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The Chinese monarchs were the rulers of China during its (Ancient) and (Imperial) periods. 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. 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.
At no point during Ancient or Imperial China was there a formalized means to confer legitimate succession between rulers. From the Zhou dynasty onwards, monarchs justified their reigns by claiming the Mandate of Heaven (天命; Tianming). The mandate held that a ruler and their successors had permission from the heavens to rule as long as they did so effectively. It also declared a ruler the Son of Heaven (天子; Tianzi), giving them the right to rule "all under heaven" (天下; Tianxia). Given the Mandate's subjective nature, rulers also utilized a variety of methods to retain support and justify their accession. This ranged from military enforcement, political patronage, establishing peace and solidity, institutional reform, and historical revisionism to legitimize the dissolution previous dynasties and their own succession. For most of Imperial China, the wuxing (五行; "Five Elements") philosophical scheme was also central to justify dynastic succession.
Most Chinese monarchs had many names. They were given a personal name (名字; Mingzi) at birth, but later referred to by a posthumous name (謚號; Shihao)—which memorialized their accomplishments or character—due to a cultural naming taboo. Most emperors of the Imperial period also received a temple name (廟號; Miaohao), used to venerate them in ancestor worship. From the rule of Emperor Wu of Han (r. 141–87 BCE) onwards, emperors also adopted one or several era names (年號; Nianhao), or "reign mottos", to divide their rule by important events or accomplishments.Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) rulers are referred to solely by their era names, of which they only had one.
Apart from ethnic Han rulers, China was also ruled by various non-Han monarchs, including Jurchen, Khitan, Manchu, Mongol and Tangut and many others. To justify their reign, non-Han rulers sometimes aligned themselves with the Confucian sages or the Chakravarti of Chinese Buddhism. There are numerous lengthy periods where many competing kingdoms claimed the throne, many of whose legitimacy is still debated by scholars.
Ancient China
Mythological rulers
In traditional Chinese historiography, various models of mythological founding rulers exist. 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. 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." 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. Other gods include Nüwa, who repaired heaven; Hou Yi, a mythical archer; and Gonggong, a serpent-like water deity.
Demigod and hero rulers from hero myths—the largest group Chinese myths—are attributed the invention of specific items, practices or traditions. Among the more important of them are Fuxi, the inventor of hunting; Suiren, who invented fire; and Shennong, who invented both agriculture and medicine. 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. Succeeding rulers include some combination of Shaohao, Zhuanxu, Emperor Ku, Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. Since the late Warring States onwards, early Chinese monarchs have traditionally been ground into the concept of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; however, the chosen figures of this grouping varies considerably between sources. 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.
Xia dynasty
The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period was followed by the Xia dynasty in traditional historiography. Founded by Yu the Great, both the dynasty and its rulers are of highly uncertain and controversial historicity.
(#) – Uncertain legitimacy
| Name | Speculative reign length | Traditional succession | Capital | Purported life details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZTW | Trad | ||||
| Yu 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 |
| Qi 啟 | 10 | 8 | Son of Yu | Xiayi | Prevented a rebellion led by his son Wuguan |
| (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 |
| (Zhong) Kang (#) （仲）康 | 13 | 13 | Son of Qi | Zhenxun | May not have ruled as his existence is sometimes absent from Xia king lists |
| Xiang 相 | 28 | 28 | Son of (Zhong) Kang | Shang, then Zhenxun | Killed by a son of Han Zhuo |
| 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 |
| Zhu 杼 | 17 | 16 | Son of (Shao) Kang | Yuan, then Laoqiu | Little is known of his reign |
| Huai 槐 | 26 | 25 | Son of Zhu | – | Little is known of his reign; may have ruled up to 40 years |
| Mang 芒 | 18 | 17 | Son of Huai | – | Little is known of his reign |
| Xie 泄 | 16 | 15 | Son of Mang | – | Little is known of his reign |
| (Bu) Jiang （不）降 | 59 | 58 | Son of Xie | – | Little is known of his reign; campaigned against the northwestern peoples |
| Jiong 扃 | 21 | 20 | Son of Xie | – | Little is known of his reign |
| Jin 廑 | 21 | 20 | Son of Jiong | Xihe | Little is known of his reign |
| Kong Jia 孔甲 | 31 | 30 | Son of (Bu) Jiang | Xihe | His reign inaugurated the Xia's gradual decline |
| Gao 皋 | 11 | 10 | Son of Kong Jia | – | Little is known of his reign |
| Fa 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. |
| 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 |
Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)
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.
(#) – Uncertain legitimacy
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Tentative reign (BCE) | Traditional succession | Residence | Purported life details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XSZ Project | CHAC | |||||||
Early Shang | ||||||||
| Tang 汤 Da Yi 大乙 | Zi Lü 子履 | fl. c. 1600 | fl. c. 1570 | 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 | ||
| Da Ding (#) 大丁 Tai Ding (#) 太丁 | unknown | – | – | Son of Tang | – | Uncertain whether he was ever enthroned; may have died before succeeding his father | ||
| Wai Bing 外丙 | Zi Sheng 子勝 | — | — | Son of Tang | Bo | — | ||
| Zhong Ren (#) 中壬 | Zi Yong 子庸 | — | — | Son of Tang | Bo | Not listed in the oracle bones inscriptions | ||
