List of rulers of China

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article contains Chinese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.

Emperor Shun a mural painting from the Han Dynasty The list of rulers of China includes rulers of China with various titles. From the Shang Dynasty to the Qin Dynasty, rulers usually held the title "King" (Chinese: Wng). With the division of China into separate Warring States, this title had become so common that the unifier of China, the first Qin Emperor Qin Shi Huang created a new title for himself, that of "Emperor" ( Hungd). This title of Emperor of China continued to be used for the remainder of China's Imperial history, right down to the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. While many other monarchs existed in and around China throughout its history, this list covers only those with a quasilegitimate claim to the majority of China, or those who have traditionally been named in kinglists. The following list of Chinese monarchs is in no way comprehensive. Chinese monarchs were known by many different names, and how they should be identified is often confusing. Sometimes the same emperor is commonly known by two or three separate names, or the same name is used by emperors of different dynasties. The tables below do not necessarily include all of an emperor's names for example, posthumous names could run to more than twenty characters and were rarely used in historical writing but, where possible, the most commonly used name or naming convention has been indicated.

These tables may not necessarily represent the most recently updated information on Chinese monarchs; please check the page for the relevant dynasty for possible additional information. Follow these links to see how they are related: Chinese emperors family tree (ancient) Chinese emperors family tree (early) Chinese emperors family tree (middle) Chinese emperors family tree (late)

Contents

1 Three Sovereigns & Five Emperors Period 2 Xia Dynasty 3 Shang Dynasty 4 Zhou Dynasty 5 Qin Dynasty 6 Han Dynasty / 7 Three Kingdoms Period / 8 Jin Dynasty / 9 Sixteen Kingdoms Period / o 9.1 Sovereignties established by Wu Hu 10 Northern and Southern Dynasties 11 Sui Dynasty 12 Tang Dynasty 13 Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms o 13.1 Independent Regimes during Ten Kingdoms 14 Liao Dynasty 15 Song Dynasty 16 Western Xia 17 Jin Dynasty 18 Yuan Dynasty 19 Ming Dynasty o 19.1 Shun Dynasty o 19.2 Southern Ming Dynasty 20 Qing Dynasty o 20.1 Taiping Rebellion o 20.2 Yuan Shikai's Empire of China 21 External links

Three Sovereigns & Five Emperors Period

Main article: Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors Although it is ingrained in Chinese mythology that the earliest mythological rulers of China included three hung (, generally translated "Sovereign" or "August one", denoting demi-god status) and five d (, generally translated "Emperor", but denoting much more reverential status than the modern term "Emperor"), their identities have differed between different sources, with some individuals such as the Yellow Emperor being regarded as either Sovereign or Emperor, depending on the source. The two characters would later be taken together by Qin Shi Huang to form the new title hungd (, Emperoror), thus claiming legendary status for himself. These figures are all legendary, not historical. Sovereigns/Emperors Title 1,4,5 3 Sovereign (Emperor ) Nwa Sovereign (Emperor3) (Sovereign4) Emperor3 Sovereign (Emperor2,3) Sovereign1 (Emperor2,3) (Sovereign5) Emperor1,2 Emperor2 Emperor Emperor Emperor Emperor
1,2 1 1 1,4,5

Other names Shennong Gongsun Xuanyuan Jin Tian Gaoyang Gaoxin Qingyang-shi Yaotang-shi Youyu-shi

Years of reign (180,000 years) (110,000 years) (456,000 years) 28522737 BC 27372699 BC 26992588 BC 25872491 BC 24902413 BC 24122343 BC 23432333 BC 23332234 BC 22332184 BC

Youchao Suiren Fu Xi Yan Emperor Yellow Emperor Shaohao Zhuanxu Ku Zhi Yao Shun

Emperor1
1

1 According to the Records of the Grand Historian. 2 According to the Songs of Chu. 3 According to the Book of Rites. 4 According to the Shangshu dazhuan () and Baihu tongyi (). 5 According to the Diwang shiji ()

Traditional dates are provided.

Xia Dynasty
Main article: Xia Dynasty C. 20701600 BC1 Reign name Given name Y Notes Also known as: D Y, (Y the Great)

Q Ti Kng Zhng Kng Kng Kng Xing Sho Kng No king Kng Zh Hui Mng Xi Jing Jing Yn Ji Kng Ji Go F L Gu Ji Jn

Son of Y; beginning of hereditary succession

About 40 years / Reign ended in Battle of Mingtiao

1 The first generally accepted date in Chinese history is 841 BC. All dates prior to this are the subject of often vigorous dispute. The dates provided here are those put forward by The XiaShangZhou Chronology Project, the work of scholars sponsored by the Chinese government which reported in 2000. They are given only as a guide. 2 The reign name is sometimes preceded by the name of the dynasty, Xi ( ).

Shang Dynasty
Main article: Shang Dynasty C. 16001046 BC1 Temple name Regnal name Tin Y Wi Bng Zhng Rn Tizng Ti Ji W Dng Ti Gng Xio Ji Given name Reign years1 Tng Shng Yng Zh Xun Bin Go 16001300 BC B Capital

Yng J Ti W Wi Rn Jin Ji Zhngzng Z Y Z Xn W Ji Z Dng Nn Gng Yng Ji Pn Gng Xio Y Gozng W Dng Z Gng Z Ji Ln Xn Kng Dng W Y Wn Dng5 D Y Di Xin
4

Zhu M Zhung F Zhng Tng Dn Y Xn Gng H Xn Sng Lin Zho Yu Zi Xin Xio Q Tu Xin Shu

11471113 BC 11121102 BC 11011076 BC 10751046 BC 11911148 BC Yn 13001251 BC 12501192 BC Yn B o Xing

Zhng Dng

Xio Xn

1 The first generally accepted date in Chinese history is 841 BC. All dates prior to this are the subject of often vigorous dispute. The dates provided here are those put forward by The XiaShangZhou Chronology Project, the work of scholars sponsored by the Chinese government which reported in 2000. They are given only as a guide. 2 The reign name is sometimes preceded by the name of the dynasty, Shang ( ). 3 The Shang royal family name was Z (). 4 The period of the Shang dynasty starting from Pan Geng is also frequently referred to as the Yin ( ) dynasty. because he changed capital to Yin. 5 Also known as Tai Ding ().

Zhou Dynasty
Main article: Zhou Dynasty Circa 10461256 BC, traditionally divided into:

Western Zhou dynasty, c. 1046771 BC Eastern Zhou dynasty, 770256 BC, which is in turn split into: o the Spring and Autumn Period, 770476 BC o the Warring States Period, 475221 BC Given name Reign years1 Common name Pinyin Chinese 10461043 F King Wu of Zhou BC1 10421021 King Cheng of Sng 1 BC Zhou 1020996 Zho King Kang of Zhou BC1 Xi 995977 BC1 King Zhao of Zhou Mn Yh Jin Bfng Xi H Jng Gngshng Yijiu Lin Tuo Huqi Lang Zheng Renchen Ban 976922 BC1 King Mu of Zhou 922900 BC1 King Gong of Zhou 899892 BC1
1

Posthumous name Pinyin Chinese W Wng Chng Wng Kng Wng Zho Wng M Wng Gng Wng Y Wng Xio Wng Y Wng L Wng Xun Wng Yu Wng Ping Wang Huan Wang Zhuang Wang Xi Wang Hui Wang Xiang Wang Qing Wang Kuang Wang

King Yi of Zhou King Yi of Zhou King Li of Zhou Gonghe

891886 BC King Xiao of Zhou 885878 BC1 877841 BC

1

Gonghe (regency)

841828 BC

827782 BC King Xuan of Zhou 781771 BC King You of Zhou 770720 BC King Ping of Zhou 719697 BC King Huan of Zhou King Zhuang of 696682 BC Zhou 681677 BC King Xi of Zhou 676652 BC King Hui of Zhou 651619 BC King Xiang of Zhou 618613 BC King Qing of Zhou 612607 BC King Kuang of

Ding Wang Jian Wang Ling Wang Jing Wang Dao Wang Jing Wang Yuan Wang Zhending Wang Ai Wang Si Wang Kao Wang Weilie Wang An Wang Lie Wang Xian Wang Shenjing Wang Nan Wang

Yu Yi Xiexin Gui Meng Gai Ren Jie Quji Shu Wei Wu Jiao Xi Bian Ding Yan

Zhou 606586 BC King Ding of Zhou 585572 BC King Jian of Zhou 571545 BC King Ling of Zhou 544521 BC King Jing of Zhou 520 BC King Dao of Zhou 519476 BC King Jing of Zhou 475469 BC King Yuan of Zhou King Zhending of 468442 BC Zhou 441 BC King Ai of Zhou 441 BC King Si of Zhou 440426 BC King Kao of Zhou King Weilie of 425402 BC Zhou 401376 BC King An of Zhou 375369 BC King Lie of Zhou 368321 BC King Xian of Zhou King Shenjing of 320315 BC Zhou 314256 BC King Nan of Zhou

1 The first generally-accepted date in Chinese history is 841 BC, the beginning of the Gonghe regency. All dates prior to this are the subject of often vigorous dispute. The dates provided here are those put forward by The XiaShangZhou Chronology Project, the work of scholars sponsored by the Chinese government which reported in 2000. They are given only as a guide.

Qin Dynasty
Sovereigns of the Qin Dynasty 221207 BC Title Given Name Period of Reign Zhng 221210 BC Hhi Ziyng 209207 BC 207 BC

Qn Sh Hung1 Qn r Sh Qn Sn Sh2

1 Qin Shi Huang became king of the State of Qin in 246 BC, but did not unite China and proclaim himself "Emperor" until 221 BC. 2 Ziying is often referred to by his personal name and as king, rather than emperor, of Qin ( ).

Han Dynasty /

Main article: List of emperors of the Han Dynasty Han Dynasty Sovereigns Period Range Posthumous Name Personal Name of Era Name of years Reign Convention: "Han" + posthumous name, excepting Liu Gong, Liu Hong, Ruzi Ying, the Prince of Changyi, the Marquess of Beixiang, and the Prince of Hongnong. Western Han Dynasty 206 9 AD Liu 206 Gao Zu Did not exist Bang 195 BC 195 Hui Di Did not exist Liu Ying 188 BC Shao Di (Shao Liu 188 Did not exist Di Gong) Gong 184 BC Shao Di (Shao Liu 184 Did not exist Di Hong) Hong 180 BC Liu 179 163 Wen Di Huyun Heng 157 BC 156 BC 149 Zhngyun 143 BC 156 Jing Di Liu Qi 141 BC 143 Huyun 141 BC 140 Jinyun 135 BC 134 Yungung 129 BC 128 Yunshu 123 BC 122 Yunshu 117 BC 116 Yundng 111 BC 140 87 Wu Di Liu Che BC 110 Yunfng 105 BC 104 Tich 101 BC 100 97 Tinhn BC 96 93 Tish BC 92 89 Zhngh BC

Huyun Shyun Zhao Di Liu 86 74 Fuling BC Yunfng Yunpng The Prince of Changyi or Liu He 74 BC Yunpng Bnsh Dji Yunkng Xuan Di Liu Xun 73 49 BC Shnju Wfng Gnl Hunglng Chyun Yuan Di Liu Shi 48 33 BC Ynggung Jinzho Jngnng Jinsh Hpng Cheng Di Liu Ao 32 7 BC Yngshu Hngji Yngsh Yunyn

88 87 BC 86 80 BC 80 75 BC 74 BC 74 BC 73 70 BC 69 66 BC 65 61 BC 61 58 BC 57 54 BC 53 50 BC 49 BC 48 44 BC 43 39 BC 38 34 BC 33 BC 32 28 BC 28 25 BC 24 21 BC 20 17 BC 16 13 BC 12 9

Suh Ai Di Ping Di Liu Xin Liu Kan 61 BC 1 BC 5 AD 68 Chsh Xin Dynasty (AD 923) Shjingu Xin Dynasty of Wang Mang () 9 23 Tinfng Jinpng Yunshu Yunsh Jsh Ruzi Ying Liu Ying

BC 8 7 BC 6 3 BC 2 1 BC 1 BC 5 AD 6 Oct. 8 Nov. 8 Dec. 8 9 13 14 19

Dhung 20 23 Continuation of Han Dynasty Liu Geng Shi Di Gngsh 23 25 23 25 Xuan Eastern Han Dynasty 25 220 Jinw 25 56 Guang Wu Di Liu Xiu 25 57 Jinwzhngyun 56 57 Liu Ming Di Yngpng 58 75 58 75 Zhuang Jinch 76 84 Zhang Di Liu Da 76 88 Yunh Zhngh He Di Shang Di Liu Zhao 89 105 Liu Long 106 Yngyun Yunxng Ynpng Yngch Yunch An Di Liu Hu 106 125 Yngnng Jingung Yngung 84 87 87 88 89 105 105 9 months in 106 107 113 114 120 120 121 121 122 122

125 Shao Di, the Marquess of Beixiang or Liu Yi 125 Yngung Yngjin Yngji Shun Di Liu Bao 125 144 Yngh Hn'n Jinkng Chong Di Zhi Di Liu Bing Liu Zuan 144 145 145 146 Yngx Bnch Jinh Hpng Yunji Huan Di Liu Zhi 146 168 Yngxng Yngshu Ynx Yngkng Jinnng Liu Hong 168 189 Xpng Gungh Zhngpng Shao Di, the Prince of Hongnong Xian Di or Liu Bian Liu Xie Gungx 189 189 Zhonng Ynghn 125 126 132 132 135 136 141 142 144 144 145 146 147 149 150 151 153 153 154 155 158 158 167 167 168 172 172 178 178 184 184 189 189 189 189

