months and 15 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Shunzhi (順治)
17 February 1661 – 17 February 1662
* Kangxi (康熙)
18 February 1662 – 20 December 1722

| Son of Shunzhi | 4 May 1654 – 20 December 1722
(aged 68)

* * *

Longest ruling Chinese emperor. Expanded the empire's territory, and commissioned both the Kangxi Dictionary and Complete Tang Poems. Died of natural causes[380]
| Yongzheng

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Shizong (世宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Xian (憲皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Jingtian Changyun Jianzhong Biaozhen Wenwu Yingming Kuanren Xinyi Ruisheng Daxiao Zhicheng Xian (敬天昌運建中表正文武英明寬仁信毅睿聖大孝至誠憲皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen
愛新覺羅胤禛 | 27 December 1722 – 8 October 1735
(12 years, 9 months and 11 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Kangxi (康熙)
20 December 1722 – 4 February 1723
* Yongzheng (雍正)
5 February 1723 – 8 October 1735

| Son of Kangxi | 13 December 1678 – 8 October 1735
(aged 56)

* * *

Ruled for a relatively short period, establishing the Grand Council. Probably died of alchemical elixir poisoning; death officially recorded as natural causes.[381][as]
| Qianlong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Gaozong (高宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Chun (純皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Fatian Longyun Zhicheng Xianjue Tiyuan Liji Fuwen Fenwu Qinming Xiaoci Shensheng Chun (法天隆運至誠先覺體元立極敷文奮武欽明孝慈神聖純皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Hongli
愛新覺羅弘曆 | 18 October 1735 – 9 February 1796
(60 years, 3 months and 22 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Yongzheng (雍正)
18 October 1735 – 11 February 1736
* Qianlong (乾隆)
12 February 1736 – 8 February 1796

| Son of Yongzheng | 25 September 1711 – 7 February 1799
(aged 87)

* * *

Brought the empire to its height. Died of natural causes[383]
| Jiaqing

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Renzong (仁宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Rui (睿皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Shoutian Xingyun Fuhua Suiyou Chongwen Jingwu Guangyu Xiaogong Qinjian Duanmin Yingzhe Rui (受天興運敷化綏猷崇文經武光裕孝恭勤儉端敏英哲睿皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Yongyan
愛新覺羅顒琰 | 9 February 1796 – 2 September 1820
(24 years, 6 months and 24 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jiaqing (嘉慶)
9 February 1796 – 2 September 1820

| Son of Qianlong | 13 November 1760 – 2 September 1820
(aged 59)

* * *

Died suddenly from apoplexy[384]
| Daoguang

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Xuanzong (宣宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Cheng (成皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Xiaotian Fuyun Lizhong Tizheng Zhiwen Shengwu Zhiyong Renci Jianqin Xiaomin Kuanding Cheng (效天符運立中體正至文聖武智勇仁慈儉勤孝敏寬定成皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Minning
愛新覺羅旻寧 | 3 October 1820 – 26 February 1850
(29 years, 4 months and 23 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Jiaqing (嘉慶)
3 October 1820 – 2 February 1821
* Daoguang (道光)
3 February 1821 – 25 February 1850

| Son of Jiaqing | 16 September 1782 – 25 February 1850
(aged 67)

* * *

An ineffective ruler who led a highly unstable reign, marked by the First Opium War and the early Taiping Rebellion. Probably died from a stroke[385]
| Xianfeng

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Wenzong (文宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Xian (顯皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Xietian Yiyun Zhizhong Chuimo Maode Zhenwu Shengxiao Yuangong Duanren Kuanmin Zhuangjian Xian (協天翊運執中垂謨懋德振武聖孝淵恭端仁寬敏莊儉顯皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Yizhu
愛新覺羅奕詝 | 9 March 1850 – 22 August 1861
(11 years, 5 months and 13 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Daoguang (道光)
9 March 1850 – 30 January 1851
* Xianfeng (咸豐)
1 February 1851 – 22 August 1861

| Son of Daoguang | 17 July 1831 – 22 August 1861
(aged 30)