| Tai Jia 太甲 | Zi Zhi 子至 | — | — | Son of Da Ding | Bo | Traditionally considered an autocratic and cruel ruler | ||
| Wo Ding (#) 沃丁 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. | ||
| Tai Geng 太庚 Da Geng 大庚 | Zi Bian 子辯 | — | — | Son of Tai Jia | Bo | – | ||
| Xiao Jia 小甲 | Zi Gao 子高 | — | — | Son of Tai Geng | Bo | – | ||
| Yong Ji 雍己 | Zi Zhou 子伷 | — | — | Son of Tai Geng | Bo | May have reigned after Tai Wu | ||
| Tai Wu 太戊 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 | ||
| Zhong Ding 仲丁 | Zi Zhung 子莊 | — | — | Son of Tai Wu | Ao | May have succeeded Yong Ji | ||
| Wai Ren 外壬 | Zi Fā 子發 | — | — | Son of Tai Wu | Ao | – | ||
| 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 | ||
| Zu Yi 祖己 | Zi Teng 子滕 | — | — | Son of Zhong Ding | Geng | The dynasty flourished particularly during his reign | ||
| Zu Xin 祖辛 | Zi Dan 子旦 | — | — | Son of Zu Yi | Bi | – | ||
| Wo Jia 沃甲 Qiang Jia 羌甲 | Zi Yu 子踰 | — | — | Son of Zu Yi | Bi | – | ||
| Zu Ding 祖丁 | Zi Xin 子新 | — | — | Son of Zu Xin | Bi | – | ||
| Nan Geng 南庚 | Zi Geng 子更 | — | — | Son of Wo Jia | Bi, then Yan | Moved the capital from Bi (庇) to Yan (奄) | ||
| Yang Jia 陽甲 | Zi He 子和 | — | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yan | His reign marked the decline of the Shang | ||
| 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) Led a prosperous reign | ||
| Xiao Xin 小辛 | Zi Song 子颂 | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yin | His reign saw the continuation of the Shang's decline | |||
| Xiao Yi 小乙 | Zi Lian 子敛 | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yin | – | |||
Late Shang | ||||||||
| 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. The first ruler whose name is included in oracle bones which date to his reign. | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 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. | |||
| Geng Ding 庚丁 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 | |||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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, or married his sister to Ji, King of Zhou | ||
| 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 | ||
Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE)
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Tentative reign (BCE) | Traditional succession | Purported life details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XSZ Project | CHAC | |||||
Western Zhou | ||||||
| Wu 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Mu 穆 | Ji Man 姬滿 | 976–922 (53–54 years) | 956–918 (39–40 years) | Son of Zhao | Engaged in many destabilizing territory conflicts | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| Yí 夷 | Ji Xie 姬燮 | 885–878 (6–7 years) | 865–858 (6–7 years) | Son of Yih | Continued decline of the Zhou | |
| Li 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 | |
| Gonghe Regency (共和; 841–828) | ||||||
| Xuan 宣 | Ji Jing 姬靜 | 827–782 | Son of Li | Had military successes, aiming to restore Zhou authority | ||
| 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 | |
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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Zhuang 莊 | Ji Tuo 姬佗 | 696–682 (13–14 years) | Son of Huan | Royal court's authority began declining | ||
| Xi 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 | ||
| Hui 惠 | Ji Lang 姬閬 | 676–652 (23–24 years) | Son of Xi | Slowed the Chu state's rise | ||
| Xiang 襄 | Ji Zheng 姬鄭 | 651–619 (31–32 years) | Son of Hui | Briefly deposed by his brother, but reinstated by Duke Wen | ||
| Qing 頃 | Ji Renchen 姬壬臣 | 618–613 (4–5 years) | Son of Xiang | Briefly reigned | ||
| Kuang 匡 | Ji Ban 姬班 | 612–607 (4–5 years) | Son of Qing | Increasing fighting between surrounding kingdoms | ||
| Ding 定 | Ji Yu 姬瑜 | 606–586 (19–20 years) | Son of Qing | Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms | ||
| Jian 簡 | Ji Yi 姬夷 | 585–572 (12–13 years) | Son of Ding | Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms | ||
| Ling 靈 | Ji Xiexin 姬泄心 | 571–545 (25–26 years) | Son of Jian | Weakened relations with surrounding kingdoms | ||
| Jing 景 | Ji Gui 姬貴 | 544–521 (22–23 years) | Son of Ling | Died without an heir, causing a power struggle and rebellion | ||
| Dao 悼 | Ji Meng 姬猛 | 520 (less than a year) | Son of Jing (544–521) | Briefly ruled before being murdered by his brother | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | ||
| Zhending 貞定 | Ji Jie 姬介 | 468–442 (25–26 years) | Son of Yuan | Continued decline of Zhou | ||
| Ai 哀 | Ji Quji 姬去疾 | 441 (less than a year) | Son of Zhending | Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Si | ||
| Si 思 | Ji Shu 姬叔 | 441 (less than a year) | Son of Zhending | Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Kao | ||
| Kao 考 | Ji Wei 姬嵬 | 440–426 (13–14 years) | Son of Zhending | – | ||
| Weilie 威烈 | Ji Wu 姬午 | 425–402 (22–23 years) | Son of Kao | – | ||
| An 安 | Ji Jiao 姬驕 | 401–376 (24–25 years) | Son of Weilie | Wei increased in power | ||
| Lie 烈 | Ji Xi 姬喜 | 375–369 (5–6 years) | Son of An | – | ||
| Xian 顯 | Ji Bian 姬扁 | 368–321 (46–47 years) | Son of An | Qin began to rise in power | ||
| Shenjing 慎靚 | Ji Ding 姬定 | 320–315 (5–6 years) | Son of Xian | Qin's power grew significantly during his reign | ||
| 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 | ||
Early imperial China
Qin dynasty (221–207 BCE)
| Dynastic name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qin Shi Huang 秦始皇 | Ying Zheng 嬴政 Zhao Zheng 趙政 | 221 – July 210 BCE (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). | 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, possibly alchemical elixir poisoning |
| Qin Er Shi 秦二世 | Ying Huhai 嬴胡亥 | 210 – 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. | 231/222 – October 207 BCE (23–24/14–15 years) His reign was completely dominated by Zhao Gao. Forced by Zhao to commit suicide |
| 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 | ||||
Han and Xin dynasties (202 BCE – 220 CE)
(#) – contested legitimacy
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Han (202 BCE – 9 CE) | ||||
| Gaozu 高祖 Gao 高帝 | Liu Bang 劉邦 | 28 February 202– 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 |
