List of Chinese monarchs

The Chinese monarchs were the rulers of China during Ancient and Imperial periods.^[a] The earliest rulers in traditional Chinese historiography are of mythological origin, and followed by the Xia dynasty of highly uncertain and contested historicity. During the subsequent Shang (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, rulers were referred to as Wang 王, meaning king.^[4] China was fully united for the first time by Qin Shi Huang (r. 259–210 BCE), who established the first Imperial dynasty, adopting the title Huangdi (皇帝), meaning Emperor, which remained in use until the Imperial system's fall in 1912.^[4]

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

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

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

In traditional Chinese historiography, various models of mythological founding rulers exist.^[21] The relevancy of these figures to the earliest Chinese people is unknown, since most accounts of them were written from the Warring States period (c. 475–221 BCE) onwards.^[22] The sinologist Kwang-chih Chang has generalized the typical stages: "the first period was populated by gods, the second by demigods/culture hero, and the third by the legendary kings."^[23] The primordial god Pangu is given by many texts as the earliest figure and is credited with forming the world by separating heaven and earth.^[24] Other gods include Nüwa, who repaired heaven; Hou Yi, a mythical archer; and Gonggong, a serpent-like water deity.^[25]

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

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

Xia dynasty (夏朝)

Name	Speculative reign length[d]		Traditional succession	Capital[31]	Purported life details
	ZTW	Trad[32]
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[33]
Qi 啟	10	8	Son of Yu	Xiayi	Prevented a rebellion led by his son Wuguan[34]
(Tai) Kang （太）康	29	28	Son of Qi	Zhenxun	Traditionally considered an ineffective king, either due to tyranny or incompetence. May have been briefly dethroned by the mythical hero Han Zhuo and later murdered by Han's son Ao[35]
(Zhong) Kang (#) （仲）康	13	13	Son of Qi	Zhenxun	May not have ruled as his existence is sometimes absent from Xia king lists[36]
Xiang 相	28	28	Son of (Zhong) Kang	Shang, then Zhenxun	Killed by a son of Han Zhuo[37]
Interregnum, ruled by Han Zhuo
(Shao) Kang （少）康	21	21	Son of Xiang	Yuan	Restored the dynasty after killing Han Zhuo and his sons[38]
Zhu 杼	17	16	Son of (Shao) Kang	Yuan, then Laoqiu	Little is known of his reign[39]
Huai 槐	26	25	Son of Zhu	–	Little is known of his reign; may have ruled up to 40 years[40]
Mang 芒	18	17	Son of Huai	–	Little is known of his reign[40]
Xie 泄	16	15	Son of Mang	–	Little is known of his reign[41]
(Bu) Jiang （不）降	59	58	Son of Xie	–	Little is known of his reign; campaigned against the northwestern Jiuyuan [zh] peoples[40]
Jiong 扃	21	20	Son of Xie	–	Little is known of his reign[40]
Jin 廑	21	20	Son of Jiong	Xihe	Little is known of his reign[40]
Kong Jia 孔甲	31	30	Son of (Bu) Jiang	Xihe	His reign inaugurated the Xia's gradual decline[40]
Gao 皋	11	10	Son of Kong Jia	–	Little is known of his reign[40]
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.[40]
Jie 桀	52	52	Son of Fa	Zhenxun, then Henan	Traditionally considered a cruel and oppressive ruler. Fled the empire after losing the Battle of Mingtiao to the state of Shang[42]

Unlike the Xia, the Shang dynasty's historicity is firmly established, due to written records on divination objects known as Oracle bones. The oldest such oracle bones date to the Late Shang (c. 1250—1046 BCE), during the reign of Wu Ding (1250–1192), putting the exact details of earlier rulers into doubt.^[43][44]

Shang dynasty (商朝; c. 1600–1046/c. 1570—1045 BCE)