Ling Di

(li xi)

220

Chpng Xngpng Jin'n Ynkng

190 193 194 195 196 220 220

Three Kingdoms Period /

Three Kingdoms Sovereigns Posthumous Names (Shi Personal Period of Era Names (Nian Hao ) and Hao ) Names Reigns their corresponding range of years Wei() or [Cao Wei()] 220265 Convention: "Wei" + posthumous name, sometimes except Cao Pi who was referred using personal names. Wn D Mng D Co P 220226 Co Ru Co Fng 226239 Hungch Tih Qnglng Jngch 239254 254260 260265 Zhngsh Jipng Zhngyun Gnl Jngyun Xinx 220226 227233 233237 237239 240249 249254 254256 256260 260264 264265

Q Wng Goguxing Gng Yun D

Co Mo Co Hun

Zholi D

Shu() or Shu Han() 221263 Convention: use personal name Li 221223 Zhngw Bi Jinxng Li Shn 223263 Ynx Jngyo Ynxng Wu() 222280 Convention: use personal name

221223 223237 238257 258263 263

Huzh

Hungw Hunglng D D Sn Qun 222252 Jih Chw Tiyun Shnfng Kuij Wng Jng D Sn 252258 Ling Sn Xi 258264 Jinxng Wfng Tipng Yngn Yunxng Gnl Bodng Wchng Hu Sn Ho 264280 Jinhng Fnghung Tinc Tinx Tinj

222229 229231 232238 238251 251252 252 252253 254256 256258 258264 264265 265266 266269 269271 272274 275276 276 277280

Jin Dynasty /
Posthumous Names (Shi Hao ) Jin Dynasty (265420) Sovereigns Period Era Names (Nian Hao ) Personal Names of and their corresponding range of Reigns years Convention: "Jin" + posthumous name Xi (Western) Jin Dynasty / 265-317 Tish W D Sm Yn 265-290 Xinnng Tikng Tix Hu D Sm Zhng Yngx 290-306 Yngpng Yunkng 265-274 275-280 280-289 290 290 291 291-299

Yngkng Yngnng Tin Yngn Jinw Yngn Yngxng Gungx Hui D Mn D Sm Ch Sm Y 307-311 Yngji 313-317 Jinxng Jinw Yun D Sm Ru 317-322 Dxng Yngchng Mng D Sm Sho 322-325 Yngchng Tinng Tinng Chng D Kng D M D i D Fi D Jinwn D Sm Yn Sm Yu Sima Dn Sm P Sm Y 325-342 Xinh Xinkng 342-344 Jinyun 345-361 361-365 Yngh Shngpng Lngh Xngnng

300-301 301-302 302-303 304 304 304 304-306 306 307-313 313-317

Dong (Eastern) Jin Dynasty / 317420 317-318 318-321 321-322 322-323 323-325 325 326-334 335-342 343-344 345-356 357-361 362-363 363-365 365-371 371-372 373-375 376-396 397-401 402-404 405-418 419-420

365-371 Tih 371-372 Xinn 372-396 Nngkng Tiyun Lngn

Sm Y

Xiow D Sm Yo Sm Dzng Sm Dwn

n D Gng D

396-418 Yunxng Yx 419-420 Yunx

Sixteen Kingdoms Period /

Sovereigns in the Period of Sixteen Kingdoms Temple Names Posthumous Names Period of (Miao Hao Personal Names (Shi Hao ) Reigns miao4 hao4) Convention: use personal name Empire / and Former Zhao Empire ) Han Empire 304-318 Jinxng () 304307 Gao Zu Guang Wen Di ( gao1 ( guang1 zu3) wen2 di4) Liu Yuan| liu2 yuan1 304-310 Yngfng () 308 Hru () 309 Gungxng () 310 Gungxng () 310 (continuation) Gungxng () 310 (continuation) Era Names (Nian Hao ) and their corresponding range of years

Han Zhao Empire / 304-329 (addressed separately in traditional texts as Han

Did not exist

Liang Wang ( liang2 wang2)

Liu He| liu2 he2

7 days in 310

Lie Zong ( lie4 zong1)

Zhao Wu Di Liu Cong| liu2 ( zhao1 wu3 cong1 di4)

Did not exist

Yin Di ( yin3 di4)

Liu Can| liu2 can4

Jipng () 311315 Jinyun () 316 Lnji ( lin2) 317-318 Hnchng () a month and days in 318 318 (until renaming as Former Zhao) 310-318 Gungch () 318-329 (until conquest by Later Zhao)

Qian (Former) Zhao Empire 318-329 Did not exist Hou Zhu ( hou4 Liu Yao| liu2 zhu3) yao4

318-329

Hou (Later) Zhao Empire 319351

Zhawng () 319-327 Gao Zu Ming Di ( ( gao1 ming2 di4) zu3) Shi Le| shi2 le4 319-333 Tih () 328329 Jinpng () 330332 Ynx () 333 Ynx () 333 (continuation) Jinw () 334 Jinw () 334348 Tanng () 349 Qiao Wang ( qiao2 wang2) Pang Cheng Wang ( pang2 cheng2 wang2) Yi Yang Wang ( yi4 yang2 wang2) Xin Xing Wang ( xin1 xing1 wang2) Shi Shi| shi2 shi4 Shi Zun| shi2 zun1 Shi Jian| shi2 jian4 73 days in 349 Tanng () 349 (continuation)

Did not exist Tai Zu ( tai4 zu3) Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Hai Yang Wang Shi Hong| shi2 ( hai3 yang2 hong2 wang2) Wu Di ( wu3 di4)

333-334

Shi Hu| shi2 hu3 334-349

183 days in Tanng () 349 349 (continuation) 103 days Qnglng () within 349(changed mid-year) 350 Yngnng () 350-351 (until Ran Min's coup)

Shi Zhi| shi2 zhi1 350-351

Cheng Han Empire / 303-347 (addressed separately in traditional texts as Cheng Empire and Han Empire) Cheng Empire 303-338 Shi Zu ( shi3 Jinch () or Jing Di ( jing3 zu3) or Shi 303 Li Te| li3 te4 di4) Jngch () 303 Zu ( shi4 zu3) Qin Wen Wang Jinch () or several Did not months in Jngch () 303 ( qin2 wen2 Li Liu| li3 liu2 exist 303 wang2) (continuation) Tai Zong Jinch () or Wu Di ( wu3 Li Xiong| li3 303-334 ( tai4 Jngch () 303 di4) xiong2 zong1) (continuation)

Did not exist Did not exist

Jinxng () 304305 Ynpng () 306-310 Yhng () 311334 7 months in Yhng () 334 Ai Di ( ai1 si4) Li Ban| li3 ban1 334 (continuation) Yhng () 334337 (continuation) You Gong ( 334-338 Li Qi| li3 qi1 you1 gong1) Hnxng () Han Empire 338-347 338-343 Hnxng () 338-343 (continuation) Hnxng () 343 (continuation)

Zhong Zhao Wen Di Zong ( Li Shou| li3 ( zhao1 wen2 zhong1 shou4 di4) zong1)

Did not exist

Gui Yi Hou ( Li Shi| li3 shi4 gui1 yi4 hou2)

343-347

Tih () 344345 Jinng () 346347 (until conquest by Jin)

Tai Zu ( tai4 zu3)

Qian (Former) Yan Empire 337-370 Wen Ming Di Murong ( wen2 Huang| mu4 337-348 ming2 di4) rong2 huang3

Ynwng () 337-348 Ynwng () 348 (continuation) Ynyun () 349-351 Yunx () 352357 Shngpng () 357 (as vassal of Jin) Gungshu () 357-359

Lie Zong ( lie4 zong1)

Jing Zhao Di Murong Jun| ( jing3 zhao1 mu4 rong2 jun4 di4)

348-360

Jinx () 360 Did not exist You Di ( you1 Murong Wei| di4) mu4 rong2 wei3 Jinx () 360365 (continuation) 360-370 Jinyun () 366-370 Yanyuan ( yan4 wang2) 384-385 Jianxing ( jian4 xing1) 386-396 Yongkang ( yong3 kang1) 396398 Jianping ( jian4 ping2) 398 Changluo ( chang2 le4) 399-401 Guangshi ( guang1 shi3) 401406 Jianshi ( jian4 shi3) 407 Yanwang ( yan4 wang2) 398400 Jianping ( jian4 ping2) 400-405 Taishang ( tai4 shang4) 405-410 Zhengshi ( zheng4 shi3) 407409 Taiping ( tai4 ping2) 409-430

Hou (Later) Yan Empire 384-407 Shi Zu Wu Cheng Di Murong Chui| 384-396 ( shi4 ( wu3 cheng2 mu4 rong2 chui2 zu3) di4) Lie Zong ( lie4 zong1) Hui Min Di ( Murong Bao| hui4 min3 di4) mu4 rong2 bao3

396-398

Zhong Zhao Wu Di Murong Zong ( ( zhao1 wu3 Sheng| mu4 zhong1 di4) rong2 sheng4 zong1)

398-401

Did not exist

Zhao Wen Di Murong Xi| ( zhao1 wen2 mu4 rong2 xi1 di4)

401-407

Nan (Southern) Yan Empire 398-410 Shi Zong Xian Wu Di Murong De| ( shi4 ( xian4 wu3 mu4 rong2 de2 zong1) di4) Did not exist

398-405

Hou Zhu ( hou4 Murong Chao| 405-410 xhu3) mu4 rong2 chao1 Bei (Northern) Yan Empire 407-436 Hui Yi Di ( hui4 yi4 di4) Wen Cheng Di ( wen2 Gao Yun| gao1 yun2 Feng Ba| feng2 ba2 407-409 409-430

Did not exist Tai Zu ( tai4

zu3) Did not exist

cheng2 di4) Zhao Cheng Di Feng Hong| Daxing ( da4 430-436 ( zhao1 feng2 hong2 xing1) 430-436 cheng2 di4) Qian (Former) Liang Kingdom 320-376 Cheng Gong ( cheng2 gong1) Zhong Cheng Gong ( zhong1 cheng2 gong1) Huan Gong ( huan2 gong1) Zhang Mao| zhang1 mao4 Zhang Jun| zhang1 jun4 Zhang Chonghua| zhang1 chong2 hua2 Zhang Yaoling| zhang1 yao4 ling2 320-324 324-346 Jianxing ( jian4 xing1) 320-324 Jianxing ( jian4 xing1) 324-346 Jianxing ( jian4 xing1) 346-353

Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

346-353

Did not exist

Ai Gong ( ai1 gong1)

Did not exist

Wei Wang ( wei1 wang2)

Zhang Zuo| zhang1 zuo4

Did not exist

Jing Dao Gong ( jing4 dao4 Zhang gong1) or Chong Xuanjing| Gong ( chong1 zhang1 xuan2 jing4 gong1) Dao Gong ( dao4 gong1)

3 months (the ninth to Jianxing ( jian4 the twelfth month) in xing1) 353 353 Jianxing ( jian4 xing1) 353-354 353-355 Heping ( he2 ping2) 354-355 Jianxing ( jian4 xing1) 355-361 355-363 Shengping ( sheng1 ping2) 361363 Shengping ( sheng1 ping2) 364376 Taian ( tai4 an1) 386-389

Did not exist

Zhang Tianxi| 364-376 zhang1 tian1 xi2

Hou (Later) Liang Kingdom 386403

Tai Zu ( tai4 zu3)

Yi Wu Wang ( yi4 wu3 wang2)

L Guang| uu3 guang1

386-399

Did not exist

Yin Wang ( yin3 wang2)

L Shao| luu3 shao4

399

Lunji ( lun2 ji) 389-396 Longfei ( long2 fei1) 396-399 Longfei ( long2 fei1) 399

Did not exist

Ling Wang ( ling2 wang2)

L Zuan| luu3 zuan3

399-401

Xianning ( xian2 ning2) 399401

Did not exist

Shang Shu Gong ( shang4 Shending ( shu1 gong1) or L Long| luu3 401-403 shen2 ding3) 401Jiankang Gong long2 403 ( jian4 kang1 gong1) Nan (Southern) Liang Kingdom 397414 Wu Wang ( wu3 wang2) Kang Wang ( kang1 wang2) Tufa Wugu| 397-399 tu1 fa3 wu1 gu1 Tufa Lilugu| tu1 fa3 li4 lu4 gu1 399-402 Taichu ( tai4 chu1) 397-399 Jianhe ( jian4 he2) 399-402 Hongchang ( hong2 chang1) 402404 Jiping ( ping2) 409-414 Shen Xi ( shen2 xi3) 397-399 Tian Xi ( tian1 xi3) 399-401 Yongan ( yong3 an1) 401-412 Xuanshi ( xuan2 shi3) 412-428 Chengxuan ( cheng2 xuan2) 428430 Yihe ( yi4 he2) 430-433 Yonghe ( yong3 he2) 433-439 Chengping (

Lie Zu ( lie4 zu3) Did not exist

Did not exist

Jing Wang ( jing3 wang2) or Jing Tufa Rutan| 402-414 Wang ( jing4 tu1 fa3 li4 ru4 tan2 wang2)

Bei (Northern) Liang Kingdom 397-439 (as Kings of Gao Chang 442-460) Did not exist Duan Ye| duan4 397-401 ye4

Did not exist

Tai Zu ( tai4 zu3)