| 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 |
| Qianshao (#) 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 | ? – 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 |
| Houshao (#) 後少帝 | Liu Yi 劉盈 Liu Hong 劉弘 | 15 June 184 – 15 August 180 BCE (4 years and 2 months) | Purportedly a son of Hui | ? – 14 November 180 An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Put to death by the House of Lü |
| Wen 文帝 | Liu Heng 劉恆 | 14 November 180 – 6 July 157 BCE (22 years, 5 months and 23 days) Era(s)
| Son of Gao | 203/202 – 6 July 157 BCE (aged 46) Died of natural causes |
| Jing 景帝 | Liu Qi 劉啟 | 14 July 157 – 10 March 141 BCE (15 years, 7 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| Son of Wen | 188 – 10 March 141 BCE (aged 47) Died of natural causes |
| Wu 武帝 | Liu Che 劉徹 | 10 March 141 – 29 March 87 BCE (54 years and 19 days) Era(s)
| Son of Jing | 157/156 – 29 March 87 BCE (aged 69) Among the longest reigning and highly regarded Chinese emperors. Expanded the Han dynasty considerably. Died from an unknown illness |
| Zhao 昭帝 | Liu Fuling 劉弗陵 | 30 March 87 – 5 June 74 BCE (13 years, 2 months and 6 days) Era(s)
| Son of Wu | 94 – 5 June 74 BCE (aged 20) Died from natural causes |
| 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 |
| 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)
| Great-grandson Wu | 91 – 10 January 48 BCE (aged 43) His reign is sometimes considered a cultural and political 'renaissance'. Died from natural causes |
| Yuan 元帝 | Liu Shi 劉奭 | 29 January 48 – 3 July 33 BCE (15 years, 5 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| Son of Xuan | 75 – 8 July 33 BCE (aged 42) Died from an unknown illness |
| Cheng 成帝 | Liu Ao 劉驁 | 4 August 33 – 17 April 7 BCE (25 years, 8 months and 13 days) Era(s)
| Son of Yuan | 51 – 17 April 7 BCE (aged 44) Died from a stroke or possibly complications from an aphrodisiac overdose |
| Ai 哀帝 | Liu Xin 劉欣 | 7 May 7 – 15 August 1 BCE (6 years, 3 months and 8 days) Era(s)
| Grandson of Yuan | 27 – 15 August 1 BCE (aged 26) Died from an unknown illness |
| Ping 平帝 | Liu Kan 劉衎 | 17 October 1 BCE – 3 February 6 CE (6 years, 3 months and 17 days) Era(s)
| 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. |
| 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)
| 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 |
Xin dynasty (9–23 CE) | ||||
| — | Wang Mang 王莽 | 10 January 9 – 6 October 23 CE (14 years, 8 months and 26 days) Era(s)
| 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. |
Gengshi Emperor (23–25 CE) | ||||
| 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)
| Descendant of Jing | ? – November 25 CE Strangled on the orders of , a leader of the Red Eyebrows. Sometimes considered a pretender and illegitimate |
Eastern Han (25–220 CE) | ||||
| Guangwu 光武帝 | Liu Xiu 劉秀 | 5 August 25 – 29 March 57 CE (31 years, 7 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| Descendant of Jing | 15 January 5 BCE – 29 March 57 CE (aged 62) Died of natural causes |
| Ming 明帝 | Liu Yang 劉陽 Liu Zhuang 劉莊 | 29 March 58 – 5 September 75 CE (17 years, 5 months and 7 days) Era(s)
| Son of Guangwu | 28 – 5 September 75 CE (aged 48) Died of natural causes |
| Zhang 章帝 | Liu Da 劉炟 | 5 September 75 – 9 April 88 CE (12 years, 7 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| Son of Ming | 56 – 9 April 88 CE (aged 32) His reign marked the beginning of the Han's decline. Died of natural causes |
| He 和帝 | Liu Zhao 劉肇 | 9 April 88 – 13 February 106 CE (17 years, 10 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| Son of Zhang | 79 – 13 February 106 (aged 27) Died of natural causes |
| Shang 殤帝 | Liu Long 劉隆 | 13 February – 21 September 106 CE (7 months and 8 days) Era(s)
| Son of He | 105 – 21 September 106 (aged 4) Died of natural causes |
| An 安帝 | Liu Hu 劉祜 Liu You 劉友 | 23 September 106 – 30 April 125 CE (18 years, 7 months and 7 days) Era(s)
| Grandson of Zhang | 94 – 30 April 125 (aged 32) Died of natural causes |
| None, known as Marquess of Beixiang (#) 北鄉侯 | Liu Yi 劉懿 | 18 May – 10 December 125 CE (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 |
| Shun 順帝 | Liu Bao 劉保 | 16 December 125 – 20 September 144 (18 years, 9 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| Son of An | 115 – 20 September 144 CE (aged 29) Died of natural causes |
| Chong 沖帝 | Liu Bing 劉炳 | 20 September 144 – 15 February 145 (4 months and 26 days) Era(s)
| Son of Shun | 143 – 15 February 145 CE (aged 2) Died of natural causes |
| Zhi 質帝 | Liu Zuan 劉纘 | 6 March 145 – 26 July 146 (1 year, 4 months and 20 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Huan 桓帝 | Liu Zhi 劉志 | 1 August 146 – 25 January 168 (21 years, 5 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| Great-grandson of Zhang | 132 – 25 January 168 CE (aged 36) Died of natural causes |
| Ling 靈帝 | Liu Hong 劉宏 | 17 February 168 – 13 May 189 (21 years and 24 days) Era(s)
| Great-great-grandson of Zhang | 156 – 13 May 189 CE (aged 32–33) Died of an unknown illness |
| Prince of Hongnong (#) 弘農王 | Liu Bian 劉辯 | 15 May – 28 September 189 CE (6 months and 13 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Xian 獻帝 | Liu Xie 劉協 | 28 September 189 – 11 December 220 (31 years, 2 months and 23 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| 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. | ||||
Six Dynasties
Three Kingdoms (220–280)
Cao Wei (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)
| The eldest 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 |
| Cao Rui 曹叡 | Emperor Ming 明帝 | 29 June 226 – 22 January 239 (12 years, 6 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| Son of Cao Pi and grandson of Cao Cao | c. 206 – 22 January 239 (aged 34–35) Died of natural causes |
| Cao Fang 曹芳 | Emperor Shao 少帝 Emperor Fei 廢帝 | 22 January 239 – 16 October 254 (15 years, 8 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
| Cao Huan 曹奐 | Emperor Yuan 元皇帝 | 27 July 260 – 4 February 266 (5 years, 6 months and 8 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
Shu Han (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)
| 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 |