Posthumous name[45]	Personal name[45]	Tentative reign (BCE)[e]		Traditional succession[46][47]	Residence[48]	Purported life details
		XSZ Project[49][50]	CHAC[51]
Early Shang [edit]
Tang 汤 Da Yi 大乙	Zi Lü 子履	fl. c. 1600	fl. c. 1570[52]	Defeated the purportedly tyrannous Jie of Xia at the Battle of Mingtiao and established the Shang dynasty	Bo, then Shangyi	Traditionally considered a noble and virtuous ruler[53]
Da Ding (#) 大丁 Tai Ding (#) 太丁	unknown	–	–	Son of Tang	–	Uncertain whether he was ever enthroned; may have died before succeeding his father[54][53]
Wai Bing 外丙	Zi Sheng 子勝	—	—	Son of Tang	Bo	—[53]
Zhong Ren (#) 中壬	Zi Yong 子庸	—	—	Son of Tang	Bo	Not listed in the oracle bones inscriptions[53]
Tai Jia 太甲	Zi Zhi 子至	—	—	Son of Da Ding	Bo	Traditionally considered an autocratic and cruel ruler[53]
Wo Ding (#) 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.[54][53]
Tai Geng 太庚 Da Geng 大庚	Zi Bian 子辯	—	—	Son of Tai Jia	Bo	–[55]
Xiao Jia 小甲	Zi Gao 子高	—	—	Son of Tai Geng	Bo	–[55]
Yong Ji 雍己	Zi Zhou 子伷	—	—	Son of Tai Geng	Bo	May have reigned after Tai Wu[55]
Tai Wu 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[55]
Zhong Ding 仲丁	Zi Zhung 子莊	—	—	Son of Tai Wu	Ao	May have succeeded Yong Ji[55]
Wai Ren 外壬	Zi Fā 子發	—	—	Son of Tai Wu	Ao	–[55]
He Dan Jia 河亶甲	Zi Zheng 子整	—	—	Son of Tai Wu	Xiang	Moved the capital to Xiang (相) and engaged in military campaigns[55]
Zu Yi 祖己	Zi Teng 子滕	—	—	Son of Zhong Ding	Geng	The dynasty flourished particularly during his reign[55]
Zu Xin 祖辛	Zi Dan 子旦	—	—	Son of Zu Yi	Bi	–[55]
Wo Jia 沃甲 Qiang Jia 羌甲	Zi Yu 子踰	—	—	Son of Zu Yi	Bi	–[55]
Zu Ding 祖丁	Zi Xin 子新	—	—	Son of Zu Xin	Bi	–[55]
Nan Geng 南庚	Zi Geng 子更	—	—	Son of Wo Jia	Bi, then Yan	Moved the capital from Bi (庇) to Yan (奄)[55]
Yang Jia 陽甲	Zi He 子和	—	—	Son of Zu Ding	Yan	His reign marked the decline of the Shang[56]
Pan Geng 盤庚	Zi Xun 子旬	1300–1251 (48–49 years)	—	Son of Zu Ding	Yan, then Yin	Traditionally said to have moved the dynasty's capital from Yan (奄) to Yin (殷)[57] Led a prosperous reign[56]
Xiao Xin 小辛	Zi Song 子颂		—	Son of Zu Ding	Yin	His reign saw the continuation of the Shang's decline[56]
Xiao Yi 小乙	Zi Lian 子敛		—	Son of Zu Ding	Yin	–[56]
Late Shang [edit] See also: Late Shang and Periodization of the Shang dynasty
Wu Ding 武丁	Zi Zhao 子昭	1250–1192 (57–58 years)	?–1189	Son of Xiao Yi	Yin	A powerful king with a lengthy reign. Made his wife Fu Hao the a military general and is purportedly defeated the mostly-unknown Guifang people.[58] The first ruler whose name is included in oracle bones which date to his reign.[59][56]
Zu Geng 祖庚	Zi Yue 子躍	1191–1148 (42–43 years)	1188–1178 (9–10 years)	Son of Wu Ding	Yin	Possibly commissioned the Houmuwu ding in memory of his mother Fu Jing[60][56][f]
Zu Jia 祖甲	Zi Zai 子載		1177–1158 (18–19 years)	Son of Wu Ding	Yin	Reformed the ritual and calendar systems, as recording in the Book of Documents[56]
Lin Xin (#) 廩辛	Zi Xian 子先	1157–1149 (7–8 years)	Son of Zu Jia	Yin	Due to inconsistencies in the oracle bone inscriptions, it is possible he did not reign.[62][63]
Geng Ding 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[64]
Wu Yi 武乙	Zi Qu 子瞿	1147–1131 (15–16 years)	1131–1117 (13–14 years)	Son of Geng Ding	Yin, Hebei, then Mo	Engaged in numerous military campaigns, including against the state of Yiqu. Traditionally held to have been killed by a lightning strike, considered a bad omen[64]
Wen Wu Ding 文武丁 Wen Ding 文丁	Zi Tuo 子托	1112–1102 (9–10 years)	1116–1106 (9–10 years)	Son of Wu Yi	Yin	The Predynastic Zhou rose in power during his reign, led by Ji, King of Zhou[64]
Di Yi 帝乙	Zi Xian 子羡	1101–1076 (24–25 years)	1105–1087 (17–18 years)	Son of Wen Wu Ding	Yin	Supposedly married his daughter to King Wen of Zhou,[65][66] or married his sister to Ji, King of Zhou[67]
Di Xin 帝辛 (紂)	Zi Shou 子受	1075–1046 (28–29 years)	1086–1045 (40–41 years)	Son of Di Yi	Yin	Killed by Ji Fa during the Battle of Muye[68][64]

Zhou dynasty (周; c. 1046–256 BCE)