Wu Xuan Wang Juqu ( wu3 xuan1 Mengxun| wang2) ju3 qu2 meng2 xun4

401-433

Did not exist Did not

Ai Wang ( ai1 wang2) Did not exist

Juqu Mujian| ju3 433-439 qu2 mu4 jian1 Juqu Wuhui| 442-444

exist

ju3 qu2 wu2 hui4

cheng2 ping2) 442443 Qianshou ( qian2 shou4) 443444 Chengping ( cheng2 ping2) 444460 Gengzi ( geng1 zi5) 400-405 Jianchu ( jian4 chu1) 406-416 Jixing ( xing1) 417-420 Yongjian ( yong3 jian4) 420421 Huangshi ( huang2 shi3) 351355 Shouguang ( shou4 guang1) 355357 Yongxing ( yong3 xing1) 357359 Ganlu ( gan1 lu4) 359-364 Jianyuan ( jian4 yuan2) 365-385 Taian ( tai4 an1) 385-386 Taichu ( tai4 chu1) 385-394 Yanchu ( yan2 chu1) 394

Did not exist

Did not exist

Juqu Anzhou| ju3 444-460 qu2 an1 zhou1 Xi (Western) Liang Kingdom 400-421

Tai Zu ( tai4 zu3) Did not exist Did not exist

Wu Zhao Wang ( wu3 zhao1 Li Gao| li3 gao3 400-417 wang2) Hou Zhu ( hou4 Li Xin| li3 xin1 xhu3) 417-420

Hou Zhu ( hou4 Li Xun| li3 xun2 420-421 xhu3)

Qian Former Qin Empire 351394 Gao Zu Jing Ming Di ( gao1 ( jing3 ming2 Fu Jian| fu2 jian4 351-355 zu3) di4) Did not exist Li Wang ( li4 wang2) Fu Sheng| fu2 sheng1 355-357

Shi Zu Xuan Zhao Di ( shi4 ( xuan1 zu3) zhao1 di4)

Fu Jian| fu2 jian1 357-385

Did not exist Tai Zong ( tai4 zong1) Did not exist

Ai Ping Di ( Fu Pi| fu2 pi1 ai1 ping2 di4) Gao Di ( gao1 di4) Fu Deng| fu2 deng1

385-386 386-394 several months in

Hou Zhu ( hou4 Fu Chong| fu2 xhu3) chong2

394 Hou (Later) Qin Empire 384417 Tai Zu ( tai4 zu3) Wu Zhao Di Yao Chang| yao2 384-393 ( wu3 zhao1 chang2 di4) Bai Que ( bai2 que4) 384-386 Jianchu ( jian4 chu1) 386-393 Huangchu ( huang2 chu1) 394399

Gao Zu Wen Huan Di Yao Xing| yao2 ( gao1 ( wen2 huan2 xing1 zu3) di4)

394-416

Hongshi ( hong2 shi3) 399-416 Did not Hou Zhu ( hou4 Yao Hong| yao2 Yonghe ( 416-417 exist xhu3) hong2 yong3 he2) 416-417 Xi (Western) Qin Kingdom 385-400,409-431 Lie Zu Xuan Lie Wang Qifu Jianyi ( jian4 ( lie4 ( xuan1 lie4 Guoren| qi3 385-388 yi4) 385-388 zu3) wang2) fu2 guo2 ren2 Taichu ( tai4 Gao Zu Wu Yuan Wang Qifu chu1) 388-400 388( gao1 ( wu3 yuan2 Gangui| qi3 400,409-412 zu3) wang2) fu2 gan1 gui1 Gengshi ( geng4 shi3) 409-412 Yongkang ( yong3 kang1) 412Tai Zu Wen Zhao Wang Qifu 419 ( tai4 ( wen2 zhao1 Chipan| qi3 412-428 zu3) wang2) fu2 chi4 pan2 Jianhong ( jian4 hong2) 420428 Yonghong ( Did not Hou Zhu ( hou4 Qifu Mumo| 428-431 yong3 hong2) 428exist xhu3) qi3 fu2 mu4 mo4 431 Xia Empire 407-431 Longsheng ( long2 sheng1) 407413 407-425 Fengxiang ( feng4 xiang2) 413418

Shi Zu Helian Wu Lie Di ( ( shi4 Bobo| he4 wu3 lie4 di4) zu3) lian2 bo2 bo2

Did not exist Did not exist

Qin Wang ( qin2 wang2) Ping Yuan Wang ( ping2 yuan2 wang2)

Helian Chang| 425-428 he4 lian2 chang1 Helian Ding| he4 lian2 ding4 428-431

Changwu ( chang1 wu3) 418419 Zhenxing ( chen1 xing1) 419425 Chengguang ( cheng2 guang1) 425-428 Shengguang ( sheng4 guang1) 425-428

Sovereignties established by Wu Hu
Sovereignties established by Chinese and Wu Hu but traditionally not counted in the Sixteen Kingdoms Era Names (Nian Posthumous Period of Hao ) and their Names (Shi Hao Personal Names Reigns corresponding range ) of years Convention: use personal name Ran Wei Kingdom 350-352 (addressed as Wei Kingdom in traditional texts) Wu Dao Tian Wang ( Yongxing ( 350-352 Ran Min| ran3 min3 wu3 dao4 tian1 yong3 xing1) 350-352 wang2) Xi (Western) Yan Empire 384-394 Wei Di ( wei1 di4) Murong Hong| mu4 rong2 384 hong2 Murong Chong| mu4 rong2 chong1 Yanxing ( yan4 xing1) 384 Yanxing ( yan4 xing1) 384-385 Gengshi ( geng4 shi3) 385-386 Changping ( chang1 ping2) 386 Jianming ( jian4 ming2) 386 Jianping ( jian4 ping2) 386

Did not exist

384-386

Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Duan Sui| duan4 sui2 Murong Yi| mu4 rong2 yi3 Murong Yao| mu4 rong2 yao2

386 386 386

Did not exist Did not exist

Murong Zhong| mu4 rong2 zhong1

386

Murong Yong| mu4 rong2 386-394 yong3 Shu Kingdom 405-413

Jianwu ( jian4 wu3) 386 Zhongxing ( zhong1 xing1) 386394

Cheng Du Wang ( cheng2 du1 wang2)

Qiao Zong| qiao2 zong4

405-413

Did not exist

Chieftains of Tiefu Tribe (mid-3rd century-391) Did not exist Did not exist mid-3rd Did not exist century mid-3rd Liu Gaoshengyuan| liu2 century late Did not exist gao4 sheng1 yuan2 3rd century early 4th century Did not exist Liu Hu| liu2 hu3 (309?) 341 Liu Wuheng| liu2 wu4 341-356 Did not exist heng2 Liu Eloulou| liu2 e4 356-358 Did not exist lou4 tou2 Liu Qubei| liu2 qu4 bei1

Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Liu Xiwuqi| liu2 xi1 358-359 Did not exist wu4 qi2 Liu Weichen| liu2 wei4 Did not exist 359-391 Did not exist chen2 Chieftains of Yuwen Tribe (late-3rd century-345) Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Yuwen Mohuai| yu3 wen2 mo4 huai2 Yuwen Puhui| yu3 wen2 pu3 hui2 or Yuwen Pu Bo| yu3 wen2 pu3 bo1 Yuwen Qiubuqin| yu3 wen2 qiu1 bu4 qin2 Yuwen Mogui| yu3 wen2 mo4 gui1 Yuwen Xiduguan| late 3rd Did not exist century-293 293-late 3rd Did not exist century late 3rd Did not exist century late 3rd century (299?)- early Did not exist 4th century (302?) early 3rd Did not exist

Did not exist

Did not exist

Did not exist Did not exist

yu3 wen2 xi1 du2 guan1 Yuwen Qidegui| yu3 wen2 qi3 de5 gui1 Yuwen Yidougui| yu3 wen2 yi4 dou4 gui1

century early 3rd Did not exist century 333 333-345 Did not exist

Dukes of Liaoxi 303-338 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist 303-310 or Duan Wuwuchen| Did not exist 311 duan4 wu4 wu4 chen2 Duan Jilujuan| duan4 ji2 310 or 311 Did not exist 318 lu4 juan4 Duan Shefuchen| duan4 318 she4 fu4 chen2 Duan Pidi| duan4 pi3 di1 Duan Mopei| duan4 mo4 pei1 Duan Ya| duan4 ya2 318-321 318-325 325 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Did not exist 326-338 Did not exist Duan Liao| duan4 liao2 Chieftains, Dukes and Kings of Chouchi, Wuxing and Yinping (late 2nd century- mid6th century (555?) ) First Phase of Chouchi (late 2nd century-371) late 2nd centuryDid not exist Did not exist Yang Teng| yang2 teng2 early 3rd century early 3rd Did not exist Did not exist Yang Ju| yang2 ju1 century early 3rd century Yang Qianwan| yang2 Did not exist Did not exist mid-3rd qian1 wan4 century mid-3rd Yang Feilong| yang2 fei1 Did not exist century late Did not exist long2 3rd century late 3rd Yang Maosou| yang2 Did not exist Did not exist century 317 mao4 sou1 Did not exist Did not exist Yang Nandi| yang2 nan2 di2 Yang Yi| yang2 yi4 317-334 334-337 Did not exist Did not exist

Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Yang Chu| yang2 chu1 Yang Guo| yang2 guo2 Yang Jun| yang2 jun4 Yang Shi| yang2 shi4 Yang Cuan| yang2 cuan4

337-355 355-356 356-360 360-370 370-371 385-394 394-425 425-429

Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Second Phase of Chouchi 385-473 wu3 wang2 Yang Ding| yang2 ding4 hui4 wen2 Yang Sheng| yang2 sheng4 wang2 xiao4 zhao1 wang2 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Yang Xuan| yang2 xuan2 Yang Baozong| yang2 bao3 zong1 Yang Nandang| yang2 nan2 dang1 Yang Baochi| yang2 bao3 chi4 Yang Wende| yang2 wen2 de2 Yang Yuanhe| yang2 yuan2 he2 Yang Sengsi| yang2 seng1 si4

429 and 443 Did not exist 429-441 442-443 443-454 455-466 466-473 Jianyi ( jian4 yi4) 436-440 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Kings of Wuxing 473-506 and 534-555 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist An Wang ( an1 wang2) Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Yang Wendu| yang2 wen2 473-477 du4 Yang Wenhong| yang2 477-482 wen2 hong2 Yang Houqi| yang2 hou4 482-486 qi3 Yang Jishi| yang2 ji2 shi3 482-503 Yang Shaoxian| yang2 shao4 xian1 Yang Zhihui| yang2 zhi4 hui4 Yang Pixie| yang2 pi4 xie2 503-506, 534-535 535-545 545-553 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Note: Yang Zhi Hui and Yang Bi Xie could be the same person Kings of Yinping 477- mid-6th century Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Yang Guangxiang| yang2 477-483? guang3 xiang1 483-495 Yang Jiong| yang2 jiong3 Yang Chongzu| yang2 chong2 zu3 Yang Mengsun| yang2 meng4 sun1 Yang Ding| yang2 ding4 495-before 502 before 502511 511- ? Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Chieftains of Tuoba Tribe 219-377 (as Kings of Dai 305?-377) As a well known fact, Tuoba Family was the ruling family of Northern Wei Dynasty, founded by Tuoba Gui. Hence Table of Northern Wei Dynasty will start with him, not as a continuation of this table. Note: All chieftains were revered as emperors in Weishu and Beishi which they never were. They were denoted here as (wang2) which was inherited by all successors of Tuoba Yi Lu. shen2 Tuoba Li Wei( tou4 ba2 219-277 Did not exist yuan2 wang2 li4 wei2) Note: His temple name was Shi Zu| shi2 zu3. Another column was not created since only he was the only chieftain before Tuoba Gui revered with a temple name zhang1 wang2 Tuoba Xi Lu( tou4 ba2 277-286 xi1 lu4) Tuoba Chuo( tou4 ba2 286-293 ping2 wang2 chuo4) si1 wang2 Tuoba Fu( tou4 ba2 fu2) 293-294 Tuoba Lu Guan( tou4 ba2 lu4 guan1) Tuoba Yi Tuo( ( - mu4 wang2 without ) tou4 ba2 yi1 yi2) zhao1 wang2 mu4 wang2 Did not exist Did not exist ping2 wen2 wang2 294-307 295-305 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Tuoba Yi Lu( tou4 ba2 295-316 yi1 lu2) Tuoba Pu Gen( tou4 316 ba2 pu3 gen1) 316 ? tou4 ba2 ? Tuoba Yu Luu( tou4 ba2 yu4 luu4) 316-321

hui4 wang2 Tuoba He Ru( tou4 ba2 321-325

 yang2 wang2 lie4 wang2 zhao1 cheng2 wang2

he4 ru4) Tuoba He Na( tou4 ba2 he2 na3) Tuoba Yi Huai( tou4 ba2 yi4 huai2) Tuoba Shi Yi Jian( tou4 ba2 shi2 yi4 jian4)

325-329 and Did not exist 335-337 329-335 and Did not exist 337-338 338-377 Jianguo ( jian4 guo2) 338-377

Northern and Southern Dynasties

Sovereigns in the Northern and Southern Dynasties Period Era Names (Nian Hao ) Posthumous Names (Shi Hao Period of Personal Names and their corresponding ) Reigns range of years Northern dynasty Bei Northern Wei Dynasty 386-535 Convention: Bei (Northern) Wei + posthumous name As a well known fact Tuoba family changed their family name to (yuan2) during the reign of Xiao Wen Di in 496 so we will also change from there. Dengguo ( dng gu) 386-396 Tuoba Gui Huangshi ( hung sh) Dao Wu Di ( da w 386-409 396-398 ( tu b d) gu) Tianxing ( tin xng) 398404 Tianci ( tin c) 404-409 Yongxing ( yng xng) 409-413 Tuoba Si ( Shenrui ( shn ru) 414409-423 tu b s) 416 Taichang ( ti chng) 416-423 Shiguang ( sh gung) 424-428 Shenjia ( shn ji) 428431 424-452 Yanhe ( yn h) 432-434 Taiyan ( ti yn) 435-440 Taipingzhenjun ( ti png zhn jn) 440-451