* * *

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 causes[386]
| Tongzhi

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Muzong (穆宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Yi (毅皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Jitian Kaiyun Shouzhong Juzheng Baoda Dinggong Shengzhi Chengxiao Xinmin Gongkuan Mingsu Yi (繼天開運受中居正保大定功聖智誠孝信敏恭寬明肅毅皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Zaichun
愛新覺羅載淳 | 11 November 1861 – 12 January 1875
(13 years, 2 months and 1 day)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Qixiang (祺祥)
August 1861 – 11 November 1861[387]
* Xianfeng (咸豐)
11 November 1861 – 29 January 1862
* Tongzhi (同治)
30 January 1862 – 12 January 1875

| Son of Xianfeng | 27 April 1856 – 12 January 1875
(aged 18)

* * *

Reign was completely dominated by Empress Dowager Cixi, who initiated the Tongzhi Restoration. Died suddenly, under suspicious circumstances[388]
| Guangxu

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Dezong (德宗)
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Jing (景皇帝)
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Tongtian Chongyun Dazhong Zhizheng Jingwen Weiwu Renxiao Ruizhi Duanjian Kuanqin Jing (同天崇運大中至正經文緯武仁孝睿智端儉寬勤景皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Zaitian
愛新覺羅載湉 | 25 February 1875 – 14 November 1908
(33 years, 8 months and 20 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Guangxu (光緒)
25 February 1875 – 14 November 1908

| Cousin of Tongzhi | 14 August 1871 – 14 November 1908
(aged 37)

* * *

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.[389]
| Xuantong

* * *

Other names

* * * *

Temple name:
Gongzong (恭宗)[at]
Posthumous name (short):
Emperor Min (愍帝)[at]
Posthumous name (long):
Emperor Peitian Tongyun Fagu Shaotong Cuiwen Jingfu Kuanrui Zhengmu Tiren Lixiao Min (配天同運法古紹統粹文敬孚寬睿正穆體仁立孝愍皇帝)

| Aisin-Gioro Puyi
愛新覺羅溥儀 | 2 December 1908 – 12 February 1912
(3 years, 2 months and 10 days)

Era(s)

* * * *

* Xuantong (宣統)
2 December 1908 – 12 February 1912

| Nephew of Guangxu | 7 February 1906 – 17 October 1967
(aged 61)

* * *

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.[390]
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

[edit]

### Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Contemporary scholars often split Chinese history into three periods: Ancient, Imperial and Modern, based on the Ancient, Medieval and Modern scheme developed by Liang Qichao.[1] In Chinese history, "Medieval"—originally defined as from the Qin to Qing dynasties—has since been replaced by "Imperial".[2] "Medieval" now refers to the more specific period from the End of the Han dynasty through the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.[3]
2. ^ The Mandate of Heaven is essentially equivalent to the European divine right of kings.[7] It was first formally introduced by the Duke of Zhou to justify his house's overthrow of the Shang.[7] Prior to this, the Shang kings justified their rule by being claiming descent from a "divine ancestor",[8] and being able to interpret, manipulate and maintain cosmic relations between humans and heaven (天; Tiān).[9]
3. ^ Although era names originated in the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (r. 141–87 BCE),[15] his two immediate predecessors Emperor Wen of Han (r. 180–157) and Emperor Jing of Han (r. 157–141) were also given era names later.[16]
4. ^ All reign dates for the Xia rulers are excluded. They are highly speculative, due to their dependence on the already uncertain beginning and ending dates of the dynasty
5. ^ The traditional dating method (beginning the Shang in 1766) is not included in this table. See Liu et al. 2021, pp. 165, 169 for another, more recent, method of dating
6. ^ Zu Ji, another son of Wu Ding is given a kingly title in some oracle bone texts, but did probably not reign.[61]
7. ^ In his lifetime, Ying Zheng would have been known as simply "Shi Huangdi", but after the Qin's fall it became standard practice to include the dynasty's name when referring to him. His dynastic name is commonly abbreviated to 'Qin Shi Huang'. In its fullest form, it would be: Qin Shi Huangdi (秦始皇帝)[4]
8. ^ Qin Shi Huang began his reign as king of Qin in 246 BCE, but did not unite China and proclaim himself Emperor (皇帝 Huangdi) until 221 BCE.[81]
9. ^ Moule 1957, p. 3 gives 18 July 210 BCE as the exact date for the end of Qin Shi Huang's reign, but also notes the issues surrounding this chronology. The date is accepted by Vervoorn 1990, p. 311, but it's not used by modern scholars.[82][83] Hymes 2000, p. 8 gives July–August 210 BCE, the seventh lunar month.
10. ^ In its fullest form, Ying Huhai's dynastic name would be Qin Er Shi Huangdi (秦二世皇帝)[4]
11. ^ Sources vary on the exact month of Qin Er Shi's accession, though they agree it was in late 210. Vervoorn 1990, p. 311 gives August 210 while Barbieri-Low & Yates 2015, p. xix and Moule 1957, p. 3 give September–October 210
12. ^ After Qin Er Shi's death the Qin dynasty became increasingly weaker in power, so Zhao Gao proclaimed the state was once again a kingdom, not an empire. Thus when Ziying (子嬰) ascended to the throne, he only ruled as a King of Qin.[89] After ruling for 46 days in late 207 BCE, Ziying surrendered to Liu Bang and was later killed by Xiang Yu during the Chu–Han Contention.[90][91]
13. ^ Liu Bang began his peasant revolt in 209 BCE, during the collapse of the Qin dynasty. He assumed the title "King of Han" (漢王) in 206 BCE, referencing his dominions near the Han river. He only assumed the title of Emperor (皇帝; Huangdi) in 202 BCE after his victory in the Chu–Han Contention.[93]
14. ^ Also known as:
Shaodi Gong
少帝恭[96]
15. ^ a b In order to justify Emperor Wen of Han's overthrow of the House of Lü's puppets, Houshao and Qianshao, both of the dynasty's official histories—the Shiji and Hanshu—assert that neither was actually a son of Hui.[97]
16. ^ Also known as:
Shaodi Hong
少帝弘[99]
17. ^ a b Though most modern sources agree that Emperor Wu died on 29 March 87 BCE, Vervoorn 1990, p. 312 gives 2 March; Moule 1957, p. 5 gives 27 March.
18. ^ Liu Yi reigned for less than a year, so thus did not live long enough to receive an era name[120]
19. ^ de Crespigny 2010, p. 450 notes that "On 11 December [...] Cao Cao's son and successor Cao Pi received the abdication of the last emperor of Han. [...] Some authorities give the date of abdication as 25 November [...] This is the date upon which Emperor Xian issued an edict calling upon Cao Pi to take the throne, but the ceremonial transfer of sovereignty was carried out two weeks later"