Posthumous name[69]	Personal name	Tentative reign (BCE)		Traditional succession[70]	Purported life details
		XSZ Project[49][50]	CHAC[69]
Western Zhou [edit] See also: 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[71]
Cheng 成	Ji Song 姬誦	1042–1021 (20–21 years)	1042–1006 (35–36 years)	Son of Wu	Most of his reign was controlled by the Duke of Zhou, who suppressed the Rebellion of the Three Guards[71]
Kang 康	Ji Zhao 姬釗	1020–996 (23–24 years)	1005–978 (26–27 years)	Son of Cheng	His accession established Zhou primogeniture. A largely peaceful reign[71]
Zhao 昭	Ji Xia 姬瑕	995–977 (17–18 years)	977–957 (19–20 years)	Son of Kang	Lost the Zhou–Chu War, during which he died. His reign marked the Zhou's gradual decline[72]
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[73]
Gong 共	Ji Yihu 姬繄扈	922–900 (21–22 years)	917–900 (16–17 years)	Son of Mu	Little is known of his reign[73]
Yih 懿	Ji Jian 姬囏	899–892 (6–7 years)	899–873 (25–26 years)	Son of Gong	Little is known of his reign; may have been removed from power by Xiao[73]
Xiao 孝	Ji Pifang 姬辟方	891–886 (4–5 years)	872–866 (5–6 years)	Son of Mu	Little is known of his reign[73]
Yí 夷	Ji Xie 姬燮	885–878 (6–7 years)	865–858 (6–7 years)	Son of Yih	Continued decline of the Zhou[73]
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[74]
Gonghe Regency (共和; 841–828)[75]
Xuan 宣	Ji Jing 姬靜	827–782		Son of Li	Had military successes, aiming to restore Zhou authority[75]
You 幽	Ji Gongnie 姬宮涅	781–771 (9–10 years)	782–771 (10–11 years)	Son of Xuan	Numerous natural disasters occurred, after which Quanrong him and overran the capital[75]
Eastern Zhou [edit] See also: Eastern Zhou
Spring and Autumn period (春秋時代; 770–476 BCE)
Ping 平	Ji Yijiu 姬宜臼	770–720 (49–50 years)		Son of You	Moved the capital to Luoyang[76]
Huan 桓	Ji Lin 姬林	719–697 (21–22 years)		Grandson of Ping	Defeated by the Duke of Zheng at the Battle of Xuge, accelerating the Zhou dynasty's decline in power[76]
Zhuang 莊	Ji Tuo 姬佗	696–682 (13–14 years)		Son of Huan	Royal court's authority began declining[76]
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[76]
Hui 惠	Ji Lang 姬閬	676–652 (23–24 years)		Son of Xi	Slowed the Chu state's rise[76]
Xiang 襄	Ji Zheng 姬鄭	651–619 (31–32 years)		Son of Hui	Briefly deposed by his brother, but reinstated by Duke Wen[76]
Qing 頃	Ji Renchen 姬壬臣	618–613 (4–5 years)		Son of Xiang	Briefly reigned[76]
Kuang 匡	Ji Ban 姬班	612–607 (4–5 years)		Son of Qing	Increasing fighting between surrounding kingdoms[76]
Ding 定	Ji Yu 姬瑜	606–586 (19–20 years)		Son of Qing	Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms[77]
Jian 簡	Ji Yi 姬夷	585–572 (12–13 years)		Son of Ding	Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms[77]
Ling 靈	Ji Xiexin 姬泄心	571–545 (25–26 years)		Son of Jian	Weakened relations with surrounding kingdoms[77]
Jing 景	Ji Gui 姬貴	544–521 (22–23 years)		Son of Ling	Died without an heir, causing a power struggle and rebellion[77]
Dao 悼	Ji Meng 姬猛	520 (less than a year)		Son of Jing (544–521)	Briefly ruled before being murdered by his brother[77]
Jing 敬	Ji Gai 姬丐	519–476 (42–43 years)		Son of Jing (544–521)	Briefly exiled during a revolt. Ruled during the lifetime of Confucius[77]
Warring States period (戰國時代; 475–221 BCE)
Yuan 元	Ji Ren 姬仁	475–469 (5–6 years)		Son of Jing (519–476)	Decline in Zhou's power[77]
Zhending 貞定	Ji Jie 姬介	468–442 (25–26 years)		Son of Yuan	Continued decline of Zhou[78]
Ai 哀	Ji Quji 姬去疾	441 (less than a year)		Son of Zhending	Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Si[79]
Si 思	Ji Shu 姬叔	441 (less than a year)		Son of Zhending	Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Kao[79]
Kao 考	Ji Wei 姬嵬	440–426 (13–14 years)		Son of Zhending	–[79]
Weilie 威烈	Ji Wu 姬午	425–402 (22–23 years)		Son of Kao	–[79]
An 安	Ji Jiao 姬驕	401–376 (24–25 years)		Son of Weilie	Wei increased in power[79]
Lie 烈	Ji Xi 姬喜	375–369 (5–6 years)		Son of An	–[79]
Xian 顯	Ji Bian 姬扁	368–321 (46–47 years)		Son of An	Qin began to rise in power[79]
Shenjing 慎靚	Ji Ding 姬定	320–315 (5–6 years)		Son of Xian	Qin's power grew significantly during his reign[79]
Nan 赧	Ji Yan 姬延	314–256 (57–58 years)		Son of Shenjing	Longest reigning Zhou ruler, though held little power amid the divided kingdom. Conquered and deposed by King Zhaoxiang of Qin[79]

Qin dynasty (秦朝; 221–207 BCE)^[80]

Dynastic name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Qin Shi Huang[g] 秦始皇	Ying Zheng 嬴政 Zhao Zheng 趙政	221[h] – July 210 BCE[i] (11 years)	Son of King Zhuangxiang of Qin. As King Zheng of Qin, he conquered the six other states during the Warring States period and proclaimed himself Emperor (皇帝; Huangdi).[84]	259 – July 210 BCE (48–49 years) Instilled a Legalist philosophy, combined preexisting walls into the Great Wall of China, and built the Lingqu canal and the Terracotta Army. Died of sudden illness,[85] possibly alchemical elixir poisoning[86]
Qin Er Shi[j] 秦二世	Ying Huhai 嬴胡亥	210[k] – October 207 BCE (3 years)	Second son of Qin Shi Huang. Put on the throne by Li Si and Zhao Gao, who forced the appointed heir Fusu to commit suicide.[87]	231/222 – October 207 BCE (23–24/14–15 years) His reign was completely dominated by Zhao Gao. Forced by Zhao to commit suicide[88]
As the Qin dynasty greatly weakened in power, the Chu–Han Contention began in 206 BCE and ended with Liu Bang inaugurating the Han dynasty in 202 BCE[l]