Ming Yuan Di ( mng yun d)

Tuoba Tao Tai Wu Di ( ti w d) ( tu b to)

Zhengping ( zhng png) 451-452 Tuoba Yu Nan An Wang ( nn n ( tu b wng) y) 452 Chengping ( chng png) 452

Wen Cheng Di ( wn chng d)

Xian Wen Di ( xin wn d)

Xiao Wen Di ( xio wn d)

Xingan ( xng n) 452454 Tuoba Jun Xingguang ( xng gung) 452-465 454-455 ( tu b jn) Tai'an ( ti n) 455-459 Heping ( h png) 460465 Tuoba Hong Tian'an ( tin n) 466-467 466-471 Huangxing ( hung xng) ( tu b hng) 467-471 Yanxing ( yn xng) 471476 Yuan Hong ( 471-499 Chengming ( chng yun hng) mng) 476 Taihe ( ti h) 477-499 Jingming ( jng mng) 500-503 Zhengshi ( zhng sh) 504-508 499-515 Yongping ( yng png) 508-512 Yanchang ( yn chng) 512-515 Xiping ( x png) 516-518 Shengui ( shn gu) 518520 Zhengguang ( zhng 516-528 gung) 520-525 Xiaochang ( xio chng) 525-527 Wutai ( w ti) 528 None Jianyi ( jin y) 528 Yongan ( yng n) 528530

Xuan Wu Di ( xun w Yuan Ke ( d) yun k)

Xiao Ming Di ( xio mng d)

Yuan Xu ( yun x)

Yuan Zhao ( 528 yun xho) Yuan Ziyou Xiao Zhuang Di ( xio ( yun z 528-530 zhung d) yu) Youzhu ( yu zh)

Chang Guang Wang ( chng gung wng)

Yuan Ye ( Jianming ( jin mng) 530-531 yun y) 530-531 Yuan Gong ( 531-532 Putai ( p ti) 531-532 Jie Min Di ( ji mn d) yun gng) An Ding Wang ( n Yuan Lang ( Zhongxing ( zhng xng) 531-532 dng wng) yun lng) 531-532 Taichang ( ti chng) 532 Xiao Wu Di ( xio w Yongxing ( yng xng) Yuan Xiu ( d) or 532-535 532 yun xi) Chu Di ( ch d) Yongxi ( yng3 x) 532535 Dong (Eastern) Wei Dynasty 534-550 Convention: Dong (Eastern) Wei + posthumous name Tianping ( tin png) 534537 Yuanxiang ( yun xing) Yuan Shanjian 538-539 Xiao Jing Di ( xio jng 534-550 ( yun d) Xinghe ( xng h) 539shn jin) 542 Wuding ( w dng) 543550 Bei (Northern) Qi Dynasty 550-577 Convention: Bei (Northern) Qi + posthumous name Wen Xuan Di ( wn Gao Yang ( Tianbao ( tin bo) 550550-559 xun d) go yng) 559 Gao Yin ( Qianming ( qin mng) 559-560 Fei Di ( fi d) go yn) 560 Xiao Zhao Di ( xio Gao Yan ( Huangjian ( hung jin) 560-561 zho d) go yn) 560-561 Taining ( ti nng) 561562 Wu Cheng Di ( w Gao Dan ( 561-565 chng d) go dn) Heqing ( h qng) 562565 Tiantong ( tin tng) 565569 Gao Wei ( 565-577 Wuping ( w png) 570Hou Zhu ( hu zh) go wi) 576 Longhua ( lng hu) 576 You Zhu ( yu zh) Gao Heng ( 577 go hng) Chengguang ( chng gung) 577

Gao Shaoyi ( go sho 577-579? Did not exist y) Xi (Western) Wei Dynasty 535-556 Convention: Xi (Western) Wei + posthumous name Yuan Baoju Datong ( d tng) 535Wen Di ( wn d) ( yun bo 535-551 551 j) Yuan Qin ( 552-554 Did not exist Fei Di ( fi d) yun qn) Tuoba Kuo 554-556 Did not exist Gong Di ( gng d) ( tu b ku) Fan Yang Wang ( fn yng wng) Bei (Northern) Zhou Dynasty 557-581 Convention: Bei (Northern) Zhou + posthumous name Yuwen Jue Xiao Min Di ( xio mn Did not exist ( y wn 557 d) ju) Yuwen Yu Ming Di ( mng d) or Wucheng ( w chng) ( y wn 557-560 Xiao Ming Di ( xio 559-560 y) mng d) Yuwen Yong ( y wn yng) Yuwen Yun ( y wn yn) Yuwen Chan ( y wn chn) Baoding ( bo dng) 560565 Tianhe ( tin h) 566-572 561-578 Jiande ( jin d) 572-578 Xuanzheng ( xun zhng) 578 578-579 Dacheng ( d chng) 579 Daxiang ( d xing) 579579-581 581 Dading ( d dng) 581

Wu Di ( w d)

Xuan Di ( xun d)

Jing Di ( jng d)

Southern dynasty 420-589 Song Dynasty (420-479) Convention: Song + posthumous name, sometimes except Liu Yu who was referred using personal name. Liu Yu ( li Yongchu ( yng ch) 420-422 Wu Di ( w d) y) 420-422 Shao Di ( sho d) Liu Yifu ( 423-424 Jingping ( jng png) 423-

Wen Di ( wn d)

li y f) Liu Yilong ( li y lng)

424 424-453 Yuanjia ( yun ji) 424453 Xiaojian ( xia jin 454456 Daming ( d mng) 457464 Yongguang ( yng gung) 465 Jinghe ( jng h) 465

Xiaowu ( xia w d)

Liu Jun ( li 454-464 jn)

Qian Fei Di ( qin fe d)

Liu Ziye ( 465 li z y) Liu Yu ( li 465-472 y)

Taishi ( ta sh) 465-471 Taiyu ( ta y) 472

Ming Di ( mng d)

Houfei Di ( ho fe d) Liu Yu ( li Yuanhui ( yun hu) 473473-477 or Cangwu Wang ( y) 477 cng w wng) Liu Zhun ( Shengming ( shng mng) 477-479 Shun Di ( shn d) li zhn) 477-479 Qi Dynasty 479-502 Convention: Qi + posthumous name Xiao Daocheng Emperor Gao of Southern Qi Jianyuan ( jin yun) ( xio do 479-482 (Gao Di go d) 479-482 chng Emperor Wu of Southern Qi Xiao Ze ( Yongming ( yng mng) 482-493 (Wu Di w d) xio z) 483-493 Prince of Yulin Xiao Zhaoye Longchang ( lng chng) 493-494 (Yu Lin Wang ( xio 494 y ln wng) zho y) Prince of Hailing Xiao Zhaowen (Hai Ling Wang 494 ( xio Yanxing ( yn xng) 494 ( hi lng wng) zho wn) Emperor Ming of Southern Qi Jianwu ( jin w) 494Xiao Luan ( - Ming Di 494-498 498 xio lun) ( mng d) Yongtai ( yng ti) 498 Marquess of Donghun - Dong Xiao Baojuan Yongyuan ( yng yun) Hun Hou ( xio bo 499-501 499-501 ( dng hn hu) jun)

Emperor He of Southern Qi He Di ( h d)

Xiao Baorong Zhongxing ( zhng xng) ( xio bo 501-502 501-502 rng) Liang Dynasty (502-557) Convention: Liang + posthumous name Tianjian ( tin-jin) 502519 Putong ( p-tng) 520527 Datong ( d-tng) 527529 Emperor Wu of Liang - Wu Di Xiao Yan ( Zhongdatong ( zhng502-549 ( W D) Xio Yn) d-tng) 529-534 Datong ( d-tng) 535546 Zhongdatong ( zhngd-tng) 546-547 Taiqing ( ti-qng) 547549 Emperor Jianwen of Liang Xiao Gang ( Jianwen Di 549-551 Dabao ( d bo) 550-551 xio gng) ( jin wn d) Prince of Yuzhang - Yu Zhang Wang Tianzheng ( tin zhng) xio dng 551-552 ( y zhng 551-552 wng) Emperor Yuan of Liang Chengsheng ( chng Yuan Di 552-555 xio y shng) 552-555 ( yun d) Marquess of Zhenyang - Zhen Yang Hou xio yun Tiancheng ( tin chng) 555 ( zhn yng mng 555 hu) Emperor Jing of Liang - Jing Di ( jng d) Shaotai ( sho ti) 555556 xio fng 555-557 zh Taiping ( ti png) 556557 Chen Dynasty 557-589 Convention: Chen + posthumous name Emperor Wu of Chen - Wu Di Chen Baxian Yongding ( yng dng) 557-559 ( w d) ( chn b 557-559

xin) Emperor Wen of Chen - Wen Chen Qian ( Di ( wn d) chn qin) Chen Bozong Emperor Fei of Chen - Fei Di ( chn b ( fi d) zng) Emperor Xuan of Chen - Xuan Chen Xu ( Di ( xun d) chn x) Chen Shubao Houzhu ( hu zh) ( chn sh bo) 559-566 566-568 Tianjia ( tin ji) 560-566 Tiankang ( tin kng) 566 Guangda ( gung d) 566-568

569-582 Taijian ( ti jin) 569-582 Zhide ( zh d) 583-586 583-589 Zhenming ( zhn mng) 587-589

Nan (Southern) Liang Dynasty 555-587 Temple Era Names (Nian Hao Period Names ( Posthumous Names ( Personal ) and their of Miao Hao Names Shi Hao ) corresponding range of Reigns ) years Convention: Nan (Southern) Liang + posthumous name Note: some historians set Nan Liang as a continuation of the Liang Dynasty since it was founded by descendants of the Xiao's, the ruling family of the Liang Dynasty. Zhong Zong Xiao Cha Dading ( d dng) 555( zhng Xuan Di ( xun d) ( xio 555-562 562 zng) ch) Shi Zong Xiao Kui Xiao Ming Di ( Tianbao ( tin bo) ( sh ( xio 562-585 xio mng d) 562-585 zng) ku) Xiao Jing Di ( Xiao Cong Guangyun ( gung Did not exist xio jng d) or Ju Gong ( xio 585-587 yn) 562-585 cng) ( j gng)

Sui Dynasty
Sui Dynasty 581-618 Posthumous Names ( Personal Period of Era Names (Nian Hao Range of Names Reigns years Shi Hao ) ) Convention: "Sui" + posthumous name Kihung 581-600 Wn D Yng Jin 581-604 Rnshu 601-604 Yng Yng D 605-617 Dy 605-617 Gung

Gng D none awarded Gng D

Yng 617-618 Yu Yng Ho 618 Yng 618-619 Tng

Ynng

617-618

Hungti

618-619

1 Declared emperor by Li Yuan (the later Emperor Gaozu of Tang), implying a retirement for Emperor Yang (whom he "honoured" as Taishang Huang, or retired emperor) at the western capital Daxing (Chang'an), but only the commanderies under Li's control recognized this change; for the other commanderies under Sui control, Emperor Yang was still regarded as emperor, not as retired emperor. Now generally regarded as a legitimate emperor, due to his recognition by Li Yuan. 2 After news of Emperor Yang's death in 618 reached Daxing and the eastern capital Luoyang, Li Yuan deposed Emperor Gong and took the throne himself, establishing Tang Dynasty, but the Sui officials at Luoyang declared Emperor Gong's brother Yang Tong (later also known as Emperor Gong) emperor. The legitimacy of his reign is disputed. 3 Declared emperor by Yuwen Huaji, the general under whose leadership the plot to kill Emperor Yang was carried out, but killed by him later in 618; Yuwen Huaji then declared himself emperor of a brief Xu ( ) state. As Yang Hao was completely under Yuwen's control and only "reigned" briefly, he is not usually regarded as a legitimate emperor.