20. ^ Not counting Ruzi Ying, who never officially ascended to the throne.
21. ^ Also known as:
Duke of Haixi
海西公[151]
22. ^ Moule 1957, p. 34 gives 30 May 618 as the date for the end of Yang You's reign, but modern sources usually give 12 June.[240]
23. ^ Also known as "Wu Hou" (武后). The title Huanghou (皇后) given to consorts it's often translated as "Empress consort" in English. Though often translated as "Emperor" in this context, the title Huangdi, as well as many other Chinese words, has no assigned gender.[247]
24. ^ Li Chongmao is often referred by his posthumous name; he's also known as "Emperor Shao" (少皇帝), referencing his brief reign.
25. ^ Emperor Zhaozong was briefly deposed in December 900 by eunuch Liu Jishu, but he regained the throne just a month later.[266]
26. ^ Moule 1957, p. 62 gives 1 June 907 as the date for the end of Emperor Ai's reign, but Kroll 2019, p. 1 gives 5 June. Other sources give 12 May.
27. ^ Emperor Gaozong was briefly deposed between March and April 1129. He was forced to abdicate in favor of his infant son Zhao Fu.[315]
28. ^ Born as Zhao Bocong (趙伯琮), later changed to Zhao Wei (趙瑋) in 1160.[317]
29. ^ For Taizu's alternate posthumous names, see Moule 1957, p. 94
30. ^ In 1008, Taizong was originally given the posthumous name Emperor Xiaowu (孝武). This was changed in 1052 to Emperor Xiaowu Huiwen (孝武惠文皇帝).[327]
31. ^ Some sources differ over the dates for Taizong's Datong era, see Moule 1957, p. 95
32. ^ In 952, Shizong was originally given the posthumous name Emperor Xiaohe (孝和) this was changed in 1008 to Emperor Xiaohe Zhuangxian (孝和莊憲皇帝).[327]
33. ^ In 983, Jingzong was originally given the posthumous name Emperor Xiaocheng (孝成) this was changed in 1052 to Emperor Xiaocheng Kangjing (孝成康靖皇帝).[327]
34. ^ See Cui & Wen 2007 for further information on the complexities surrounding the names of the Western Xia rulers
35. ^ a b The death of Jingzong is uncertain and contradictory in many records. He may have died in late 1047 or early 1048.[336]
36. ^ Moule 1957, p. 101 notes that there is uncertainty concerning Wanyan Yongji's death date
37. ^ Some uncertainty surrounds his birth and death dates, see Ch'i-Ch'ing 1994, p. 353
38. ^ Ukhaghatu Khan's posthumous name was given by the Ming court[356]
39. ^ In the Ming dynasty, a few days usually separate each emperor's reign. When a Ming emperor died there was a period of mourning, after which their successor was crowned as soon a "propitious" day was chosen. Emperors reigned in their predecessor's era name until a new era name was declared at the beginning of the next year. Thus, the Hongwu (洪武) era did not technically end with the Hongwu Emperor's death on 24 June 1398, but ended on 5 February 1399 when the subsequent Jianwen Emperor began a new era on 6 February 1399.[358]
40. ^ The temple name Huizong was given to the Jianwen Emperor long after his reign by Zhu Yousong, the Prince of Fu, in 1644.[360]
41. ^ The posthumous name Emperor Gongmin Hui was given to the Jianwen Emperor long after his reign by the Qianlong Emperor in 1736.[360]
42. ^ Following his death, the Yongle Emperor was given the temple name Taizong (太宗) by his successor the Hongxi Emperor, but this was changed on 3 October 1538 to Chengzu (成祖) by the Jiajing Emperor. The latter has been used since its bestowment[360]
43. ^ a b From 1 September 1449 to 20 September 1450, Emperor Yingzong was a captive of the Northern Yuan dynasty during the Tumu Crisis. He was restored to power on 11 February 1457.[365]
44. ^ In the Qing dynasty, a few days usually separate each emperor's reign. When a Qing emperor died there was a period of mourning, after which the successor was crowned as soon a "propitious" day was chosen. Emperors reigned in their predecessor's era name until a new era name was declared at the beginning of the next year. Thus, the Shunzhi (順治) era did not technically end with the Shunzhi Emperor's death on 5 February 1661, but ended on 17 February 1662 when the subsequent Kangxi Emperor began a new era on 18 February 1662.[378]
45. ^ There are popular, though unsubstantiated, rumors that the Yongzheng Emperor was killed by the daughter of Lü Liuliang, whom he had executed.[382]
46. ^ a b The Xuantong Emperor was only given posthumous and temple names in 2004 when the Qing family's descendants bestowed him with them.[378]