Han (漢朝; 202 BCE – 9 CE; 25–220 CE) and Xin (新; 9–23 CE) dynasties

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign[92]	Succession	Life details
Western Han (202 BCE – 9 CE) [edit] See also: Han dynasty § Western Han
Gaozu 高祖 Gao 高帝	Liu Bang 劉邦	28 February 202[m]– 1 June 195 BCE (7 years, 3 months and 4 days)	Unified China and proclaimed himself Emperor after victory in the Chu–Han Contention	256 – 1 June 195 BCE (aged 61) Among the most revered Chinese emperors. Died from an arrow injury in a campaign against Ying Bu[94]
Hui 惠帝	Liu Ying 劉盈	23 June 195 – 26 September 188 BCE (7 years, 3 months and 3 days)	Son of Gao	210 – 26 September 188 BCE (aged 22) His reign was largely dominated by his mother Empress Lü. Died from an unknown illness[95]
Qianshao[n] (#) 前少帝	Liu Gong 劉恭	19 October 188 – 15 June 184 BCE (3 years, 7 months and 27 days)	Purportedly a son of Hui[o]	? – after 184 BCE An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Deposed and put under house arrest; unknown date of death after 184[98]
Houshao[p] (#) 後少帝	Liu Yi 劉盈 Liu Hong 劉弘	15 June 184 – 15 August 180 BCE (4 years and 2 months)	Purportedly a son of Hui[o]	? – 14 November 180 An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Put to death by the House of Lü[100]
Wen 文帝	Liu Heng 劉恆	14 November 180 – 6 July 157 BCE (22 years, 5 months and 23 days) Era(s) Qianyuan (前元) 25 November 180 – 14 November 164 BCE Houyuan (後元) 15 November 164 – 28 October 157 BCE	Son of Gao	203/202 – 6 July 157 BCE (aged 46) Died of natural causes[101]
Jing 景帝	Liu Qi 劉啟	14 July 157 – 10 March 141 BCE (15 years, 7 months and 24 days) Era(s) Qianyuan (前元) 29 October 157 – 10 November 150 BCE Zhongyuan (中元) 11 November 149 – 3 November 144 BCE Houyuan (後元) 4 November 143 – 31 October 141 BCE	Son of Wen	188 – 10 March 141 BCE (aged 47) Died of natural causes[102]
Wu 武帝	Liu Che 劉徹	10 March 141 – 29 March 87 BCE[q] (54 years and 19 days) Era(s) Jianyuan (建元) 1 November 141 – 25 October 135 BCE Yuanguang (元光) 26 October 135 – 17 November 129 BCE Yuanshuo (元朔) 18 November 129 – 11 November 123 BCE Yuanshou (元狩) 12 November 123 – 5 November 117 BCE Yuanding (元鼎) 6 November 117 – 14 May 110 BCE Yuanfeng (元封) 15 May 110 – 24 June 104 BCE Taichu (太初) 25 June 104 – 5 February 100 BCE Tianhan (天漢) 6 February 100 – 22 January 96 BCE Taishi (太始) 23 January 96 – 6 February 92 BCE Zhenghe (征和) 7 February 92 – 23 January 88 BCE Houyuan (後元) 24 January 88 – 29 March 87 BCE	Son of Jing	157/156 – 29 March 87 BCE[q] (aged 69) Among the longest reigning and highly regarded Chinese emperors. Expanded the Han dynasty considerably. Died from an unknown illness[103]
Zhao 昭帝	Liu Fuling 劉弗陵	30 March 87 – 5 June 74 BCE (13 years, 2 months and 6 days) Era(s) Shiyuan (始元) 1 February 86 – 25 January 80 BCE Yuanfeng (元鳳) 26 January 80 – 18 February 74 BCE Yuanping (元平) 19 February 74 – 8 February 73 BCE	Son of Wu	94 – 5 June 74 BCE (aged 20) Died from natural causes[104]
None, known as Marquis of Haihun (#) 海昏侯	Liu He 劉賀	18 July – 14 August 74 BCE (27 days)	Grandson of Wu	92–59 BCE (aged 32–33) Briefly installed by Huo Guang and not often considered legitimate. Died from natural causes[105]
Xuan 宣帝	Liu Bingyi 劉病已 Liu Xun 劉詢	10 September 74 – 10 January 48 BCE (25 years and 4 months) Era(s) Benshi (本始) 8 February 73 – 24 January 69 BCE Dijie (地節) 25 January 69 – 8 February 65 BCE Yuankang (元康) 9 February 65 – 25 January 61 BCE Shenjue (神爵) 26 January 61 – 10 February 57 BCE Wufeng (五鳳) 11 February 57 – 27 January 53 BCE Ganlu (甘露) 28 January 53 – 12 February 49 BCE Huanglong (黃龍) 13 February 49 – 10 January 48 BCE	Great-grandson Wu	91 – 10 January 48 BCE (aged 43) His reign is sometimes considered a cultural and political 'renaissance'. Died from natural causes[106]
Yuan 元帝	Liu Shi 劉奭	29 January 48 – 3 July 33 BCE (15 years, 5 months and 4 days) Era(s) Chuyuan (初元) 1 February 48 – 5 February 43 BCE Yongguang (永光) 6 February 43 – 10 February 39 BCE Jianzhao (建昭) 11 February 38 – 15 February 34 BCE Jingning (竟寧) 16 February 33 – 3 July 33 BCE	Son of Xuan	75 – 8 July 33 BCE (aged 42) Died from an unknown illness[107]
Cheng 成帝	Liu Ao 劉驁	4 August 33 – 17 April 7 BCE (25 years, 8 months and 13 days) Era(s) Jianshi (建始) 4 February 32 – late 28 BCE Heping (河平) late 28 – 10 August 25 BCE Yangshuo (陽朔) 11 August 25 – 20 February 20 BCE Hongjia (鴻嘉) 21 February 20 – 6 February 17 BCE Yongshi (永始) 7 February 16 – 23 January 13 BCE Yuanyan (元延) 24 January 12 – 8 February 8 BCE Suihe (綏和) 9 February 8 – 17 April 7 BCE	Son of Yuan	51 – 17 April 7 BCE (aged 44) Died from a stroke or possibly complications from an aphrodisiac overdose[108]
Ai 哀帝	Liu Xin 劉欣	7 May 7 – 15 August 1 BCE (6 years, 3 months and 8 days) Era(s) Jianping (建平) 17 February 6 – 2 February 2 BCE Taichu Yuan Jiang (太初元將) 9 July – September 5 BCE Yuanshou (元壽) 3 February 2 – 11 February 1 CE	Grandson of Yuan	27 – 15 August 1 BCE (aged 26) Died from an unknown illness[109]
Ping 平帝	Liu Kan 劉衎	17 October 1 BCE – 3 February 6 CE (6 years, 3 months and 17 days) Era(s) Yuanshi (元始) 12 February 1 CE – 16 February 6 CE	Grandson of Yuan	9 BCE – 3 February 6 CE (aged 14) His reign was dominated by Wang Zhengjun and Wang Mang. He was murdered, possibly by orders from the latter.[110]
None, known as Ruzi Ying (#) 孺子嬰	Liu Ying 劉嬰	17 April 6 – 10 January 9 CE (2 years, 8 months and 24 days) Era(s) Jushe (居攝) 17 February 6 – 27 January 8 CE Chushi (初始) 27 January – 10 January 9 CE	Cousin-once-removed of Ping	5 – 25 CE (aged 20) A child puppet of Wang Mang; often not considered legitimate. He later attempted to succeed the Gengshi Emperor, but was killed by him[111]
Xin dynasty (9–23 CE) [edit] See also: Xin dynasty