Tang Dynasty
Main article: List of Tang Emperors Tang Dynasty 618-690, 705-907 Temple Names ( Miao Hao ; ) Era Names (Nian Hao ) Period of Personal Names Reigns and their corresponding range of years Convention: "Tang" + temple name li3 yuan1 618-626 Wude ( wu3 de2) 618-626 Zhenguan ( zhen1 guan1) 627-649 Yonghui ( yong3 hui1) 650-655 Xianqing ( xian3 qing4) 656-661 Longshuo ( long2 shuo4) 661-663 Linde ( lin2 de2) 664-665 Qianfeng ( qian2 feng1) 666-668 Zongzhang ( zong3 zhang1) 668-670 Xianheng ( xian2 heng1)

Gao Zu (Kao-Tsu) ( gao1 zu3) Tai Zong (Tai-Tsung) ( tai4 zong1)

li3 shi4 min2 627-649

Gao Zong (Kao-Tsung) li3 zhi4 ( gao1 zong1)

650-683

670-674 Shangyuan ( shang4 yuan2) 674-676 Yifeng ( yi2 feng4) 676679 Tiaolu ( tiao2 lu4) 679-680 Yonglong ( yong3 long2) 680-681 Kaiyao ( kai1 yao4) 681682 Yongchun ( yong3 chun2) 682-683 Hongdao ( hong2 dao4) 683 Sisheng ( si4 sheng4) 684 Zhong Zong (ChungTsung) ( zhong1 zong1) Li Xian ( L Xin) or Li Zhe ( L Zh) 684, 705- Shenlong ( shen2 long2) 710 705-707 Jinglong ( jing3 long2) 707-710 Wenming ( wen2 ming2) 684-690 684-690, Jingyun ( jing3 yun2) 710710-712 711 Taiji ( tai4 ji2) 712 Yanhe ( yan2 he2) 712

Rui Zong (Jui-Tsung) ( rui4 zong1)

li3 dan4

Zhou Dynasty (690705) Convention: family name + posthumous name Tianshou ( tian1 shou4) 690-692 Ruyi ( ru2 yi4) 692 Changshou ( chang2 shou4) 692-694 Yanzai ( yan2 zai4) 694 Zhengsheng ( zheng4 sheng4) 695 Tiancewansui ( tian1 ce4 wan4 sui4) 695-696 Wansuidengfeng ( wan4 sui4 deng1 feng1) 696

Wu Zetian ( wu3 W Zho() ze2 tian1) (no official temple name)

690-705

Wansuitongtian ( wan4 sui4 tong1 tian1) 696-697 Shengong ( shen2 gong1) 697 Shengli ( sheng4 li4) 698700 Jiushi ( jiu3 shi4) 700 Daju ( da4 ju2) 701 Changan ( chang2 an1) 701-705 Continuation of Tang Dynasty Shang Di ( shang1 li3 chong2 di4)1 mao4 710 Tanglong ( tang2 long2) 710 Xiantian ( xian1 tian1) 712-713 Kaiyuan ( kai1 yuan2) 713-741 Tianbao ( tian1 bao3) 742756 Jide ( zhi4 de2) 756-758 Qianyuan ( qian2 yuan2) 758-760 Shangyuan ( shang4 yuan2) 760-761 Baoying ( bao3 ying4) 762-763 Guangde ( guang3 de2) 763-764 Yongtai ( yong3 tai4) 765766 Dali ( da4 li4) 766-779 Jianzhong ( 1jian4 zhong1) 780-783 De Zong ( de2 zong1) li3 gua1 780-805 Xingyuan ( xing1 yuan2) 784 Zhenyuan ( zhen1 yuan2) 785-805

Xuan Zong ( xuan2 li3 long2 ji1 712-756 zong1)

Su Zong ( su4 zong1)

li3 heng1

756-762

Dai Zong ( dai4 zong1)

li3 yu4

762-779

Shun Zong ( shun4 zong1) Xian Zong ( xian4 zong1) Mu Zong ( mu4 zong1) Jing Zong ( jing4 zong1)

li3 song4 li3 chun2 li3 heng2 li3 zhan4

805 806-820 821-824 824-826

Yongzhen ( yong3 zhen1) 805 Yuanhe ( yuan2 he2) 806820 Changqing ( chang2 qing4) 821-824 Baoli ( bao3 li4) 824-826 Baoli ( bao3 li4) 826

Wen Zong ( wen2 zong1)

li3 ang2

826-840

Wu Zong ( wu3 li3 yan2 zong1) Xuan Zong ( xuan1 li3 chen2 zong1) Yi Zong ( yi4 zong1)

840-846 846-859

Dahe ( da4 he2) or Taihe (tai4 he2 ) 827-835 Kaicheng ( kai1 cheng2) 836-840 Huichang ( hui4 chang1) 841-846 Dachong ( da4 chong1) 847-859 Dachong ( da4 chong1) 859 Xiantong ( xian2 tong1) 860-873 Xiantong ( xian2 tong1) 873-874 Ch'ien Fu ( qian2 fu2) 874879 Guangming ( guang3 ming2) 880-881 Zhonghe ( zhong1 he2) 881-885 Guangqi ( guang1 qi3) 885-888 Wende ( wen2 de2) 888 Longji ( long2 ji4) 889

li3 cui3

859-873

Xi Zong ( xi1 zong1)

li3 xuan1

873-888

Zhao Zong ( zhao1 li3 ye4 zong1)

888-904

Dashun ( da4 shun4) 890891 Jingfu ( jing3 fu2) 892-893 Qianning ( qian2 ning2)

894-898 Guanghua ( guang1 hua4) 898-901 Tianfu ( tian1 fu4) 901-904 Tianyou ( tian1 you4) 904 Ai Di ( ai1 di4)1 or Zhao Xuan li3 zhu4 Di( zhao1 xuan1 di4)1 904-907 Tianyou ( tian1 you4) 904907

1 Shao Di ( shao4 di4), Ai Di ( ai1 di4) and Zhao Xuan Di ( zhao1 xuan1 di4) are posthumous names, not temple names. A new column for only three commonly used posthumous names was not be created since other Tang emperors are commonly referred using temple names.

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

Sovereigns in Period of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms 907-960 Era Names (Nian Temple Names ( Posthumous Period Hao ) and their Miao Hao Names ( Shi Hao Personal Names of corresponding range Reigns ) miao4 hao4) of years the Five Dynasties Convention: name of dynasty + temple name or posthumous name Hou (Later) Liang Dynasty 907-923 Taz () Xinw () Kapng () 907907-912 911 Zh Wn () Qinhu () 911912 Qinhu () 912Zhu Yougui 912-913 913 Fengli 913 Qinhu () 913915 Zh Zhn () 913-923 Zhnmng () 915921 Lngd () 921923 Hou (Later) Tang Dynasty 923-936 Zhuang Zong ( Zhungzng) Not used when referring to this sovereign L Cnx () 923-926 Tongguang ( Tnggung) 923-926

Did not exist

Md ()

Not used when Ming Zong referring to this (Mng zng) sovereign Did not exist Did not exist

Gao Zu ( gao1 zu3)

Changxing ( Chng xng) 930-933 L Cnghu Min Di ( Yingshun ( 933-934 () Mnd) Yngshn) 913-915 Mo Di ( M Qingtai ( L Cngk () 934-936 d) Qngta) 934-936 Hou (Later) Jin Dynasty 936-947 Not used when Shi Jingtang ( Tianfu ( tian1 referring to this 936-942 shi4 jing4 tang2) fu2) 936-942 sovereign Chu Di ( chu1 di4) Tianfu ( tian1 Shi Chonggui fu2) 942-944 ( shi4 chong2 942-947 gui4) Kaiyun ( kai1 yun4) 944-947 Tianfu ( tian1 fu2) 947 Qianyou ( qian2 you4) 948

L Syun () or L Dn ()

Tiancheng ( Tin chng) 926-930 926-933

Did not exist

Hou (Later) Han Dynasty 947-950 Gao Zu ( gao1 zu3) Not used when referring to this sovereign Liu Zhiyuan ( 947-948 liu3 zhi1 yuan3)

Did not exist

Liu Chengyou Yin Di ( yin3 Qianyou ( qian2 ( liu3 cheng2 948-950 di4) you4) 948-950 you4) Hou (Later) Zhou Dynasty 951-960 Guangshun ( guang3 shun4) 951954 Xiande ( xian3 de2) 954 Chai Rong ( chai2 rong2) 954-959 Xiande ( xian3 de2) 954-959

Not used when Tai Zu ( tai4 referring to this zu3) sovereign Not used when referring to this sovereign Gong Di ( gong1 di4)

Guo Wei ( guo1 951-954 wei1)

Shi Zong ( shi4 zong1) Did not exist

Chai Zongxun Xiande ( xian3 ( chai2 zong1 959-960 de2) 959-960 xun4) the Ten Kingdoms

Convention: use personal names, noticed otherwise Wu Yue Kingdom 904-978 Tianbao ( tian1 bao3) 908-923 tai4 zu3 wu3 su4 wang2 Qian Liu| qian2 904-932 Baoda ( bao3 liu2 da4) 923-925 Baozheng ( bao3 zheng4) 925-932 Qian 932-941 Did not exist Yuanguan| qian2 yuan2 guan4 Qian Zuo| qian2 941-947 Did not exist zuo3 Qian Zong| 947 Did not exist qian2 zong1 Qian Chu| qian2 947-978 Did not exist chu4 Wang Shenzhi| wang2 shen3 zhi1 Wang Yanhan| wang2 yan2 han4

Shi Zong ( shi4 zong1)

wen2 mu4 wang2

Cheng Zong zhong1 cheng2 zong1) xian4 wang2 zhong1 Did not exist xun4 wang2 zhong1 Did not exist yi4 wang2

Min Kingdom 909-945 including Yin Kingdom 943-945 tai4 zu3 zhong1 yi4 wang2 Did not exist 909-925 Did not exist

Did not exist

925-926 Did not exist Longqi ( long2 qi3) 933-935 926-935 Yonghe ( yong3 he2) 935

Tai Zong ( tai4 zong1)

Wang Hui Di ( hui4 Yanjun| di4) wang2 yan2 jun1

Not used when Kang Zong ( referring to this kang1 zong1) sovereign Not used when Jing Zong ( referring to this jing3 zong1) sovereign Tian De Di ( tian1 de2 Did not exist di4) (as Emperor of Yin)

Wang Jipeng| Tongwen ( tong1 935-939 wang2 ji4 peng2 wen2) 936-939 Wang Yanxi| Yonglong ( 939-944 wang2 yan2 xi1 yong3 long2) 939-944 Wang Tiande ( tian1 943-945 Yanzheng| de2) 943-945 wang2 yan2 zheng4

Jing Nan or Nan Ping Kingdom 906-963 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist wu3 xin4 wang2 wen2 xin4 wang2 yi4 wang2 Gao Jixing| 909-928 gao1 ji4 xing1 Gao Conghui| 928-948 gao1 cong2 hui4 Gao Baorong| 948-960 gao1 bao3 rong2 Gao Baoxu| 960-962 shi4 zhong1 gao1 bao3 xu4 Gao Jichong| Did not exist 962-963 gao1 ji4 chong1 Chu Kingdom 897-951 wu3 mo4 wang2 heng2 yang2 wang2 wen2 zhao1 wang2 Ma Yin| ma3 yin1 Ma Xisheng| ma3 xi1 sheng1 Ma Xifan| ma3 xi1 fan4 Ma Xiguang| fei4 wang2 ma3 xi1 guang3 gong1 Ma Xi E| ma3 xiao4 wang2 xi1 e4 Ma Xichong| Did not exist ma3 xi1 chong2 Wu Kingdom 904-937 xiao4 wu3 di4 jing3 di4 Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist Did not exist

897-930 Did not exist 930-932 Did not exist 932-947 Did not exist 947-950 Did not exist 950 Did not exist

950-951 Did not exist

tai4 zu3 lie4 zong1

gao1 zu3

xuan1 di4

Did not exist

rui4 di4

Yang Xingmi| Tianyou ( tian1 904-905 yang2 xing2 mi4 you4) 904-905 Yang Wo| Tianyou ( tian1 905-908 yang2 wo4 you4) 905-908 Tianyou ( tian1 Yang you4) 908-919 908-921 Longyan| yang2 long2 yan3 Wuyi ( wu3 yi4) 919-921 Shunyi ( shun4 yi4) 921-927 Yang Pu| yang2 921-937 pu3 Qianzhen ( qian2 zhen1) 927-929

Dahe ( da4 he2) 929-935 Tianzuo ( tian1 zuo4) 935-937 Nan (Southern) Tang Kingdom 937-975 Convention for this kingdom only : Nan (Southern) Tang + posthumous names. Hou Zhu was referred to as Li Hou Zhu| li3 hou4 zhu3. xian1 zhu3 Not used when referring to this or Lie Zu| sovereign lie4 zu3 zhong1 Not used when zhu3 or Yuan referring to this Zong| yuan2 sovereign zong1 Hou Zhu| hou4 zhu3 Shengyuan ( Li Bian| ( on top 937-943 sheng1 yuan2) 937of ) li3 bian4 943 Baoda ( bao3 da4) 943-958 Li Jing| li3 jing3 943-961 Jiaotai ( jiao1 tai4) 958 Zhongxing ( zhong1 xing1) 958 961-975 Did not exist

wu3 wang2 li3 yu4

Nan (Southern) Han Kingdom 917-971 Qinhng () 917925 gao1 zu3 tian1 huang2 da4 di4 Li Yn| or Li Yn| 917-925 Bilng () 925928 Dyu () 928941 Gungtin () 941-943 941-943 Yngqin () 943 943-958 Qinh () 943958 Dbbo () 958958-971 971 Qianyou ( qian2 you4) 951-954 Qianyou ( qian2 954-970 you4) 954-957 951-954