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274. ^ Xiong 2009, p. 311; Imperial China 2020, p. 356.
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276. ^ Xiong 2009, p. 195; Imperial China 2020, p. 357.
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278. ^ Xiong 2009, p. 76; Imperial China 2020, p. 357.
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284. ^ a b Xiong 2009, pp. 352–353; Imperial China 2020, p. 361.
285. ^ Xiong 2009, pp. 352–353; Imperial China 2020, pp. 361–362.
286. ^ a b c Xiong 2009, pp. 352–353; Imperial China 2020, p. 362.
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288. ^ Xiong 2009, pp. 400–401; Imperial China 2020, pp. 358–359.
289. ^ Xiong 2009, pp. 400–401; Imperial China 2020, p. 359.
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293. ^ Xiong 2009, p. 522; Imperial China 2020, p. 359.
294. ^ a b Xiong 2009, p. 532; Imperial China 2020, p. 359.
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296. ^ a b Xiong 2009, p. 322; Imperial China 2020, p. 360.
297. ^ Xiong 2009, p. 326; Imperial China 2020, p. 360.
298. ^ a b c d e Xiong 2009, pp. 170–172; Imperial China 2020, p. 361.
299. ^ a b Xiong 2009, pp. 358–359; Imperial China 2020, p. 362.
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301. ^ Xiong 2009, p. 299; Imperial China 2020, pp. 362–263.
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305. ^ a b Xiong 2009, p. 324; Imperial China 2020, p. 363.
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307. ^ Lau & Huang 2009, pp. 242–258; Paludan 1998, pp. 125–126; Moule 1957, p. 85.
308. ^ Lau & Huang 2009, pp. 258–278; Paludan 1998, p. 128; Moule 1957, p. 85.
309. ^ Paludan 1998, pp. 129–130; Moule 1957, p. 85.
310. ^ McGrath 2009, pp. 338–346; Paludan 1998, p. 130; Moule 1957, p. 86.
311. ^ Smith 2009, pp. 347ff; Paludan 1998, p. 130; Moule 1957, p. 86.
312. ^ Levine 2009a, p. 484, 553ff; Paludan 1998, pp. 130–132; Moule 1957, p. 86.
313. ^ Levine 2009b, p. 555ff, 633–643; Paludan 1998, pp. 132–136; Moule 1957, p. 87.
314. ^ Levine 2009b, p. 639–643; Paludan 1998, p. 136; Moule 1957, p. 87.
315. ^ a b Moule 1957, pp. 84–90; Tao 2009, pp. 650–652.
316. ^ Tao 2009, p. 644ff; Paludan 1998, pp. 136–138; Moule 1957, p. 88.
317. ^ Moule 1957, pp. 84–90.
318. ^ Gong 2009, p. 710ff; Paludan 1998, pp. 138–143; Moule 1957, p. 88.
319. ^ Davis 2009a, pp. 758–773; Paludan 1998, pp. 138–143; Moule 1957, p. 89.
320. ^ Levine 2009a, p. 773ff; Paludan 1998, p. 144; Moule 1957, p. 89.
321. ^ Davis 2009b, pp. 840, 872–875ff; Paludan 1998, pp. 144–145; Moule 1957, p. 89.
322. ^ Davis 2009c, pp. 913–929; Paludan 1998, pp. 144–145; Moule 1957, p. 89.
323. ^ Davis 2009c, pp. 929–946; Paludan 1998, pp. 146–147; Heirman, Meinert & Anderl 2018, p. 208; Moule 1957, p. 89.
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327. ^ a b c Moule 1957, p. 95.
328. ^ Twitchett & Tietze 1994, pp. 68–74; Imperial China 2020, p. 368; Moule 1957, p. 95.
329. ^ Twitchett & Tietze 1994, pp. 75–80; Imperial China 2020, pp. 368–369; Moule 1957, p. 95.
330. ^ Twitchett & Tietze 1994, pp. 81–83; Imperial China 2020, p. 369; Moule 1957, p. 95.
331. ^ Twitchett & Tietze 1994, pp. 84–86; Imperial China 2020, p. 369; Moule 1957, p. 95.
332. ^ Twitchett & Tietze 1994, pp. 87–113; Imperial China 2020, p. 370; Moule 1957, p. 95.
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341. ^ a b c d e Dunnell 1994, pp. 205–214; Imperial China 2020, p. 373; Moule 1957, p. 83.
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349. ^ Paludan 1998, p. 156; Ch'i-Ch'ing 1994, pp. 505–512; Moule 1957, p. 103.
350. ^ Paludan 1998, p. 156; Ch'i-Ch'ing 1994, pp. 513–526; Moule 1957, p. 103.
351. ^ Paludan 1998, p. 156; Ch'i-Ch'ing 1994, pp. 527–531; Moule 1957, p. 103.
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355. ^ Paludan 1998, p. 157; Moule 1957, p. 104.
356. ^ Dardess 1994, p. 561.
357. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976b, pp. 1290–1293; Paludan 1998, p. 157; Dardess 1994, pp. 566–583; Moule 1957, p. 104.
358. ^ Wilkinson 2018, pp. 885–886.
359. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 381–392; Paludan 1998; Langlois 1988, pp. 107–181; Moule 1957, p. 106; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
360. ^ a b c Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