—	Wang Mang 王莽	10 January 9 – 6 October 23 CE (14 years, 8 months and 26 days) Era(s) Shijianguo (始建國) 15 January 9 – 19 January 14 CE Tianfeng (天鳳) 20 January 14 – 13 January 20 CE Dihuang (地皇) 14 January 20 – 6 October 23 CE	After dominating the reign of Emperor Ping, Wang Mang overthrew him and established the short-lived Xin dynasty	46 BCE – 6 October 23 CE (aged 68) Established the Xin dynasty, but his drastic reforms incited the Red Eyebrows and Lulin peasant rebellions which collapsed the dynasty. [112]
Gengshi Emperor (23–25 CE) [edit]
None, known by his era: Gengshi (#) 更始帝	Liu Xuan 劉玄	11 March 23 – November 25 CE (2 years and 8 months) Era(s) Gengshi (更始) 10 February 23 – November 25 CE	Descendant of Jing	? – November 25 CE Strangled on the orders of Xie Lu [zh], a leader of the Red Eyebrows. Sometimes considered a pretender and illegitimate[113]
Eastern Han (25–220 CE) [edit] See also: Han dynasty § Eastern Han
Guangwu 光武帝	Liu Xiu 劉秀	5 August 25 – 29 March 57 CE (31 years, 7 months and 24 days) Era(s) Jianwu (建武) 5 August 25 – 13 May 56 CE Jianwezhongyuan (建武中元) 14 May 56 – 12 February 57 CE	Descendant of Jing	15 January 5 BCE – 29 March 57 CE (aged 62) Died of natural causes[114]
Ming 明帝	Liu Yang 劉陽 Liu Zhuang 劉莊	29 March 57 – 5 September 75 CE (18 years, 5 months and 7 days) Era(s) Yongping (永平) 13 February 58 – 23 February 76 CE	Son of Guangwu	28 – 5 September 75 CE (aged 48) Died of natural causes[115]
Zhang 章帝	Liu Da 劉炟	5 September 75 – 9 April 88 CE (12 years, 7 months and 4 days) Era(s) Jianchu (建初) 24 February 76 – 26 January 84 CE Yuanhe (元和) 27 January 84 – 11 September 87 CE Zhanghe (章和) 12 September 87 – 29 April 88 CE	Son of Ming	56 – 9 April 88 CE (aged 32) His reign marked the beginning of the Han's decline. Died of natural causes[116]
He 和帝	Liu Zhao 劉肇	9 April 88 – 13 February 106 CE (17 years, 10 months and 4 days) Era(s) Yongyuan (永元) 30 January 89 – 17 May 105 CE Yuanxing (元興) 18 May 105 – 20 February 106 CE	Son of Zhang	79 – 13 February 106 (aged 27) Died of natural causes[117]
Shang 殤帝	Liu Long 劉隆	13 February – 21 September 106 CE (7 months and 8 days) Era(s) Yanping (延平) 21 February 106 – 9 February 107 CE	Son of He	105 – 21 September 106 (aged 4) Died of natural causes[118]
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) Yongchu (永初) 10 February 107 – 23 February 113 CE Yuanchu (元初) 24 February 114 – 24 May 120 CE Yongning (永寧) 25 May 120 – 30 September 121 CE Jianguang (建光) 1 August 121 – 24 April 122 CE Yanguang (延光) 25 April 122 – 30 April 125 CE	Grandson of Zhang	94 – 30 April 125 (aged 32) Died of natural causes[119]
None, known as Marquess of Beixiang (#) 北鄉侯	Liu Yi 劉懿	18 May – 10 December 125 CE[r] (6 months and 22 days)	Grandson of Emperor Zhang	?–125 CE Briefly reigned, probably as a child; often not considered legitimate. Died of natural causes[120]
Shun 順帝	Liu Bao 劉保	16 December 125 – 20 September 144 (18 years, 9 months and 4 days) Era(s) Yongjian (永建) 10 February 126 – 15 April 132 CE Yangjia (陽嘉) 16 April 132 – 4 March 135 CE Yonghe (永和) 5 March 136 – 25 February 142 CE Han'an (漢安) 26 February 142 – 2 June 144 CE Jiankang (建康) 3 June 144 – 9 February 145 CE	Son of An	115 – 20 September 144 CE (aged 29) Died of natural causes[121]
Chong 沖帝	Liu Bing 劉炳	20 September 144 – 15 February 145 (4 months and 26 days) Era(s) Yongxi (永嘉) 10 February 145 – 29 January 146 CE	Son of Shun	143 – 15 February 145 CE (aged 2) Died of natural causes[122]
Zhi 質帝	Liu Zuan 劉纘	6 March 145 – 26 July 146 (1 year, 4 months and 20 days) Era(s) Benchu (本初) 30 January 146 – 17 February 147 CE	Cousin of Chong and great-grandson of Emperor Zhang	138 – 26 July 146 CE (aged 7–8) His reign was dominated by Liang Ji, who may have poisoned him. Otherwise he died from food poisoning[123]
Huan 桓帝	Liu Zhi 劉志	1 August 146 – 25 January 168 (21 years, 5 months and 24 days) Era(s) Jianhe (建和) 18 February 147 – 14 February 150 CE Heping (和平) 15 February 150 – 18 February 151 CE Yuanjia (元嘉) 19 February 151 – 30 June 153 CE Yongxing (永興) 1 July 153 – 4 March 155 CE Yongshou (永壽) 5 March 155 – 16 July 158 CE Yanxi (延熹) 17 July 158 – 11 July 167 CE Yongkang (永康) 12 July 167 – 16 February 168 CE	Great-grandson of Zhang	132 – 25 January 168 CE (aged 36) Died of natural causes[124]
Ling 靈帝	Liu Hong 劉宏	17 February 168 – 13 May 189 (21 years and 24 days) Era(s) Jianning (建寧) 17 February 168 – 23 June 172 CE Xiping (熹平) 24 June 172 – 25 April 178 CE Guanghe (光和) 26 April 178 – 15 February 185 CE Zhongping (中平) 16 February 184 – 14 May 189 CE	Great-great-grandson of Zhang	156 – 13 May 189 CE (aged 32–33) Died of an unknown illness[125]
Prince of Hongnong (#)   弘農王	Liu Bian 劉辯	15 May – 28 September 189 CE (6 months and 13 days) Era(s) Guingxi (光熹) 15 May – 24 September 189 CE Zhaoning (昭宁) 25–27 September 189 CE	Son of Ling	173/176 – 22 March 190 CE (aged 13–14) Briefly reigned as a child; often not considered legitimate. Poisoned by Dong Zhuo[126]
Xian 獻帝	Liu Xie 劉協	28 September 189 – 11 December 220[s] (31 years, 2 months and 23 days) Era(s) Yonghan (永汉) 28 September 189 – 18 February 190 CE Zhongping (中平) 19–22 February 193 CE Chuping (初平) 23 February 190 – 20 February 194 CE Xingping (兴平) 21 February 194 – 22 February 196 CE Jian'an (建安) 23 February 196 – 20 March 220 CE Yankang (延康) 21 March – 11 December 220 CE	Son of Ling	2 April 181 – 21 April 234 (aged 53) A puppet of Dong Zhuo and later Cao Cao. Forced to abdicate by Cao Pi, but spared. Died of natural causes[127]
Cao Cao is defeated at the Battle of Red Cliffs by Sun Quan and Liu Bei, preventing him from uniting seceded southern Han territory. The region becomes split into three competing powers: Cao Wei, Eastern Wu, and Shu Han.[128]