| Liu Shan 劉禪 | Emperor Xiaohuai 孝懷皇帝 | June 223 – December 263 (40 years and 6 months) Era(s)
| The son of Liu Bei | 207–271 (aged 63–64) Abdicated after the fall on the Shu capital of Chengdu in 263. |
Eastern Wu (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)
| 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 |
| Sun Liang 孫亮 | Emperor Fei 吳廢帝 | May 252 – 9 November 258 (6 years, 6 months and 8 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Sun Xiu 孫休 | Emperor Jing 景皇帝 | 30 November 258 – 3 September 264 (5 years, 11 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| Son of Sun Quan | 235–264 (aged 28–29) Died of natural causes |
| Sun Hao 孫皓 | Emperor Mo 末帝 | 3 September 264 – 1 May 280 (15 years, 5 months and 28 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
Jin dynasty (266–420)
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Jin (266–316) | ||||
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
| — | Sima Lun 司馬倫 | 3 February – 30 May 301 (3 months and 27 days) Era(s)
| Prince of Zhou 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
Eastern Jin (318–420) | ||||
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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)
| Son of Emperor Yuan | 299 – 325 (aged 26) His reign was dominated by Wang Dao and antagonized by Wang Dun. Died of natural causes |
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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)
| Son of Emperor Ming | 322 – 344 (aged 22) Died of natural causes |
| 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)
| Son of Emperor Kang, "ruled" under the regency of Empress Dowager Chu until 357 | 343 – 361 (aged 18) The youngest Chinese emperor. Died of natural causes |
| 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)
| Son of Emperor Cheng, reigned alongside Empress Dowager Chu | 341 – 365 (aged 24) Died of drug poisoning |
| none, known as: Emperor Fei 晉廢帝 | Sima Yi 司馬奕 | 31 March 365 – 6 January 372 (6 years, 9 months and 6 days) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Cheng | 342 – 386 (aged 44) Deposed by Huan Wen, later dying of natural causes |
| Emperor Jianwen 晉簡文帝 | Sima Yu 司馬昱 | 6 January – 19 August 372 (7 months and 13 days) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Yuan and great-great-grandson of Sima Yi, enthroned by Huan Wen | 320 – 372 (aged 52) Died of natural causes |
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
| 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)
| Son of Emperor Xiaowu | 386 – 12 November 421 (aged 35) Abdicated in favor of Liu Yu (Emperor Wu of Song), later assassinated |
Sixteen Kingdoms (304–439)
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li Xiong 李雄 | Emperor Wu 武皇帝 | 304–334 (29–30 years) Era(s)
| Son of rebel Li Te, proclaimed himself King in 304 and then Emperor in 306 | 274–334 (aged 59–60) Died of disease |
| 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 |
| Li Qi 李期 | Duke You 幽公 | 334–338 (3–4 years) Era(s)
| Son of Li Xiong | 314–338 (aged 23–24) Committed suicide |
| Li Shou 李壽 | Emperor Xiaowen 昭文皇帝 | 338–343 (4–5 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Li Shi 李勢 | Marquess of Guiyi 歸義侯 | 343–347 (3–4 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
| Liu He 劉和 | – | 310 (less than a year) | Son of Liu Yuan | Killed by his brother Liu Cong |
| Liu Cong 劉聰 | Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝 | 310–318 (7–8 years) Era(s)
| Son of Liu Yuan | Died of natural causes in 318 |
| 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 |
| Liu Yao 劉曜 | – | 318–329 (10–11 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shi Le 石勒 | Emperor Ming 明皇帝 | 319–333 (13–14 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Shi Hong 石弘 | – | 333–334 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Shi Le | 313–334 (aged 20–21) Deposed and killed by Shi Hu |
| Shi Hu 石虎 | Emperor Wu 武皇帝 | 334–349 (14–15 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Shi Shi 石世 | – | 349 (less than a year) | Son of Shi Hu | 339–349 (aged 9–10) Murdered |
| Shi Zun 石遵 | – | 349 (less than a year) | Son of Shi Hu | Killed by Ran Min |
| Shi Jian 石鑒 | – | 349–350 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Shi Hu, enthroned by Ran Min | Killed by Ran Min |
| Shi Zhi 石祇 | – | 350–351 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Shi Hu | Gave up the imperial title in 351, later killed by a subordinate officer |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Zhang Zuo 張祚 | King Wei 威王 | 354–355 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Zhang Jun | Discontinued the use of Western Jin era names before being killed in 355 |
| Zhang Xuanjing 張玄靚 | Duke Chong 沖公 | 355–363 (7–8 years) Era(s)
| Son of Zhang Chonghua | 350–363 (aged 12–13) Killed by Zhang Tianxi |
| Zhang Tianxi 張天錫 | Duke Dao 沖公 | 363–376 (12–13 years) Era(s)
| Son of Zhang Jun | 346–406 (aged 59–60) Surrendered to the Former Qin, later dying of natural causes in Eastern Jin |
| 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 |
| Murong Jun 慕容儁 | Emperor Jingzhao 景昭皇帝 | 348–360 (11–12 years) Era(s)
| Son of Murong Huang, proclaimed himself Emperor in 352 | 319–360 (aged 38–39) Died of natural causes |
| Murong Wei 慕容暐 | Emperor You 幽皇帝 | 360–370 (9–10 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| 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)
| 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 |
| Fu Sheng 苻生 | Prince Li 厲王 | 355–357 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Fu Jiàn | 335–357 (aged 22) Killed by his cousin |
| Fu Jiān 苻堅 | Emperor Xuanzhao 宣昭皇帝 | 357–385 (27–28 years) Era(s)
| Grandson of Fu Hong, ruled as Heavenly King | 338–385 (aged 47) Conquered Former Yan, Former Liang, and Dai. Killed by Yao Chang. |
| Fu Pi 苻丕 | Emperor Aiping 哀平皇帝 | 385–386 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Fu Jiān | Defeated by Murong Yong of Western Yan, later killed by the Eastern Jin army |
| Fu Deng 苻登 | Emperor Gao 高皇帝 | 386–394 (7–8 years) Era(s)
| Grandnephew of Fu Jiān | 343–394 (aged 51) Killed by Yao Xing of Later Qin |
| Fu Chong 苻崇 | – | 394 (less than a year) Era(s)
| Son of Fu Deng | Killed by Qifu Qiangui of Western Qin |