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362. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 355–364; Paludan 1998, pp. 163–167; Chan 1988, pp. 205–275; Moule 1957, p. 107; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
363. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 338–340; Paludan 1998, pp. 167–169; Chan 1988, pp. 276–283; Moule 1957, p. 107; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
364. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 279–289; Paludan 1998, p. 169; Chan 1988, pp. 284–304; Moule 1957, p. 107; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
365. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, p. xxi.
366. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 289–294; Paludan 1998, pp. 170–171; Twitchett & Grimm 1988, pp. 305–324; Moule 1957, p. 107; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
367. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a; Paludan 1998, p. 171; Twitchett & Grimm 1988, pp. 325–338; Moule 1957, p. 108; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
368. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 289–294; Paludan 1998, pp. 171–172; Twitchett & Grimm 1988, pp. 339–342; Moule 1957, p. 107; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
369. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 298–304; Paludan 1998, pp. 173–174; Mote 1988, pp. 343–369; Moule 1957, p. 108; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
370. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 375–380; Paludan 1998, p. 174; Mote 1988, pp. 343–369; Moule 1957, p. 108; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
371. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 307–315; Paludan 1998, pp. 176–178; Geiss 1988a, pp. 403–439; Moule 1957, p. 108; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
372. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 315–322; Paludan 1998, pp. 178–180; Geiss 1988b, pp. 440–510; Moule 1957, p. 108; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
373. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 365–367; Paludan 1998, p. 180; Huang 1988, pp. 511–513; Moule 1957, p. 108; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
374. ^ Goodrich & Fang 1976a, pp. 324–338; Paludan 1998, pp. 180–183; Huang 1988, pp. 511–517; Moule 1957, p. 109; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
375. ^ Kennedy 1943a, pp. 176–177; Paludan 1998, p. 183; Atwell 1988, pp. 590–594; Moule 1957, p. 109; Wilkinson 2018, p. 885.
376. ^ Kennedy 1943b, p. 190; Paludan 1998, pp. 183, 187; Atwell 1988, pp. 595–610; Moule 1957, p. 109; Wilkinson 2018, p. 886.
377. ^ Kennedy 1943c, pp. 191–192; Paludan 1998, p. 187; Atwell 1988, pp. 611–636; Moule 1957, p. 109; Wilkinson 2018, p. 886.
378. ^ a b Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
379. ^ Fang 1943a, pp. 255–259; Paludan 1998, pp. 190–191; Dennerline 2002, pp. 73–119; Moule 1957, p. 111; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
380. ^ Fang 1943b, pp. 327–331; Paludan 1998, pp. 191–194; Spence 2002, pp. 120–182; Moule 1957, p. 111; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
381. ^ Fang 1943c, pp. 915–920; Paludan 1998, p. 195; Zelin 2002, pp. 183–229; Moule 1957, p. 111; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
382. ^ Fang 1943c, pp. 915–920.
383. ^ Fang 1943d, pp. 369–373; Paludan 1998, pp. 196–203; Woodside 2002, pp. 230–309; Moule 1957, p. 111; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
384. ^ Fang 1943e, pp. 965–969; Paludan 1998, pp. 204–205; Moule 1957, p. 111; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
385. ^ Fang 1943f, pp. 574–576; Paludan 1998, pp. 205–207; Moule 1957, p. 112; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
386. ^ Fang 1943g, pp. 378–380; Paludan 1998, pp. 208–209; Moule 1957, p. 112; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
387. ^ Wilkinson 2018, p. 567.
388. ^ Fang 1943h, pp. 729–731; Paludan 1998, pp. 210–213; Moule 1957, p. 112; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
389. ^ Fang 1943i, pp. 731–734; Paludan 1998, pp. 213–216; Moule 1957, p. 112; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.
390. ^ Fang 1943i, pp. 733–734; Paludan 1998, pp. 213, 216–217; Moule 1957, p. 112; Wilkinson 2018, p. 907.