Cao Wei (曹魏; 220–266)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Cao Pi 曹丕	Emperor Wen 文帝	11 December 220 – 29 June 226 (5 years, 6 months and 18 days) Era(s) Huangchu (黃初) December 220–226	The eldest surviving son of Cao Cao. Inherited what lands the Eastern Han dynasty still controlled to found the Cao Wei state	187 – 29 June 226 (aged 38–39) Died of natural causes[129]
Cao Rui 曹叡	Emperor Ming 明帝	29 June 226 – 22 January 239 (12 years, 6 months and 24 days) Era(s) Taihe (太和) 227–233 Qinglong (青龍) 233–237 Jingchu (景初) 237–239	Son of Cao Pi and grandson of Cao Cao	c. 206 – 22 January 239 (aged 34–35) Died of natural causes[130]
Cao Fang 曹芳	Emperor Shao 少帝 Emperor Fei 廢帝	22 January 239 – 16 October 254 (15 years, 8 months and 24 days) Era(s) Zhengshi (正始) 240 – 7 May 249 Jiaping (嘉平) 8 May 249 – 1 November 254	Adopted heir by Cao Rui, who had no sons of his own. He was presumably related to the imperial family in some way	231–274 (aged 42–43) His reign was completely dominated by Cao Shuang, Sima Yi and Sima Shi, the latter of which eventually deposed Cao Fang. Died of natural causes[131]
Cao Mao 曹髦	Duke of Gaogui District 高貴鄉公	2 November 254 – 2 June 260 (5 years and 7 months) Era(s) Zhengyuan (正元) 2 November 254 – 9 July 256 Ganlu (甘露) 10 July 256 – 13 July 260	The cousin of Cao Fang and grandson of Cao Pi. Put on the throne by Sima Shi	c. 241 – 9 July 260 (aged 18–19) His reign was completely dominated by Sima Shi and Sima Zhao. Died in a failed coup to regain power from Sima Zhao[132]
Cao Huan 曹奐	Emperor Yuan 元皇帝	27 July 260 – 4 February 266 (5 years, 6 months and 8 days) Era(s) Jingyuan (景元) 8 July 260 – June 264 Xianxi (咸熙) June 264 – 4 February 266	Grandson of Cao Cao and the first cousin once-removed of Cao Mao	245–302 (aged 56–57) His reign was completely dominated by Sima Zhao and Sima Yan. Died of natural causes[133]

Shu Han (蜀漢; 221–263)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Bei 劉備	Emperor Zhaolie 昭烈皇帝	15 May 221 – 10 June 223 (2 years and 26 days) Era(s) Zhangwu (章武) 221–223	Claimed to descend from Emperor Jing of Han. Conquered the Yi Province to found the Shu Han state	161 – 10 June 223 (aged 61–62) Died of natural causes[134]
Liu Shan 劉禪	Emperor Xiaohuai 孝懷皇帝	June 223 – December 263 (40 years and 6 months) Era(s) Jianxing (建興) 223–237 Yanxi (延熙) 238–257 Jingyao (景耀) 258–263 Yanxing (炎興) 263	The son of Liu Bei	207–271 (aged 63–64) Abdicated after the fall on the Shu capital of Chengdu in 263.[135]