Did not exist zhong1 zong1 hou4 zhu3

shang1 di4 Not used when referring to this sovereign Did not exist

Li Fn|

Li Shng|

Li Chng|

Bei (Northern) Han Kingdom 951-979 shi4 zu3 rui4 zong1 shen2 wu3 di4 xiao4 he2 di4 Liu Min| liu3 min2 Liu Chengjun|

liu3 cheng2 jun1 Tianhui ( tian1 hui4) 957-970 shao4 zhu3 Did not exist Did not exist Liu Jien| liu3 970 Did not exist ji4 en1 ying1 Liu Jiyuan| Guangyun ( 970-982 wu3 di4 liu3 ji4 yuan2 guang3 yun4) 970-982 Qian (Former) Shu Kingdom 907925 Tianfu ( tian1 fu4) 907 Wucheng ( wu3 cheng22) 908-910 Yongping ( Not used when Wang Jian| referring to this 907-918 yong3 ping2) 911-915 wang2 jian4 sovereign Tongzheng ( tong1 zheng4) 916 Tianhan ( tian1 han4) 917 Guangtian ( guang1 tian1) 918 Qiande ( qian2 de2) 918-925 Wang Yan| Did not exist 918-925 wang2 yan3 Xiankang ( xian2 kang1) 925 Hou (Later) Shu Kingdom 934965 Meng Not used when Mingde ( ming2 referring to this Zhixiang| 934 de2) 934 sovereign meng4 zhi1 xiang2 Mingde ( ming2 de2) 934-938 hou4 zhu3 Did not exist Meng Chang| meng4 chang3 938-965 Guangzheng ( guang3 zheng4) 938965

gao1 zu3

hou4 zhu3

gao1 zu3

Independent Regimes during Ten Kingdoms

local independent regimes during Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period but traditionally not counted in the Ten Kingdoms Name of Posts Personal Names Period

on post Captaincy General of Wuping/Hunan (/) Captain General of Wuping| wu3 ping2 jie2 du4 shi3 Captain General of Wuping| wu3 ping2 jie2 du4 shi3 Liu Yan| liu3 yan2 950-953

Wang Kui| wang2 kui2 or Wang Jin Kui| wang2 jin4 953-956 kui2 Captain General of Hunan| hu2 Zhou Xingfeng| zhao1 956-962 nan2 jie2 du4 shi3 xing2 feng2 Captain General of Hunan| hu2 Zhou Baoquan| zhao1 bao3 962-963 nan2 jie2 du4 shi3 quan2 Captaincy General of Quanzhang () Captain General of Quanzhang| quan2 zhang1 du1 zhi3 hui1 shi3 Captain General of Quanzhang| quan2 zhang1 liu2 shou3 Captain General of Quanzhang| quan2 zhang1 jie2 du4 shi3 Captain General of Quanzhang| quan2 zhang1 jie2 du4 shi3 Liu Congxiao| liu2 cong2 xiao4 945-962

Liu Shaozi| liu2 shao4 zi1 962 Zhang Hansi| zhang1 han4 962-963 si1 Chen Hongjin| chen2 963-978 hong2 jin4

Liao Dynasty
Liao Dynasty 907-1125 Temple Names ( Posthumous Miao Hao Names ( Shi Hao shho) mioho) Era Names (Nian Hao Period ninho) and their Born Names of corresponding range of Reigns years Convention: "Liao" + temple name except Liao Tianzuodi who is referred using "Liao" + posthumous name Shence ( Shnc) 916-922 Taizu ( Tiz) Not used when referring to this sovereign Yel Abaoji ( Yl boj) 907-926 Tianzan ( Tinzn) 922-926 Tianxian ( Tinxin) 926 Tianxian ( Tinxin) 926-947 927-938

Taizong ( Tizng)

Not used when referring to this

Yl Dgung

sovereign Huitong ( Hutng) 938-947 Datong ( Dtng) 947 Shizong ( Shzng) Muzong ( Mzng) Not used when referring to this sovereign Not used when referring to this sovereign Not used when referring to this sovereign Yl Run 947-951 Tianlu ( Tinl) 947951

Yingli ( Yngl) 951 Yl Jng 951-969 969 Yl Xin Baoning ( Bonng) 969-979 969-982 Qianheng ( Qinhng) 979-982 Qianheng ( Qinhng) 982 9821031 Tonghe ( Tngh) 983-1012 Kaitai ( Kiti) 10121021 Taiping ( Tipng) 1021-1031 Jingfu ( Jngf) 1031-1032 Chongxi ( Chngx) 1032-1055 Qingning ( Qngnng) 1055-1064 Xianyong ( Xinyng) 1065-1074 Taikang ( Tikng) or Dakang ( Dkng) 1075-1084 Da'an ( D'n) 10851094 Shouchang ( Shuchng) or Shoulong ( Shulng) 1095-

Jingzong ( Jngzng)

Not used when Shengzong ( referring to this Shngzng) sovereign

Yl Lngx

Not used when Xingzong ( referring to this Xngzng) sovereign

Yl Zngzhn

1031 1055

Daozong ( Dozng)

Not used when referring to this sovereign

Yl Hngj

1055 1101

1101 Qiantong ( Qintng) 1101-1110 Did not exist Tianzuodi ( Tinzud) Yl Ynx 1101 1125 Tianqing ( Tinqng) 1111-1120 Baoda ( Bod) 1121-1125

Song Dynasty
For a list of Song emperors on a separate page, click here. Song dynasty 960-1279 Temple Names Posthumous Era Names (Nian Hao Period ( Miao Hao Names (short ) and their Born Names of form)( Shi Hao Mio corresponding range of Reigns ) Ho) years Convention: "Song" + temple name or posthumous name except last emperor who was revered as Song Di Bing ( Sng D Bng) Bei (Northern) Song dynasty , 960- 1127 Jianlong ( Jinlng) 960-963 Taizu ( Tiz) Zhao Kuangyin ( Zho Kungyn) 960-976 Qiande ( Qind) 963-968 Kaibao ( Kibo) 968-976 Taipingxingguo ( Tipngxnggu) 976984 Yongxi ( Yngx) 976-997 984-987 Duangong ( Dungng) 988-989 Chunhua ( Chnhu) 990-994 Zhidao ( Zhdo) 995-997

Taizong ( Tizng)

Zhao Kuangyi ( Zho Kungy) or Zhao Guangyi ( Zho Gungy) or Zhao Jiong ( Zho Jing)

Xianping ( Xinpng) 998-1003 Jingde ( Jngd) 1004-1007 Dazhongxiangfu ( Dzhngxingf) 10081016 Tianxi ( Tinx) 1017-1021 Qianxing ( Qinxng) 1022 Tiansheng ( Tinshng) 1023-1032 Mingdao ( Mngdo) 1032-1033 Jingyou ( Jngyu) 1034-1038 Baoyuan ( Boyun) 1038-1040 Kangding ( Kngdng) 1040-1041 Qingli ( Qngl) 1041-1048 Huangyou ( Hungyu) 1049-1054 Zhihe ( Zhh) 1054-1056 Jiayou ( Jiyu) 1056-1063 Yingzong ( Yngzng) Shenzong ( Shnzng) Zhao Shu ( Zho 1063 1067 Sh) Zhiping ( Zhpng) 1064-1067 Xining ( Xnng) 1068-1077 Yuanfeng ( Yunfng) 1078-1085 Yuanyou ( Yunyu) 1086-1094

Zhenzong ( Zhnzng)

Zhao Heng ( Zho Hng)

9971022

Renzong ( Rnzng)

Zhao Zhen ( Zho Zhn)

1022 1063

Zhao Xu ( Zho X) Zhao Xu ( Zho X)

1067 1085 1085 1100

Zhezong ( Zhzng)

Shaosheng ( Shoshng) 1094-1098 Yuanfu ( Yunf) 1098-1100 Jianzhongjingguo ( Jinzhngjnggu) 1101 Chongning ( Chngnng) 1102-1106 1100 Daguan ( Dgun) Huizong ( Zhao Ji ( Zho J) 1125 1107-1110 Huzng) Zhenghe ( Zhngh) 1111-1118 Chonghe ( Chngh) 1118-1119 Xuanhe ( Xunh) 1119-1125 1126 Jingkang ( Qinzong ( Zhao Huan ( 1127 Qnzng) Zho Hun) Jngkng) 1125-1127 Nan (Southern) Song dynasty , 1127-1279 Gaozong ( Gozng) Zhao Gou ( Zho 1127 1162 Gu) Jianyan ( Jinyn) 1127-1130 Shaoxing ( Shoxng) 1131-1162 Longxing ( Lngxng) 1163-1164 Qiandao ( Qindo) 1165-1173 Chunxi ( Chnx) 1174-1189 Shaoxi ( Shox) 1190-1194 Qingyuan ( Qngyun) 1195-1200 Jiatai ( Jiti) 1201-1204

Xiaozong ( Xiozng)

Zhao Shen ( Zho Shn)

1162 1189

Guangzong ( Gungzng) Ningzong ( Nngzng)

Zhao Dun ( Zho 1189 1194 Dn)

Zhao Kuo ( Zho 1194 1224 Ku)

Kaixi ( Kix) 1205-1207 Jiading ( Jidng) 1208-1224 Baoqing ( Boqng) 1225-1227 Shaoding ( Shodng) 1228-1233 Duanping ( Dunpng) 1234-1236 Jiaxi ( Jix) 12371240 Chunyou ( Chnyu) 1241-1252 Baoyou ( Boyu) 1253-1258 Kaiqing ( Kiqng) 1259 Jingding ( Jngdng) 1260-1264 Xianchun ( Xinchn) 1265-1274 Deyou ( Dyu) 1275-1276 Jingyan ( Jngyn) 1276-1278 Xiangxing ( Xingxng) 1278-1279

Lizong ( Lzng)

Zhao Yun ( Zho 1224 1264 Yn)

Duzong ( Dzng) Gongzong ( Gngzong) Duan Zong ( Dun Zng) did not exist

Gong Di ( Gngd)

Zhao Qi ( Zho Q)

1264 1274

Zhao Xian ( Zho 1274 1276 Xin)

not used when Zhao Shi ( Zho 1276 referring to this 1278 Sh) sovereign Di ( D) or Zhao Bing ( Zho 1278 Wei Wang ( 1279 Bng) Wiwng)

Western Xia
Western Xia 1032-1227 Chinese family Temple Posthumous Era names and their name and first Reigns names names according durations names Chinese convention: "Western Xia" + temple name or "family name + first names" Jngzng Wlid L Yunho 1032 Xindo () 1032-1034

1048 () () () Kiyn () 1034 Gungpng () 1035-1036 Dqng () 1036-1038 Tinshulfynzu () 1038-1048 Ynsnnggu () 1048-1049 Yzng () Zhoyngd () L Lingzu () 1048 1067 Tinyuchushng () 1050-1052 Fshngchngdo () 1053-1056 Dud () 1036-1038 Gnghu () 1063-1067 Qindo () 1067-1069 Huzng () Kngjngd () L Bngchng () 1067 1086 Tinclshngguqng () 1070-1074 D'n () 1075-1085 Tin'nldng () 1085-1086 Tinyzhpng () 1086-1089 Tinyumn'n () 1090-1097 Yng'n () 1098-1100 Zhngun () 1101-1113 Yngnng () 1114-1118 Yund () 1119-1127 Zhngd () 1127-1134 Dd () 1135-1139 Dqng () 1139-1143 Rnzng () Hunzng () Shngzhnd () Zhojinj () L Rnxio () L Chnyu () 1139 1193 Rnqng () 1144-1148 Tinshng () 1149-1170 Qinyu () 1170-1193 Tinqng () 1193-1206

Chngzng Shngwnd () ()

L Qinshn ()

1086 1139

1193 1206

Xingzng () Shnzng () Xinzng () Mzh

Jngwd () Yngwnd () Did not exist

L nqun () L Znx () L Dwng () L Xin

1206 1211 1211 1223 1223 1226 1226 1227

Qngtin () 1206-1209 Hungjin () 1210-1211 Gungdng () 1211-1223

Qindng () 1223-1226

Did not exist () ()

Boy () 1226-1227

Jin Dynasty
Jin Dynasty 1115-1234 Temple Names ( Posthumous Miao Hao Names ( Shi Hao Born Names ) Mio Ho) Tiz Era Names (Nian Hao ) and their corresponding range of years Convention: "Jin" + temple name or posthumous name (1) Wnyn 1115 Shugu gd 1123 1115-1116 Period of Reigns Tinf 1117-1123 Tinhu 1123-1134

Tizng

(1)

Wnyn Wqmi

1123 1134

Xzng

(1)

or Wnyn (Shng or Chng) Wnyn Hl 1135 1149 or

Tinhu 1135-1138

Wnyn Dn

Tinjun 1138-1141 Hungtng 1141-1149 Tind 1149-1153 Zhnyun 1153-1156 Zhnglng 1156-1161 Ddng 1161-1189 Mngchng 1190-1196 Chng'n 1196-1200 Tih 1200-1208 D'n 1209-1212 Chngqng 1212-1213

(2)

Hilngwng

Wnyn Ling 1149 1161

Shzng Zhngzng

(1)

Wnyn Yng 1161 1189 Wnyn Jng 1190 1208

(1)

(2)

Wishowng or Wiwng

Wnyn Yngj

1209 1213

Xunzng

(1)

Wnyn Xn

1213 1223

Zhnng 1213 Zhnyu 1213-1217 Xngdng 1217-1222 Yungung 1222-1223 Zhngd 1224-1232 Kixng 1232 Tinxng 1232-1234 (2)

izng

(1)

Wnyn Shux

1224 1234

(2)

Md

Wnyn Chngln

1234

Quite long and thus not used when referring to this sovereign. (2) Did not exist.
(1)

Yuan Dynasty
Yuan Dynasty 1271-1368 Era names Period and their Given names of corresponding Reigns range of years Convention: use first name (e.g. Temjin) or Khan names for khans before Kublai Khan. Use "Yuan" + temple name or posthumous name after. A mix of the three for Kublai Khan. Temple Posthumous Khan Names names names