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Late Imperial Era

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* Chan, Hok-lam (1988). "The Chien-wen, Yung-lo, Hung-hsi, and Hsüan-te reigns, 1399–1435". In Mote, Frederick W.; Twitchett, Denis (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24332-2.
* Twitchett, Denis; Grimm, Tilemann (1988). "The Cheng-t'ung, Ching-t'ai, and T'ien-shun reigns, 1436—1464". In Mote, Frederick W.; Twitchett, Denis (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24332-2.
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* Geiss, James (1988). "The Chia-ching reign, 1522–1566". In Mote, Frederick W.; Twitchett, Denis (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24332-2.
* Huang, Ray (1988). "The Lung-ch'ing and Wan-li reigns, 1567—1620". In Mote, Frederick W.; Twitchett, Denis (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24332-2.
* Atwell, William (1988). "The T'ai-ch'ang, T'ien-ch'i, and Ch'ung-chen reigns, 1620–1644". In Mote, Frederick W.; Twitchett, Denis (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 7: The Ming Dynasty, 1368–1644, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24332-2.
* Peterson, Willard J., ed. (2002). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 9: The Ch'ing Empire to 1800, Part One. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24334-6.
* Dennerline, Jerry (2002). "The Shun-chih Reign". In Peterson, Willard J. (ed.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 9: The Ch'ing Empire to 1800, Part One. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24334-6.
* Spence, Jonathan (2002). "The K'ang-hsi Reign". In Peterson, Willard J. (ed.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 9: The Ch'ing Empire to 1800, Part One. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24334-6.
* Zelin, Madeleine (2002). "The Yung-cheng Reign". In Peterson, Willard J. (ed.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 9: The Ch'ing Empire to 1800, Part One. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24334-6.
* Woodside, Alexander (2002). "The Ch'ien-lung Reign". In Peterson, Willard J. (ed.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 9: The Ch'ing Empire to 1800, Part One. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-24334-6.
* Schneider, Julia (2011). "The Jin Revisited: New Assessment of Jurchen Emperors". Journal of Song-Yuan Studies. 41 (41): 343–404\. doi:10.1353/sys.2011.0030. hdl:1854/LU-2045182. JSTOR 23496214. S2CID 162237648.
* Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov, eds. (2009). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* Lau, Nap-yin; Huang, K'uan-chung (2009). "Founding and Consolidation of the Sung Dynasty under T'ai-tsu (960–976), T'ai-tsung (976–997), and Chen-tsung (997–1022)". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* McGrath, Michael (2009). "The Reigns of Jen-tsung (1022–1063) and Ying-tsung (1063–1067)". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* Smith, Paul Jakov (2009). "Shen-tsung's Reign and the New Policies of Wang An-shih, 1067–1085". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* Levine, Ari Daniel (2009). "Che-tsung's Reign (1085–1100) and the Age of Faction". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* Levine, Ari Daniel (2009). "The Reigns of Hui-tsung (1100–1126) and Ch'in-tsung". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* Tao, Jing-Shen (2009). "The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-tsung (1127–1162)". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
* Gong, Wei Ai (2009). "The Reign of Hsiao-tsung (1162–1189)". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
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* Davis, Richard L. (2009). "The Reign of Tu-tsung (1264–1274) and His Successors to 1279". In Twitchett, Dennis; Smith, Paul Jakov (eds.). The Cambridge History of China, Volume 5: The Sung Dynasty and its Precursors, 907–1279, Part 1. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81248-1.
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General