Eastern Wu (東吳; 222–280)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Sun Quan 孫權	Emperor Da 大皇帝	23 May 229 – May 252 (22 years, 11 months and 8 days) Era(s) Huangwu (黃武) 222–229 Huanglong (黃龍) 229–231 Jiahe (嘉禾) 232–238 Chiwu (赤烏) 238–251 Taiyuan (太元) 251–252 Shenfeng (神鳳) 252	The son of Sun Jian; inherited the conquests of his brother Sun Ce. Proclaimed "King of Wu" in 221 and later "Emperor" in 229	182–252 (aged 69–70) Died of natural causes[136]
Sun Liang 孫亮	Emperor Fei 吳廢帝	May 252 – 9 November 258 (6 years, 6 months and 8 days) Era(s) Jianxing (建興) 252–253 Wufeng (五鳳) 254–256 Taiping (太平) 256–258	Son of Sun Quan	243–260 (aged 16–17) His reign was completely dominated by three successive regents: Zhuge Ke, Sun Jun and Sun Chen. He was later deposed and died of natural causes[137]
Sun Xiu 孫休	Emperor Jing 景皇帝	30 November 258 – 3 September 264 (5 years, 11 months and 4 days) Era(s) Yongan (永安) 258–264	Son of Sun Quan	235–264 (aged 28–29) Died of natural causes[137]
Sun Hao 孫皓	Emperor Mo 末帝	3 September 264 – 1 May 280 (15 years, 5 months and 28 days) Era(s) Yuanxing (元興) 264–265 Ganlu (甘露) 265–266 Baoding (寶鼎) 266–269 Jianheng (建衡) 269–271 Fenghuang (鳳凰) 272–274 Tiance (天冊) 275–276 Tianxi (天璽) 276 Tianji (天紀) 277–280	Son of Sun He, former heir apparent to Sun Quan	241–283 (aged 41–42) Eastern Wu was conquered by Sima Yan in 280. Died of natural causes[138]

Jin dynasty (晉朝; 266–420)^[139]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Western Jin (266–316) [edit] See also: Jin dynasty (266–420) § Western Jin
Emperor Wu 晉武帝	Sima Yan 司馬炎	8 February 266 – 16 May 290 (24 years, 4 months and 8 days) Era(s) Taishi (泰始) 266–274 Xianning (咸寧) 275–280 Taikang (太康) 280–289 Taixi (太熙) 290	Son of Prince Sima Zhao, proclaimed emperor after the abdication of Cao Huan of Wei. He unified China after conquering Eastern Wu in 280	236–290 (aged 53–54) Died of natural causes[140]
Emperor Hui 晉惠帝	Sima Zhong 司馬衷	16 May 290 – 8 January 307 (16 years, 7 months and 23 days) Era(s) Yongxi (永熙) 290 Yongping (永平) 291 Yuankang (元康) 291–299 Yongkang (永康) 300–301 Yongning (永寧) 301–302 Taian (太安) 302–303 Yongan (永安) 304 Jianwu (建武) 304 Yongan (永安) 304 Yongxing (永興) 305–306 Guangxi (光熙) 306	Son of Emperor Wu, ruled under the regency of his wife, Jia Nanfeng, until her death in 300 CE	259–307 (aged 47–48) Possibly mentally unstable, his reign was marked by the disastrous War of the Eight Princes. He was poisoned by Sima Yue[141]
—	Sima Lun 司馬倫	3 February – 30 May 301 (3 months and 27 days) Era(s) Jianshi (建始) 301	Prince of Zhao and son of Sima Yi, briefly usurped power from Emperor Hu	One of the infamous Eight Princes; often seen as an usurper. He was forced to commit suicide by Princes Jiong, Ying and Yong[142]
Emperor Huai 晉懷帝	Sima Chi 司馬熾	8 January 307 – 14 March 311 (4 years, 2 months and 6 days) Era(s) Yongjia (永嘉) 307–313	Younger brother of Emperor Hui	284–313 (aged 30–31) His reign, dominated by Sima Yue, saw widespread ethnic rebellions. He was deposed and killed by the Han-Zhao[143]
Emperor Min 晉愍帝	Sima Ye 司馬鄴	14 March 313 – 7 February 316 (2 years, 10 months and 24 days) Era(s) Jianxing (建興) 313–317	Nephew of Emperor Huai, proclaimed emperor in Chang'an after the fall of Luoyang to the Five Barbarians.	300 – 7 February 316 (aged 15–16) Killed by Liu Cong of Han-Zhao[144]
Eastern Jin (318–420) [edit] See also: Jin dynasty (266–420) § Eastern Jin
Emperor Yuan 晉元帝	Sima Rui 司馬睿	26 April 318 – 3 January 323 (4 years, 8 months and 8 days) Era(s) Jianwu (建武) 317–318 Taixing (太興) 318–322 Yongchang (永昌) 322–323	Great-grandson of Sima Yi, proclaimed himself emperor with the help of Wang Dun in Jiankang after the fall of Chang'an.	276 – 323 (aged 47) Died of natural causes[145]
Emperor Ming 晉明帝	Sima Shao 司馬紹	3 January 323 – 18 October 325 (2 years, 9 months and 15 days) Era(s) Taining (太寧) 323–326	Son of Emperor Yuan	299 – 325 (aged 26) His reign was dominated by Wang Dao and antagonized by Wang Dun. Died of natural causes[146]
Emperor Cheng 晉成帝	Sima Yan 司馬衍	19 October 325 – 26 July 342 (16 years, 9 months and 7 days) Era(s) Xianhe (咸和) 326–335 Xiankang (咸康) 335–342	Son of Emperor Ming, ruled initially under the regency of Yu Wenjun	321 – 342 (aged 21) Dominated by Yu Liang, he was briefly deposed in 328 by rebel Su Jun. Died of natural causes[147]
Emperor Kang 晉康帝	Sima Yue 司馬岳	27 July 342 – 17 November 344 (2 years, 3 months and 21 days) Era(s) Jianyuan (建元) 343–344	Son of Emperor Ming	322 – 344 (aged 22) Died of natural causes[148]
Emperor Mu 晉穆帝	Sima Dan 司馬聃	18 November 344 – 10 July 361 (16 years, 7 months and 22 days) Era(s) Yonghe (永和) 345–357 Shengping (升平) 357–361	Son of Emperor Kang, "ruled" under the regency of Empress Dowager Chu until 357	343 – 361 (aged 18) The youngest Chinese emperor.[t] Died of natural causes[149]
Emperor Ai 晉哀帝	Sima Pi 司馬丕	13 July 361 – 30 March 365 (3 years, 8 months and 17 days) Era(s) Longhe (隆和) 362–363 Xingning (興寧) 363–365	Son of Emperor Cheng, reigned alongside Empress Dowager Chu	341 – 365 (aged 24) Died of drug poisoning[150]
none, known as: Emperor Fei[u] 晉廢帝	Sima Yi 司馬奕	31 March 365 – 6 January 372 (6 years, 9 months and 6 days) Era(s) Taihe (太和) 366–372	Son of Emperor Cheng	342 – 386 (aged 44) Deposed by Huan Wen, later dying of natural causes[152]
Emperor Jianwen 晉簡文帝	Sima Yu 司馬昱	6 January – 19 August 372 (7 months and 13 days) Era(s) Xianan (咸安) 372	Son of Emperor Yuan and great-great-grandson of Sima Yi, enthroned by Huan Wen	320 – 372 (aged 52) Died of natural causes[153]
Emperor Xiaowu 晉孝武帝	Sima Yao 司馬曜	19 August 372 – 6 November 396 (24 years, 2 months and 18 days) Era(s) Ningkang (寧康) 373–376 Taiyuan (太元) 376–397	Son of Emperor Jianwen	362 – 396 (aged 34) His army's defeat of the Former Qin army at the Battle of Fei River led to the eventual collapse of the Former Qin. Killed by a jealous concubine[154]
Emperor An 晉安帝	Sima Dezong 司馬德宗	7 November 396 – 28 January 419 (22 years, 2 months and 21 days) Era(s) Longan (隆安) 397–402 Yuanxing (元興) 402–405 Yixi (義熙) 405–419	Son of Emperor Xiaowu	382/3 – 419 (aged 36–37) Dominated by Sima Daozi, Huan Xuan and Liu Yu, he was killed by the latter[155]
Emperor Gong 晉恭帝	Sima Dewen 司馬德文	28 January 419 – 5 July 420 (1 year, 5 months and 7 days) Era(s) Yuanxi (元熙) 419–420	Son of Emperor Xiaowu	386 – 12 November 421 (aged 35) Abdicated in favor of Liu Yu (Emperor Wu of Song), later assassinated[156]