| 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)
| 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 |
| Murong Bao 慕容寶 | Emperor Huimin 惠愍皇帝 | 396–398 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Murong Chui | 355–398 (aged 43) Killed by the usurper Lan Han |
| Murong Sheng 慕容盛 | Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝 | 398–401 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Son of Murong Bao, came to power after killing Lan Han | 373–401 (aged 28) Killed by general Duan Ji |
| Murong Xi 慕容熙 | Emperor Zhaowen 昭文皇帝 | 401–407 (5–6 years) Era(s)
| Son of Murong Chui | 385–407 (aged 22) Killed by Feng Ba |
| 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)
| Proclaimed King after the Battle of Fei River, then Emmperor after killing Fu Jiān of Former Qin | 343–394 (aged 51) Died of natural causes |
| Yao Xing 姚興 | Emperor Wenhuan 文桓皇帝 | 394–416 (21–22 years) Era(s)
| Son of Yao Chang | 366–416 (aged 50) Conquered Former Qin and Later Liang. Favored Buddhism and Taoism. |
| Yao Hong 姚泓 | – | 416–417 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Yao Xing | 388–417 (aged 29) Executed by the Eastern Jin |
| 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)
| Former general of Former Qin | Died of natural causes |
| Qifu Gangui 乞伏乾歸 | Prince Wuyuan 武元王 | 388–412 (23–24 years) Era(s)
| Younger brother of Qifu Guoren | Surrendered to Later Qin in 400, reclaimed the throne in 409. Killed by his nephew |
| Qifu Chipan 乞伏熾磐 | Prince Wenzhao 文昭王 | 412–428 (15–16 years) Era(s)
| Son of Qifu Gangui | Conquered Southern Liang in 414 |
| Qifu Mumo 乞伏暮末 | – | 428–431 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Son of Qifu Chipan | Killed by the Xia |
| 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)
| 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 |
| Lü Shao 呂紹 | Prince Yin 隱王 | 399 (less than a year) | Son of Lü Guang | Was forced to commit suicide by his brother |
| Lü Zuan 呂纂 | Emperor Ling 靈皇帝 | 399–401 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Lü Guang | Killed by Lü Chao, Guang's nephew |
| Lü Long 呂隆 | – | 401–403 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Nephew of Lü Guang | Killed by Yao Hong of Later Qin |
| 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)
| Proclaimed himself Great Chanyu | Died of natural causes |
| Tufa Lilugu 禿髮利鹿孤 | Prince Kang 康王 | 399–402 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Elder brother of Tufa Wugu | Died of natural causes |
| Tufa Rutan 禿髮傉檀 | Prince Jing 景王 | 402–414 (11–12 years) Era(s)
| Elder brother Tufa Lilugu | 364–415 (aged 51) Captured and killed by Western Qin |
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duan Ye 段業 | – | 397–401 (3–4 years) Era(s)
| Governor of Later Liang, proclaimed himself Prince of Liang in 397 | Killed by Juqu Mengxun |
| Juqu Mengxun 沮渠蒙遜 | – | 401–433 (31–32 years) Era(s)
| Former ally of Duan Ye, proclaimed himself Duke of Zhangye | Conquered Western Liang in 421 |
| Juqu Mujian 沮渠牧犍 | Prince Ai 哀王 | 433–439 (5–6 years) Era(s)
| Son of Juqu Mengxun | Defeated by Northern Wei, later forced to commit suicide in 449 for sedition |
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murong De 慕容德 | Emperor Xianwu 武昭皇帝 | 398–405 (6–7 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Murong Chao 慕容超 | – | 405–410 (4–5 years) Era(s)
| Uncertain succession | 385–410 (aged 25) Captured and killed by Eastern Jin |
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li Gao 李暠 | Prince Wuzhao 武昭王 | 400–417 (16–17 years) Era(s)
| Governor of Dunhuang under Duan Ye of Northern Liang, declared himself Duke | 351–417 (aged 66) Died of natural causes |
| Li Xin 李歆 | – | 417–420 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Son of Li Gao | Killed by Juqu Mengxun of Northern Liang |
| Li Xun 李恂 | – | 420–421 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Li Gao | Committed suicide after the fall of Dunhuang |
| 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)
| 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 |
| Helian Chang 赫連昌 | – | 425–428 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Son of Helian Bobo | Executed by Northern Wei in 434 |
| Helian Ding 赫連定 | – | 428–431 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Son of Helian Bobo | Executed by Tuyuhun in 432 |
| 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)
| Adopted son of Murong Bao or Later Yan, proclaimed Heavenly King by Feng Ba | Killed by his underlings |
| Feng Ba 馮跋 | Emperor Wencheng 文成皇帝 | 409–430 (20–21 years) Era(s)
| Seized power after Yun's death | Died of natural causes |
| Feng Hong 馮弘 | Emperor Zhaocheng 昭成皇帝 | 430–436 (5–6 years) Era(s)
| Younger brother of Feng Ba | Defeated by Northern Wei, later murdered in Goguryeo |
Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589)
Northern Dynasties (420–581)
| 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)
| Leader of the Tuoba, refounded the Dai State as Wei | 371–409 (aged 39) Killed by his son Tuoba Shao |
| Emperor Mingyuan 明元皇帝 | Tuoba Si 拓拔嗣 | 409–423 Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Daowu | 392–423 (aged 31) Died of disease |
| Emperor Taiwu 太武皇帝 | Tuoba Tao 拓拔燾 | 423–452 Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Mingyuan | 408–452 (aged 43–44) Conquered Xia, Northern Yan and Liang. Killed by eunuch Zong Ai |
| Tuoba Yu 拓拔余 | Tuoba Yu 拓拔余 | 452 Era(s)
| Son of Taiwu. Put on the throne by eunuch Zong Ai | Killed by Zong Ai |
| Emperor Wencheng 文成皇帝 | Tuoba Jun 拓拔濬 | 452–465 Era(s)
| Grandson of Taiwu. Ascended to the throne after the murder of Zong. | 440–465 (aged 24–25) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Xianwen 獻文皇帝 | Tuoba Hong 拓拔弘 | 465–471 Era(s)
| Son of Wencheng | 454–476 (aged 21–22) Abdicated in favor of his son Yuan Hong, later dying of natural causes |
| Emperor Xiaowen 孝文皇帝 | Tuoba Hong 拓拔宏 Yuan Hong 元宏 | 471–499 Era(s)
| 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 |
| Emperor Xuanwu 宣武皇帝 | Yuan Ke 元恪 | 499–515 Era(s)
| Son of Xiaowen | 483–515 (aged 31–32) His reign marked the decline of Wei |
| Emperor Xiaoming 孝明皇帝 | Yuan Xu 元詡 | 515–528 Era(s)