Note: 1) The Mongol Great Khans before Khubilai were only declared Yuan emperors after the creation of Yuan dynasty in 1271 2) To non-Chinese readers, usually the khan names are the most familiar names. 3) Timur or Temr means the same Mongolian words but Temr will be used for avoiding confusion with Timur the lame, or Tamerlane. not used Borjigin Temjin when Tiz 1206 referring to Genghis Khan ( did not exist 1227 () this Brzhjn Timzhn) sovereign not used Borjigin Tolui when Ruzng referring to Tolui ( Brzhjn 1228 did not exist () this Tuli) sovereign not used Borjigin gedei when Tizng 1229 referring to gedei Khan ( did not exist 1241 () this Brzhjn Wkuti) sovereign not used Borjigin Gyk Dngzng when 1246 referring to Gyk Khan ( Brzhjn did not exist 1248 () this Guyu) sovereign not used Borjigin Mngke Xinzng when 1251 referring to Mngke Khan ( Brzhjn did not exist 1259 () this Mngg) sovereign Zhngtng () 1260not used Shz Borjigin Kublai 1264 when 1260 referring to Kublai Khan ( ( 1294 this Zhyun Shz) Brzhjn Hbli) sovereign () 12641294 Yunzhn not used () 1295Borjigin Temr Chngzng when Temr ljeyt 1294 1297 referring to ( Khn 1307 () this Brzhjn Tim'r) Dd () sovereign 1297-1307

not used Borjigin Qayshan when Wzng 1308 Zhd () referring to Qayshan Glk ( Brzhjn 1311 1308-1311 () this Hishn) sovereign Hungqng not used () 1312Borjigin Ayurparibhadra when Rnzng 1311 1313 referring to Ayurparibhadra ( 1320 () this Brzhjn iylblbd) Ynyu () sovereign 1314-1320 not used Borjigin Suddhipala when Yngzng Suddhipala 1321 Zhzh () referring to ( Gege'en 1323 1321-1323 () this Brzhjn Shudbl) sovereign Tidng () Borjigin Yesn-Temr 1321-1328 Tidng D did not 1323 Yesn-Temr ( exist (1) 1328 () (2) Brzhjn Ysntimr) Zhh () 1328 Borjigin Arigaba Tinshn D Tinshn did not Arigaba 1328 ( exist (1) () (2) () 1328 Brzhjn sjb) not used Borjigin Toq-Temr when Wnzng Jijaghatu Toqreferring to ( Temr () this Brzhjn Ttimr) sovereign not used Mngzng when referring to () this sovereign not used Nngzng when referring to () this sovereign Shundi Huzng ( () (1) Shnd) Tinl () 1328 1329 1328-1330 and 1329 Zhshn 1332 () 13301332

Qoshila Qutuqtu

Borjigin Qoshila ( Brzhjn Hshl)

1329

did not exist

Irinchibal

Borjigin Irinchibal ( Brzhjn Ylnzhbn)

1332

Zhshn () 1332

Borjigin Toghan-Temr Toghan-Temr ( Brzhjn Tuhun

1333 Zhshn 1370 () 1333

Timr) Yuntng () 13331335 Zhyun () 13351340 Zhzhng () 13411368 Zhyun () 13681370 (1) Convention: for these sovereigns only, use "yuan" + posthumous name, i.e. Yun Ti Dng D. (2) Not actually a posthumous name, but adopted from era name. Northern Yuan Dynasty (after overthrown by the Ming Dynasty in China in 1368) 1368 early 15th century[citation needed] Temple Era Names Names Posthumous Period (Nian Hao ) (Miao Hao Names (Shi Khan Born Names of and their Names Mio Hao ) Reigns corresponding Ho) range of years Convention: use khan names or born names. Note: 1) />2) To non-Chinese readers, usually the khan names are the most familiar names. 2) Timur or Temr means the same Mongolian words but Temr will be used for avoiding confusion with the Timur (Timurlane or Tamerlane) who attempted to restore the Mongolian Empire in Central Asia. Convention: for the following sovereign only, use "yuan" + posthumous name. Zhshn () 1333 Huzng () Yuntng () Borjigin Toghan-Temr (same 1333-1335 1333 person as Shundi ( Toghan- ( Zhyun () Temr Brzhjn Tuhun 1370 the last Shnd) 1335-1340 Yuan Timr) Zhzhng () emperor in 1341-1368 China) Zhyun () 1368-1370 Zhozng Biligt Ayushiridara of the 1370 Xungung did not exist Khan Borjigin clan 1378 () 1371()

Tingung Usakhal 1378 ( 1387 () 1378Khan 1387 Brzhjn Tugs Timr) (1) Convention: for these souvereigns only, use "yuan" + posthumous name, i.e. Yun Ti Dng D. did not exist did not exist For the later Mongol Khans, see List of Mongol Khans

( Brzhjn iyshldl) Tgs Temr of the Borjigin clan

1378

Ming Dynasty
Main article: List of emperors of the Ming Dynasty Posthumous name1 (short form) Name by which Temple name1 Era name Reign years most commonly known Hongwu Emperor Jianwen Emperor

Personal Name

Zh Yunzhng Zh Ynwn Zh D Zh Goch Zh Zhnj Zh Qzhn

God Hud

Tiz Huizong

Hngw Jinwn

1368 1398 1398 1402

Wnd Zhod Zhngd Rud Chngz, or Tizng, Rnzng Xunzng Yngzng

Yngl Hngx Xund Zhngtng,

1402 1424

Yongle Emperor

1424 1425 1425 1435 1435 1449;

Hongxi Emperor Xuande Emperor Zhengtong Emperor

Zh Qy Zh Jinshn Zh Yutng Zh Huzho Zh Hucng Zh Zihu Zh Yjn Zh Chnglu Zh Yujio

Jngd Chnd Jngd Yd Sd Zhungd Xind Zhnd Zhd

Dizng Xinzng Xiozng Wzng Shzng Mzng Shnzng Gungzng Xzng

1436-1449; Tinshn, 1457-1464 Jngti Chnghu Hngzh Zhngd Jijng Lngqng Wnl Tichng

14571464

1449 1457 1464 1487 1487 1505 1505 1521

Jingtai Emperor Chenghua Emperor Hongzhi Emperor

Zhengde Emperor

1521 1566 1566 1572 1572 1620

Jiajing Emperor

Longqing Emperor Wanli Emperor

1620 Tinq 1620 1627 1627 1644

Taichang Emperor Tianqi Emperor Chongzhen Emperor

Zh Yujin Zhunglimnhungd

Szng, Chngzhn or Yzng,

1 As posthumous and temple names were often shared by emperors of different dynasties, they are usually preceded by the dynastic name, in this case, Ming, to avoid confusion. For example, the Hongwu emperor is

frequently referred to as Ming Taizu. 2 The Yongle emperor assumed the throne of his nephew the Jianwen emperor, who was officially said to have died in a palace fire but who was suspected of escaping to live as a recluse. The Yongle emperor wiped out the record of his nephew's reign and no temple name was given him. In 1644 the Prince of Fu ( ), the new self-proclaimed emperor of the Southern Ming, conferred on Emperor Jianwen the temple name Huizong 3 After listening to the poor advice of his eunuch advisers, the Zhengtong emperor personally led a campaign in 1449 against the Mongols and was captured. His brother, the Jingtai emperor, assumed the throne and, a hostage no longer of any value, the Mongols released the Zhengtong emperor who returned to live in seclusion. However, the Zhengtong emperor was able to reclaim his position upon the death of his brother, choosing the reign name Tianshun.

Shun Dynasty
The Shun Dynasty was an imperial dynasty created in the brief lapse from Ming to Qing rule in China. It was a state set up by the peasants' rebellion, in which they defeated the Ming forces, but former Ming general Wu Sangui led the Qing forces into Beijing and the Qing forces defeated the rebels. Personal Name Li Zicheng Temple name Chung Wng Era name Yung Chang Reign years 1644

Southern Ming Dynasty

The Southern Ming Dynasty refers to the Ming loyalist regimes that existed in Southern China from 1644 to 1662. The regime was established by the princes of the already destroyed Ming dynasty. All of these monarchs had their regimes crushed by the Qing forces very quickly. Koxinga (Zheng Chenggong) used the Ming dynasty's name and gathered forces before fleeing to Taiwan. Name by which Personal Name Zh Yusng Zh Yjin Zh Chngfng Temple name nzng Shozng None given Era name Hnggung Lngw None given, but sometimes referred to as the Reign years 1644 1645 1645 1646 most commonly known Prince of Fu F Wng Prince of Tang Tng Wng Prince of Lu (Luh*) 1645 L Wng

Regency of the Prince of Lu (Luh) L Wng Ln Gu None given, but sometimes referred to as the None given Regency of the Prince of Lu (Lou) L Wng Ln Gu Wnzng Zhozng Show 1646 Yngl 1646 1662 1645 1653 Prince of Lu (Lou*) L Wng

Zh Yhi

Zh Yyu Zh Yulng

Prince of Tang (Shaowu) Tng Wng Prince of Gui Gu Wng

* The two characters are homonyms, both pronounced Lu; to distinguish them, one is usually kept as Lu and the other spelled differently. Luh is from Cambridge History of China; Lou is from A.C. Moule's Rulers of China (1957). When one irregular spelling is used, the other is kept as regular (Lu). The two systems are distinct and not used simultaneously.

Qing Dynasty
Main article: List of emperors of the Qing Dynasty Posthumous name (short form) Nurhaci God pinyin: N'rhch Hong Taiji4 pinyin: Hungtij Tiz Reign name Temple name Chinese, Manchu Tinmng Abkai fulingga Tincng Wnd Tizng Abkai sure 1627-1636; 1626 1643 Huang Taiji 16161626 Nurhaci Reign years Name by which most commonly known

Given name1

Fln Xuny Ynzhn Hngl

Zhngd Rnd Xind Chnd

Shz Shngz Shzng Gozng

Chngd Wesihun erdemungge 1636-1643 Shnzh Ijishn dasan Kngx Elhe taifin Yngzhng Hwaliyasun tob Qinlng Abkai wehiyehe Jiqng 164316615 Shunzhi Emperor

1661 Kangxi Emperor 1722

1722 1735 17351796 (died 1799)6

Yongzheng Emperor

Qianlong Emperor

Yngyn Mnnng Yzh Zichn Zitin

Rud Chngd Xind Yd Jngd

Rnzng Xunzng Wnzng Mzng Dzng Saicungga fengen Dogung Doro eldengge Xinfng Gubci elgiyengge Tngzh Yooningga dasan Gungx Badarangga

1796 Jiaqing Emperor 1820

1820 1850

Daoguang Emperor

1850 1861

Xianfeng Emperor

186118757

Tongzhi Emperor

187519087

Guangxu Emperor

doro Py Xn D 8 also known as Henry Gongzng 9 Xuntng Gehungge yoso 1908191110 (died 1967) Xuantong Emperor

1 The Qing imperial family name was Aisin Gioro ( aixin jueluo), but it was not common Manchu practice to include the family or clan name in an individual's personal name. 2 As posthumous and temple names were often shared by emperors of different dynasties, they are usually preceded by the dynastic name, in this case, Qing, to avoid confusion. For example, the Qianlong emperor is frequently referred to as Qing Gaozong. 3 Nurhaci founded the Jin () or Later Jin () dynasty in 1616, but it was his son Hong Taiji who changed the name of the dynasty to Qing in 1636. Nurhaci adopted the reign name Tianming but his Qing titles were all conferred posthumously. 4 Hong Taiji is referred to erroneously in some historical literature as Abahai ( ). 5 The Shunzhi emperor was the first Qing emperor to rule over China proper following the occupation of Beijing in 1644. 6 The Qianlong emperor officially retired in 1796, taking the title Emperor Emeritus ( ). This was an act of filial piety to ensure that he would not reign longer than his illustrious grandfather, the Kangxi emperor. However, he remained the ultimate authority until his death in 1799, at which point his son, the Jiaqing emperor, began to exercise the power that had been his in name only from 1796. 7 The Empress Dowager Cixi, concubine of the Xianfeng emperor, mother of the Tongzhi emperor, and adoptive mother of the Guangxu emperor, used her considerable skills of political manipulation to act as the power behind the throne or on the throne from 1861 until her death in 1908. She acted as a regent during the minorities of the two young emperors and confined the Guangxu emperor in the Summer Palace after he attempted to introduce reforms in 1898. The death of the Guangxu emperor was announced the day before her own. 8 Xundi ("The Abdicated Emperor") is the posthumous name given by mainland China and Taiwan's history books to Pu-yi. 9 In 2004 the descendants of the Qing imperial family have conferred a posthumous name and temple name upon the late Pu-yi. Posthumous name: Mindi (). Temple name: Gongzong (). It remains to be seen whether these names will be accepted by the Chinese public. 10 The Qing dynasty was overthrown in 1911, and the last emperor, Pu-yi, abdicated officially on February 12, 1912. However, that same day the Republic of China granted the "Articles of Favourable Treatment of the Emperor of the Great Qing after his Abdication" () which allowed Pu-yi to retain his imperial title and stated that he should be treated by the government of the Republic with the protocol attached to a foreign monarch. These articles were revised on November 5, 1924, after the coup by General Feng Yuxiang: the revised articles stated that Pu-yi was losing his imperial title and henceforth becoming a regular citizen of the Republic of China. Pu-yi was expelled from the Forbidden City that same day. Thus, Pu-yi was ruling emperor until February 12, 1912 (and also briefly between July 1 and July 12, 1917), and non-ruling emperor between February 12, 1912 and November 5, 1924. Pu-yi also later became the puppet leader of Japanese-controlled Manchukuo under the reign name Datong () (19321934), then the puppet emperor of the same under the reign name Kangde () (19341945).