* Adamek, Piotr (2017). "Chronological Index". Good Son is Sad If He Hears the Name of His Father: The Tabooing of Names in China as a Way of Implementing Social Values. Monumenta Serica Monograph Series. Vol. LXVI. London: Routledge. pp. 337–359\. ISBN 978-1-351-56521-9.
* Biran, Michal (2017). "Periods of Non-Han Rule". In Szonyi, Michael (ed.). A Companion to Chinese History. Hoboken: Wiley. ISBN 978-1-118-62460-9.
* Chen, Yuan (2014). "Legitimation Discourse and the Theory of the Five Elements in Imperial China". Journal of Song-Yuan Studies. 44: 325–364\. doi:10.1353/sys.2014.0000. JSTOR 44511246.
* Hymes, Robert (2000). Columbia Chronologies of Asian History and Culture. Columbia: Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-11004-4.
* Morton, W. Scott; Lewis, Charlton M. (2004). China: Its History and Culture. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-146526-7.
* Moule, Arthur C. (1957). The Rulers of China, 221 BC-AD 1949. London: Routledge. OCLC 223359908.
* Paludan, Ann (1998). Chronicle of the Chinese Emperors: The Reign-by-Reign Record of the Rulers of Imperial China. London: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-05090-3.
* San, Tan Koon (2014). Dynastic China: An Elementary History. New York: Other Press. ISBN 978-983-9541-88-5.
* Theobald, Ulrich (23 September 2011a). "Names of Persons and Titles of Rulers". Chinaknowledge.
* Wilkinson, Endymion (2018). Chinese History: A New Manual (5th ed.). Cambridge: Harvard University Asia Center. ISBN 978-0-9988883-0-9.
* Wright, David Curtis (2001). The History of China. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-313-30940-3.
* Xiong, Victor Cunrui; Hammond, Kenneth J. (2019). Routledge Handbook of Imperial Chinese History. London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-367-58051-3.
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* Wechsler, Howard J. (1985). Offerings of Jade and Silk: Ritual and Symbol in the Legitimation of the T'ang Dynasty. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-03191-1.
* Wright, Arthur F.; Fagan, Edward (1951). "Era names and Zeitgeist". Asiatische Studien. 5: 131–121\. doi:10.5169/seals-145321.
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## Further reading

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* Du Jianmin (1995). Zhongguo lidai diwang shixi nianbiao 中国历代帝王世系年表 [Genealogical Tables of Chinese Emperors and Kings in Successive Dynasties] (in Chinese). Jinan: Qi-Lu. ISBN 978-7-5333-0422-5. OCLC 646288082.
* Khmaladze, Estate V.; Brownrigg, Ray; Haywood, John (December 2010). "Memoryless Reigns of the "Sons of Heaven"". International Statistical Review. 78 (3): 348–362\. doi:10.1111/j.1751-5823.2010.00119.x. JSTOR 27919858. S2CID 118023202.
* Yu Baolin (于宝林) (2010). Zhonghua lishi jinian zongbiao 中华历史纪年总表 [General Chronological Table of Chinese History] (in Chinese). Beijing: She hui ke xue wen xian chu ban she. ISBN 978-7-5097-1088-3. OCLC 500980080.

## External links

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Emperors of China.

* Rulers of China List at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
* Table of Chinese Imperial Reigns at David K. Jordan's website
* Guide to Names and Titles of Rulers at Chinaknowledge

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