| Son of Xuanwu | 510–528 (aged 17–18) Killed in a power struggle against Empress Dowager Hu |
| 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 |
| Emperor Xiaozhuang 孝莊皇帝 | Yuan Ziyou 元子攸 | 528–530 Era(s)
| Enthroned by Erzhu Rong | 507–early 531 (aged 24) Killed by general Erzhu Zhao |
| Yuan Ye 元曄 | Yuan Ye 元曄 | 530–531 Era(s)
| Enthroned by the Erzhu Clan in opposition to Xiaozhuang | Executed in 532 |
| Emperor Jiemin 節閔皇帝 | Yuan Gong 元恭 | 531–532 Era(s)
| Enthroned by Erzhu Shilong | 498–532 (aged 33–34) Deposed and executed by Gao Huan |
| Yuan Lang 元朗 | Yuan Lang 元朗 | 531–532 Era(s)
| Enthroned by Gao Huan | 513–532 (aged 19–18) Deposed and executed by Gao Huan |
| Emperor Xiaowu 節閔皇帝 | Yuan Xiu 元脩 | 532–535 Era(s)
| Enthroned by Gao Huan | 510–early 535 (aged 25) Fled to Chang’an, where he was poisoned by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Xiaojing 孝靜皇帝 | Yuan Shanjian 元善見 | 534–550 Era(s)
| Enthroned by Gao Huan | 524–552 (aged 27–28) Forced to abdicate and later poisoned by Gao Yang |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Wenxuan 文宣皇帝 | Gao Yang 高洋 | 550–559 Era(s)
| 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 |
| Emperor Fei 孝靜皇帝 | Gao Yin 高殷 | 559–560 Era(s)
| 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 |
| Emperor Xiaozhao 孝昭皇帝 | Gao Yan 高演 | 560–561 Era(s)
| Son of Gao Huan, seized power through a palace coup | 535–559 (aged 25–26) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Wucheng 武成皇帝 | Gao Zhan 高湛 | 561–565 Era(s)
| Brother of Xiaozhao | 537–569 (aged 31–32) Abdicated in favor of his son, later dying of natural causes |
| Gao Wei 高緯 | Gao Wei 高緯 | 565–577 Era(s)
| 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 |
| Gao Heng 高恆 | Gao Heng 高恆 | 577 Era(s)
| Son of Gao Wei | 557–577 (aged 19–20) Abdicated in favor of his uncle Gao Jie, but was soon killed alongside him |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Wen 文皇帝 | Yuan Baoyu 元寶炬 | 535–551 Era(s)
| Grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei | 507–551 (aged 43–44) Killed by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou |
| Emperor Fei 廢帝 | Yuan Qin 元欽 | 551–554 | Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai | Poisoned to death by Yuwen Tai |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Emperor Ming 明皇帝 | Yuwen Yu 宇文毓 | 557–560 Era(s)
| Son of Yuwen Tai, ruled alongside Yuwen Hu | 534–560 (aged 25–26) Poisoned to death by Yuwen Hu |
| Emperor Wu 武皇帝 | Yuwen Yong 宇文邕 | 561–578 Era(s)
| Son of Yuwen Tai, sole ruler after deposing Yuwen Hu in 572 | 543–578 (aged 34–35) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝 | Yuwen Yun 宇文贇 | 578–579 Era(s)
| Son of Yuwen Yong | 559–580 (aged 34–35) He neglected government and abdicated in favor of his son |
| Emperor Jing 靜皇帝 | Yuwen Yan 宇文衍 Yuwen Chan 宇文闡 | 579–581 Era(s)
| Son of Yuwen Yun | 573–581 (aged 7–8) Killed by officer Yang Jian, the future Emperor Wen of Sui |
Southern Dynasties (420–589)
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Wu 武皇帝 | Liu Yu 劉裕 | 420–422 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Emperor Shao 少帝 | Liu Yifu 劉義符 | 422–424 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wu | 406–424 (aged 17–18) Killed by officer Xu Xianzhi |
| Emperor Wen 文皇帝 | Liu Yilong 劉義隆 | 424–453 (28–29 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wu | 407–453 (aged 45–46) Killed by his son |
| Liu Shao 劉劭 | Liu Shao 劉劭 | 453 (less than a year) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wen | c. 426–453 (aged c. 27) Killed by his brother |
| Emperor Xiaowu 孝武皇帝 | Liu Jun 劉駿 | 453–464 (10–11 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wen | 430–464 (aged 13–14) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Qianfei 前廢帝 | Liu Ziye 劉子業 | 464–465 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Xiaowu | 449–465 (aged 15–16) Killed in a conspiracy |
| Emperor Ming 明皇帝 | Liu Yu 劉彧 | 466–472 (5–6 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wen | 439–472 (aged 15–16) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Houfei 後廢帝 | Liu Yu 劉昱 | 472–477 (4–5 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Ming | 463–477 (aged 13–14) Killed by Xiao Daocheng |
| Emperor Shun 順皇帝 | Liu Zhun 劉準 | 477–479 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Ming, enthroned by Xiao Daocheng, the future Emperor Gao of Southern Qi | 467–479 (aged 13–14) Killed by Xiao Daocheng |
| 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)
| Proclaimed himself emperor after overthrowing the Liu Song dynasty | 427–482 (aged 54–55) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Wu 武皇帝 | Xiao Ze 蕭賾 | 482–493 (10–11 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Gao | 440–493 (aged 54–55) Died of natural causes |
| Prince of Yulin 鬱林王 | Xiao Zhaoye 蕭昭業 | 493–494 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Grandson of Emperor Wu | 473–494 (aged 20–21) Killed by Xiao Luan |
| Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文 | Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文 | 494 (less than a year) Era(s)
| Younger brother of Xiao Zhaoye | 480–494 (aged 13–14) Killed by Xiao Luan |
| Emperor Ming 明皇帝 | Xiao Luan 蕭鸞 | 494–498 (3–4 years) Era(s)
| Nephew of Emperor Gao | 452–498 (aged 45–46) Died of natural causes |
| Marquess of Donghun 東昏侯 | Xiao Baojuan 蕭寶卷 | 498–501 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| Son of Xiao Luan | 483–501 (aged 17–18) Killed by his underlings |
| Emperor He 和皇帝 | Xiao Baorong 蕭寶融 | 501–502 (0–1 years) Era(s)
| Son of Xiao Luan, set up in Jiangling in opposition to his brother | 488–502 (aged 13–14) Deposed and killed by Xiao Yan |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Wu 武皇帝 | Xiao Yan 蕭衍 | 502–549 (46–47 years) Era(s)
| Overthrew the Southern Qi | 464–549 (aged 85) Imprisoned during the rebellion of Hou Jing, died of hunger |
| Emperor Jianwen 簡文皇帝 | Xiao Gang 蕭綱 | 549–551 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing | 503–551 (aged 47–48) Deposed and killed by Hou Jing |
| None, known by his personal name | Xiao Dong 蕭棟 | 551 (less than a year) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Emperor Yuan 元皇帝 | Xiao Yi 蕭繹 | 552–555 (2–3 years) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Emperor Ming 閔皇帝 | Xiao Yuanming 蕭淵明 | 555 (less than a year) Era(s)