Taiping Rebellion
Main article: Taiping Rebellion

Reign name Personal name Hong Xiuquan Hong Tianguifu (nian hao) Yunnin None given May 1864 August 1864 Reign years

Name by which most commonly known August 1851 May 1864 Hong Xiuquan

Hong Tianguifu

Yuan Shikai's Empire of China

Main article: Empire of China (19151916) Yuan Shikai attempted to establish himself as emperor in 1916, but his rule is universally accepted as inauthentic. After 83 days, the reign collapsed. Reign name Personal name Yuan Shikai (nian hao) Hngxin (Hung-hsien) Reign years Name by which most commonly known Yuan Shikai

December 1915 March 1916 (1912-1915 as the President of the Republic of China)

Emperor of China
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For the volcano in Indonesia, see Emperor of China (volcano). "Emperor" is the normal translation of (huangdi), a Chinese term that is not to be confused with the homophonic , which refers to the Yellow Emperor. This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2011)

Emperor of China
FORMER MONARCHY

The last emperor of China, Puyi, as the Emperor of Manchukuo First monarch Qin Shi Huang Last monarch Puyi Style Official residence Monarchy started Monarchy ended Current pretender(s) Varies according to Dynasty Varies according to Dynasty, most recently the Forbidden City in Beijing 221 BC

12 February 1912 Jin Youzhi (Qing Dynasty)

This article contains Chinese text. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Chinese characters.

The Emperor (Chinese: ; pinyin: Hungd, pronounced [xu t]) refers to any sovereign of Imperial China reigning between the founding of Qin Dynasty of China, united by the King of Qin in 221 BCE, and the fall of Yuan Shikai's Empire of China in 1916. When referred to as the Son of Heaven (Chinese: ; pinyin: tinz, pronounced [tin ts]), a title that predates the Qin unification, the Emperor was recognized as the ruler of "All under heaven" (i.e., the world). In practice not every Emperor held supreme power, though this was most often the case. Emperors from the same family are generally classified in historical periods known as Dynasties. Most of China's imperial rulers have commonly been considered members of the Han ethnicity, although recent scholarship tends to be wary of applying current ethnic categories to historical

situations. During the Yuan and Qing dynasties China was ruled by ethnic Mongols and Manchus respectively after being conquered by them. The orthodox historical view over the years sees these as non-native dynasties that were sinicized over time, though some more recent scholars argue that the interaction between politics and ethnicity was far more complex.[1] Nevertheless, in both cases these rulers claimed the Mandate of Heaven to assume the role of traditional Confucian emperors in order to rule over China proper.

Contents

1 Origin and history 2 Number of Emperors 3 Heredity and succession 4 Styles, names and forms of address 5 Family 6 See also 7 Notes 8 Further reading 9 External links

Origin and history

Chinese feudal rulers with power over their particular fiefdoms were called Wang (), roughly translated as King, but in fact somewhat amorphous and also readily maps to "duke" in English. In 221 BCE, after the then King of Qin completed the conquest of the various kingdoms/duchies of the Warring States Period, he adopted a new title to reflect his prestige as a ruler greater than the rulers before him. He created the new title Huangdi or "Emperor", and styled himself Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor. Before this, Huang () and Di () were given as titles of a number of rulers from the era known as the "sage kings" period, supposedly predating written history, but probably coinciding with or following the invention and early stages of evolution for the Chinese writing system. Huang () was the title generally used for divine entities and legendary/deified rulers, and Di () was used for feudal rulers of vassals who were themselves rulers of their own principalities.[dubious discuss] Though these words came to be used synonymously and interchangeably, at the time of Ying Zheng's rule, they were not used together, and would have carried the connotation of "The Holy Emperor" because Huang () was previously associated with divine or deified entities. Furthermore, it is generally agreed upon[by whom?] that the founding of the dominant Chinese race, the Han race, was the result of the "Yellow Emperor" Huangdi , who unified a federation of tribes to drive the other tribes out of central China as it was known then (today's northwestern China), and several imperial dynasties existed since the time of Huang Di and before the time of Ying Zheng, the last of which integral dynasties, the Zhou dynasty, disintegrated and formed the "Warring Nations" which were principalities of various sizes roughly based on the feudal kingdoms and duchies as ascribed under the Zhou dynasty political system.[citation needed] Ying

Zheng, therefore, should really be called the re-unifier of the Chinese empire after the fall of the Zhou Dynasty, and his title should more correctly be rendered as "The First Holy Emperor" as opposed to the much less nuanced (and in fact much less accurate) "First Emperor."[citation needed] This is further evidenced by the fact that Chinese emperors since Ying Zheng also typically took on the title rather than , e.g. Han Wu Di "Emperor Wu of Han [Dynasty]", and it was not until much later that the term Huang Di came to be used interchangeably with the shorter Di . There is one minor exception to this interpretation in that, where the father of he who has ascended to the throne as emperor of China is still alive, this progenitor of the present emperor would be given the title Tai shang huang , literally the "The Grand/Over-Emperor" or the "Grand Imperial Sire" or in the context of "Holy Emperor", the "Holy Imperial Sire." It is said that this practice was initiated by Liu Bang , the founder of the Han Dynasty, in emulation of Ying Zheng (who granted his own father the title posthumously once he took on the new title of Huangdi for himself), because Liu Bang would not be bowed to by his own father, who was still technically a commoner. Chinese political theory does not totally discourage or prevent the rule of non-royals or foreigners holding the title of "Emperor of China". Historically, China has been divided, numerous times, into smaller kingdoms under separate rulers or warlords. The Emperor in most cases was the ruler of a united China, or must at least have claimed legitimate rule over all of China if he did not have de facto control. There have been a number of instances where there has been more than one "Emperor of All China" simultaneously in Chinese history. For example, various Ming Dynasty princes continued to claim the title after the founding of the Qing Dynasty (16441911), and Wu Sangui claimed the title during the Kangxi Emperor's reign. In dynasties founded by foreign conquering tribes that eventually became immersed in Chinese culture, politics, and society, the rulers would adopt the title of Emperor of China in addition to whatever titles they may have had from their original homeland. Thus, Kublai Khan was simultaneously Khagan of the Mongols and Emperor of China.

Number of Emperors
From the Qin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, there were[2] 557 Emperors (including rules of minor states). Some, such as Li Zicheng and Yuan Shu, declared themselves Emperors and founded their own empires as a rival government to challenge the legitimacy of the existing Emperor. Among the most famous Emperors are Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty, Emperors Gaozu and Wu of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty, the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.[3] The Emperor's words were considered sacred edicts (), and his written proclamations "directives from above" (). In theory, the Emperor's orders were to be obeyed immediately. He was elevated above all commoners, nobility and members of the Imperial family. Addresses to the Emperor were always to be formal and self-deprecatory, even by the closest of family members.

In practice, however, the power of the emperor varied between different Emperors and different dynasties. Generally, in the Chinese dynastic cycle, Emperors founding a dynasty usually consolidated the Empire through absolute rule, examples including Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty, and Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. These emperors ruled as absolute monarchs throughout their reign, maintaining a centralized grip on the country. During the Song Dynasty, the Emperor's power was significantly overshadowed by the power of the chancellor. The Emperor's position, unless deposed in a rebellion, was always hereditary, usually by agnatic primogeniture. As a result, many Emperors ascended the throne while still children. During these minorities, the Empress Dowager (i.e., the Emperor's mother) would possess significant power. In fact, the vast majority of female rulers throughout Chinese Imperial history came to power by ruling as regents on behalf of their sons; prominent examples include the Empress L of the Han Dynasty, as well as Empress Dowager Cixi and Empress Dowager Ci'an of the Qing Dynasty, who for a time ruled jointly as co-regents. Where Empresses Dowager were too weak to assume power, court officials often seized control. Court eunuchs had a significant role in the power structure, as Emperors often relied on a few of them as confidants, which gave them access to many court documents. In a few places, eunuchs wielded vast power; one of the most powerful eunuchs in Chinese history was Wei Zhongxian during the Ming Dynasty. Occasionally, other nobles seized power as regents. The actual area ruled by the Emperor of China varied from dynasty to dynasty. In some cases, such as during the Southern Song dynasty, political power in East Asia was effectively split among several governments; nonetheless, the political fiction that there was but one ruler was maintained.

Heredity and succession

Main article: List of Chinese monarchs The title of emperor was hereditary, traditionally passed on from father to son in each dynasty. There are also instances where the throne is assumed by a younger brother, should the deceased Emperor have no male offspring. By convention in most dynasties, the eldest son born to the Empress () succeeded to the throne. In some cases when the empress did not bear any children, the emperor would have a child with another of his many wives (all children of the emperor were said also to be the children of the empress, regardless of birth mother). In some dynasties the succession of the empress' eldest son was disputed, and because many emperors had large numbers of progeny, there were wars of succession between rival sons. In an attempt to resolve after-death disputes, the emperor, while still living, often designated a Crown Prince (). Even such a clear designation, however, was often thwarted by jealousy and distrust, whether it was the crown prince plotting against the emperor, or brothers plotting against each other. Some emperors, like the Kangxi Emperor, after abolishing the position of Crown Prince, placed the succession papers in a sealed box, only to be opened and announced after his death. Unlike, for example, the Japanese monarchy, Chinese political theory allowed for a change in the ruling house. This was based on the concept of the "Mandate of Heaven". The theory behind this was that the Chinese emperor acted as the "Son of Heaven" and held a mandate to rule over everyone else in the world; but only as long as he served the people well. If the quality of rule

became questionable because of repeated natural disasters such as flood or famine, or for other reasons, then rebellion was justified. This important concept legitimized the dynastic cycle or the change of dynasties. This principle made it possible even for peasants to found new dynasties, as happened with the Han and Ming dynasties, and for the establishment of conquest dynasties such as the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty and Manchu-led Qing Dynasty. It was moral integrity and benevolent leadership that determined the holder of the "Mandate of Heaven". There has been only one lawful reigning Empress in China, Empress Wu of the Tang dynasty or the Wu-Zhou (Wu-Chou) dynasty founded by her. Many females, however, did become de facto leaders, usually as Empress Dowager. Prominent examples include Empress Dowager Cixi, mother of the Tongzhi Emperor (18611874), and aunt and adoptive mother of the Guangxu Emperor (18741908), who ruled China for 47 years (18611908), Empress Wu Zetian (who ultimately declared herself Empress, and was subsequently overthrown) and the Empress Dowager L of the Han Dynasty.

Styles, names and forms of address

To see naming conventions in detail, please refer to Chinese sovereign As the emperor had, by law, an absolute position not to be challenged by anyone else, his subjects were to show the utmost respect in his presence, whether in direct conversation or otherwise. When approaching the Imperial throne, one was expected to kowtow before the Emperor. In a conversation with the emperor, it was considered a crime to compare oneself to the emperor in any way. It was taboo to refer to the emperor by his given name, even if it came from his own mother, who instead was to use Huangshang(), Bixia(), or simply Er ("son"). The emperor was never to be addressed as you. Anyone who spoke to the emperor was to address him as Bixia (), corresponding to "Your Imperial Majesty", Huang Shang (, lit. Emperor Above or Emperor Highness), or indirectly referred him as Sheng Shang (, lit. the Divine Above or the Holy Highness) or Tian zi (, lit. the Son of Heaven ). The emperor could also be alluded to indirectly through reference to the imperial dragon symbology. Servants often addressed the emperor as Wan Sui Ye (, lit. Lord of Ten thousand years). The emperor referred to himself as Zhen (), translated into the royal "We", or Guaren( , modestly calling himself "the person without enough morality") in front of his subjects, a practice reserved solely for the emperor. In contrast to the Western convention of referring to a sovereign using a regnal name (e.g. George V) or by a personal name (e.g. Queen Victoria), a governing emperor was to be referred to simply as Huangdi Bixia (, His Majesty the Emperor) or Dangjin Huangshang (, The Imperial Highness of the Present Time) when spoken about in the third person. He was usually styled His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of the Great [X] Dynasty, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years. Forms of address varied considerably during the Yuan and Qing Dynasties.

Generally, emperors also ruled with an era name (). Since the adoption of era name by Emperor Wu of Han and up until the Ming Dynasty, the sovereign conventionally changed the era name on a semi-regular basis during his reign. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, emperors simply chose one era name for their entire reign, and people often referred to past emperors with that title. In earlier dynasties, the emperors were known with a temple name () given after their death. All emperors were also given a posthumous name (), which was sometimes combined with the temple name (e.g. Emperor Shengzuren for Kangxi). The passing of an emperor was referred to as jiabeng (, lit. "collapse of the [imperial] chariot") and an emperor that had just died was referred to as Daxing Huangdi (), literally "the Emperor of the Great Journey."

Family
The Imperial family was made up of the Emperor and the Empress () as the primary consort and Mother of the Nation (). In addition, the Emperor would typically have several other consorts and concubines (), ranked by importance into a harem, in which the Empress was supreme. Every dynasty had its set of rules regarding the numerical composition of the harem. During the Qing Dynasty (16441911), for example, imperial convention dictated that at any given time there should be one Empress, one Huang Guifei, two Guifei, four fei and six pin, plus an unlimited number of other consorts and concubines. Although the Emperor had the highest status by law, by tradition and precedent the mother of the Emperor, i.e., the Empress Dowager (), usually received the greatest respect in the palace and was the decision maker in most family affairs. At times, especially when a young emperor was on the throne, she was the de facto ruler. The Emperor's children, the princes () and princesses (), were often referred to by their order of birth, e.g., Eldest Prince, Third Princess, etc. The princes were often given titles of peerage once they reached adulthood. The Emperor's brothers and uncles served in court by law, and held equal status with other court officials (). The Emperor was always elevated above all others despite any chronological or generational superiority.