| Nephew of Wu, enthroned by official Wang Sengbian | Deposed by Chen Baxian, died of natural causes in 556 |
| Emperor Jin 敬皇帝 | Xiao Fangzhi 蕭方智 | 555–557 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Yuan, enthroned by Chen Baxian | 543–558 (aged 14–15) Deposed and killed by Chen Baxian |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝 | Xiao Cha 蕭詧 | 555–562 (6–7 years) Era(s)
| Son of Xiao Tong and grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Western Wei | 519–562 (aged 42–43) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Ming 武皇帝 | Xiao Kui 蕭巋 | 562–585 (22–23 years) Era(s)
| Son of Xiao Cha | 542–585 (aged 42–43) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Jing 豫章王 | Xiao Cong 蕭琮 | 585–587 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Xiao Kui | Deposed by Emperor Wen of Sui in 587, died of natural causes c. 607 |
| 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)
| Overthrew the Liang Dynasty | 503–559 (aged 55–56) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Wen 文皇帝 | Chen Qian 陳蒨 | 559–566 (6–7 years) Era(s)
| Nephew of Chen Baxian | 522–566 (aged 43–44) Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Fei 廢帝 | Chen Bozong 陳伯宗 | 566–568 (1–2 years) Era(s)
| Son of Emperor Wen | 554–570 (aged 15–16) Deposed by his uncle |
| Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝 | Chen Xu 陳頊 | 569–582 (12–13 years) Era(s)
| Younger brother of Emperor Wen | 528–582 (aged 59–60) Died of natural causes |
| 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 |
Mid-imperial China
Sui dynasty (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)
| 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 |
 | Yang 煬 | Yang Guang 楊廣 | 21 August 604 – 11 April 618 (13 years, 7 months and 21 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Gong 恭 | Yang You 楊侑 | 18 December 617 – 12 June 618 (5 months and 25 days) Era(s)
| Grandson of Wen | 605 – 619 (aged 14) A puppet of Li Yuan. Deposed and later executed | |
Tang and Zhou dynasties (618–907)
| Portrait | Temple name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Early Tang (618–690) | |||||
 | Gaozu 高祖 Other names
| Li Yuan 李淵 | 18 June 618 – 4 September 626 (8 years, 2 months and 17 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Taizong 太宗 Other names
| Li Shimin 李世民 | 4 September 626 – 10 July 649 (23 years, 10 months and 6 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Gaozong 高宗 Other names
| Li Zhi 李治 | 15 July 649 – 27 December 683 (34 years, 5 months and 12 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Zhongzong 中宗 Other names
| Li Xian 李顯 | 3 January 684 – 26 February 684 (1 month and 23 days) Era(s)
| Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian | 26 November 656 – 3 July 710 (aged 53) Deposed by his mother after challenging her authority |
 | Ruizong 睿宗 Other names
| Li Dan 李旦 | 27 February 684 – 16 October 690 (6 years, 7 months and 19 days) Era(s)
| Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian | 22 June 662 – 13 July 716 (aged 54) A complete puppet of his mother; forced to abdicate |
Wu Zhou (690–705) | |||||
 | none, known as Wu Zetian 武則天 Other names
| Wu Zhao 武曌 | 16 October 690 – 21 February 705 (14 years, 4 months and 5 days) Era(s)
| Former consort of emperors Taizong and Gaozong; regent since November 660, de facto ruler since January 683 | 623/625 – 12 December 706 (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 |
Tang restoration (705–907) | |||||
| | Zhongzong (second reign) | Li Xian 李顯 | 23 February 705 – 3 July 710 (5 years, 4 months and 10 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| none, known as Emperor Shang 唐殤帝 | Li Chongmao 李重茂 | 8 July 710 – 25 July 710 (17 days) Era(s)
| Son of Zhongzong; installed by Empress Wei | 698–714 (aged 16) Second shortest-reigning emperor; deposed in a palace coup | |
| | Ruizong (second reign) | Li Dan 李旦 | 25 July 710 – 8 September 712 (2 years, 1 month and 14 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Xuanzong 玄宗 Other names
| Li Longji 李隆基 | 8 September 712 – 12 August 756 (43 years, 11 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Suzong 肅宗 Other names
| Li Jun 李浚 | 12 August 756 – 16 May 762 (5 years, 9 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| 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. |
 | Daizong 代宗 Other names
| Li Chu 李俶 | 18 May 762 – 10 June 779 (17 years and 23 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Dezong 德宗 Other names
| Li Kuo 李适 | 12 June 779 – 25 February 805 (25 years, 8 months and 13 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| Shunzong 順宗 Other names
| Li Song 李誦 | 28 February – 28 August 805 (6 months) Era(s)
| Son of Dezong | February 761 – 11 February 806 (aged 45) Aphasic, weak and ill, he was urged to abdicate by the court eunuchs | |
 | Xianzong 憲宗 Other names
| Li Chun 李純 | 5 September 805 – 14 February 820 (14 years, 5 months and 9 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Muzong 穆宗 Other names
| Li Heng 李恆 | 20 February 820 – 25 February 824 (4 years and 5 days) Era(s)
| 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. |
 | Jingzong 敬宗 Other names
| Li Zhan 李湛 | 29 February 824 – 9 January 827 (2 years, 10 months and 11 days) Era(s)
| Son of Muzong | 22 July 809 – 9 January 827 (aged 17) A reckless player of football; he was killed by eunuchs |
 | Wenzong 文宗 Other names
| Li Ang 李昂 | 13 January 827 – 10 February 840 (13 years lacking 3 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Wuzong 武宗 Other names
| Li Yan 李炎 | 20 February 840 – 22 April 846 (6 years, 2 months and 2 days) Era(s)
| Son of Muzong | 2 July 814 – 22 April 846 (aged 31) Notable for his persecution of Buddhism. Died of drug overdose |
 | Xuanzong 宣宗 Other names
| Li Chen 李忱 | 25 April 846 – 7 September 859 (13 years, 4 months and 13 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Yizong 懿宗 Other names
| Li Cui 李漼 | 13 September 859 – 15 August 873 (13 years, 11 months and 2 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Xizong 僖宗 Other names
| Li Xuan 李儇 | 16 August 873 – 20 April 888 (14 years, 8 months and 4 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| None, known by his personal name | Li Yun 李熅 | 31 October 886 – January 887 (3 months) Era(s)
| Great-grandson of Suzong, took power in Chang'an | Died in 887 Killed by Xizong's forces; often seen as an usurper | |
 | Zhaozong 昭宗 Other names
| Li Ye 李曄 | 20 April 888 – 22 September 904 (12 years, 7 months and 11 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
| better known as Emperor Ai 唐哀帝 Other names
| Li Zhu 李柷 | 26 September 904 – 1 June 907 (2 years, 8 months and 6 days) | Son of Zhaozong, proclaimed emperor in Luoyang | 27 October 892 – 25 March 908 (aged 15) Installed, deposed, and later killed by Zhu Wen | |
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms
Five Dynasties (907–912)
| Personal name | Temple name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhu Wen 朱溫 | Taizu 太祖 | 907–912 (4–5 years) Eras
| 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 |
| Zhu Yougui 朱友珪 | — | 912–913 (0–1 years) Eras
| 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 |
| Zhu Youzhen 朱瑱 | — | 913–923 (9–10 years) Eras
| Son of Zhu Wen | 888–923 (aged 35) Killed by the forces of Li Cunxu |
| Personal name | Temple name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Li Cunxu 李存勗 | Zhuangzong 莊宗 | 923–926 (2–3 years) Eras
| Proclaimed himself Emperor after conquering Later Liang | 885–926 (aged 41) Killed in a coup |
| Li Siyuan 李嗣源 | Mingzong 明宗 | 926–933 (6–7 years) Eras
| 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 |
| Li Conghou 李從厚 | — | 934 (less than a year) Eras
| Son of Li Siyuan | 914–early 934 (aged 20) Killed by Li Congke |
| Li Congke 李從珂 | — | 934–937 (2–3 years) Eras
| 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 |
| Personal name | Temple name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shi Jingtang 石敬瑭 | Gaozu 高祖 | 936–942 (5–6 years) Eras
| Proclaimed himself emperor with the help of the Shatuo and Khitan people | 892–942 (aged 50) Died of natural causes |
| Shi Chonggui 石重貴 | — | 942–947 (4–5 years) Eras
| Nephew of Shi Jingtang | 914–947 (aged 33) Captured by Emperor Taizong of Liao but spared; died of natural causes |
| Personal name | Temple name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liu Zhiyuan 劉知遠 | Gaozu 高祖 | 947–948 (0–1 years) Eras
| 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 |
| Liu Chengyou 劉承祐 | — | 948–951 (2–3 years) Eras
| Son of Liu Zhiyuan | 931–951 (aged 20) Killed by the forces of Guo Wei |
| Personal name | Temple name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guo Wei 郭威 | Taizu 太祖 | 951–954 (2–3 years) Eras
| 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 |
| Chai Rong 柴榮 | Shizong 世宗 | 954–959 (4–5 years) Eras
| Adopted son of Guo Wei | 921–959 (aged 38) Conquered Eastern and Southwest China; died of natural causes |
| Chai Zongxun 柴宗訓 | — | 959–960 (0–1 years) Eras
| Son of Chai Rong | 953–973 (aged 20) Deposed by Emperor Taizu of Song |
Ten Kingdoms (907–979)
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Yang Wo 楊渥 | — | 905–908 (2–3 years) | Son of Yang Xingmi | 886–908 (aged 22) Killed by Zhang Hao and Xu Wen |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Ma Xiguang 馬希廣 | — | 947–951 (3–4 years) | Son of Ma Yin | Died in 951 Deposed and later killed by his brother |
| Ma Xi'e 馬希萼 | — | 951 (less than a year) | Son of Ma Yin | Deposed by his brother, fate unknown |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Wang Yanhan 王延翰 | — | 926–927 (0–1 years) | Son of Wang Shenzhi | Died in 927 Killed by his brother |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Liu Sheng 劉晟 | Zhongzong 中宗 | 943–958 (14–15 years) | Son of Liu Yan | 920–958 (aged 38) Died of natural causes |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Gao Baorong 高寶融 | — | 948–960 (11–12 years) | Son of Gao Conghui | 920–960 (aged 40) Died of natural causes |
| 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 |
| Gao Jichong 高繼沖 | — | 962–963 (0–1 years) | Son of Gao Baorong | 943–973 (aged 30) Surrendered to the Song but spared |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Liu Jun 劉鈞 | Ruizong 睿宗 | 954–968 (13–14 years) | Son of Liu Chong | 926–968 (aged 42) Died of natural causes |
| Liu Ji'en 劉繼恩 | – | 968 (less than a year) | Adopted son of Liu Jun | 935–968 (aged 33) Killed by Hou Barong |
| 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 |
Late imperial China
Song dynasty (960–1279)
| Portrait | Temple name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Song (960–1127) | |||||
 | Taizu 太祖 Other names
| Zhao Kuangyin 趙匡胤 | 4 February 960 – 14 November 976 (16 years, 9 months and 10 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Taizong 太宗 Other names
| Zhao Jiong 趙炅 | 14 November 976 – 8 May 997 (20 years, 5 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Zhenzong 真宗 Other names
| Zhao Heng 趙恆 | 8 May 997 – 23 March 1022 (24 years, 10 months and 15 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Renzong 仁宗 Other names
| Zhao Zhen 趙禎 | 23 March 1022 – 30 April 1063 (41 years, 1 month and 7 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Yingzong 英宗 Other names
| Zhao Shu 趙曙 | 1 May 1063 – 25 January 1067 (3 years, 8 months and 24 days) Era(s)
| Son of , 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 |
 | Shenzong 神宗 Other names
| Zhao Xu 趙頊 | 25 January 1067 – 1 April 1085 (18 years, 2 months and 7 days) Era(s)
| Son of Yingzong | 25 May 1048 – 1 April 1085 (aged 36) Best known by the implementation of the "New Policies". Died of illness |
 | Zhezong 哲宗 Other names
| Zhao Xu 趙煦 | 1 April 1085 – 23 February 1100 (14 years, 6 months and 25 days) Era(s)
| Son of Shenzong | 4 January 1077 – 23 February 1100 (aged 23) Ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Gao until 1093. Died of illness |
 | Huizong 徽宗 Other names
| Zhao Ji 趙佶 | 23 February 1100 – 18 January 1126 (25 years, 10 months and 26 days) Era(s)
| 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 |
 | Qinzong 欽宗 Other names
| Zhao Huan 趙桓 | 19 January 1126 – 25 March 1127 (1 year, 2 months and 6 days) Era(s) | ||