Cheng Han (成漢; 304–347)^[157]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Xiong 李雄	Emperor Wu 武皇帝	304–334 (29–30 years) Era(s) Jianxing (建興) 304–306 Yanping (晏平) 306–311 Yuheng (玉衡) 311–334	Son of rebel Li Te, proclaimed himself King in 304 and then Emperor in 306	274–334 (aged 59–60) Died of disease[158]
Li Ban 李班	Emperor Ai 哀皇帝	334 (less than a year)	Nephew of Li Xiong	274–334 (aged 59–60) Killed by Li Qi[159]
Li Qi 李期	Duke You 幽公	334–338 (3–4 years) Era(s) Yuheng (玉恆) 335–338	Son of Li Xiong	314–338 (aged 23–24) Committed suicide[160]
Li Shou 李壽	Emperor Xiaowen 昭文皇帝	338–343 (4–5 years) Era(s) Hanxing (漢興) 338–344	Nephew of Li Te, usurped power from Li Qi and renamed the state from "Cheng” to “Han”	300–343 (aged 42–43) Died of natural causes[160]
Li Shi 李勢	Marquess of Guiyi 歸義侯	343–347 (3–4 years) Era(s) Taihe (太和) 343–346 Jianing (嘉寧) 346–347	Son of Li Shou	Abdicated to Huan Wen after the fall of Cheng in 347. Died of natural causes in 361 in the Eastern Jin capital[160]

Han-Zhao (漢趙; 304–319) / Former Zhao (前趙; 319–329)^[161]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Yuan 劉淵	Emperor Guangwen 光文皇帝	304–310 (5–6 years) Era(s) Yuanxi (元熙) 304–308 Yongfeng (永鳳) 308–309 Herui (河瑞) 309–310	Rebelled against the Jin dynasty. Proclaimed himself King of Han in 304 and Emperor in 308	c.  250–310 (aged approx. 60) Died of natural causes[162]
Liu He 劉和	–	310 (less than a year)	Son of Liu Yuan	Killed by his brother Liu Cong[163]
Liu Cong 劉聰	Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝	310–318 (7–8 years) Era(s) Guangxing (光興) 310–311 Jiaping (嘉平) 311–315 Jianyuan (建元) 315–316 Linjia (麟嘉) 316–318	Son of Liu Yuan	Died of natural causes in 318[163]
Liu Can 劉粲	Emperor Yin 隱皇帝	318 (less than a year)	Son of Liu Cong	Killed by officer Jin Zhun in 318[163]
Liu Yao 劉曜	–	318–329 (10–11 years) Era(s) Guangchu (光初) 318–329	Nephew of Liu Yuan, changed the dynastic title from "Han" to "Zhao"	Ended the Western Jin in 316. Captured and killed by Shi Le of Later Zhao[162]

Later Zhao (後趙; 319–351)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Shi Le 石勒	Emperor Ming 明皇帝	319–333 (13–14 years) Era(s) Zhaowang (趙王) 319–328 Taihe (太和) 328–330 Jianping (建平) 330–333	Rebelled with Ji Sang during the War of the Eight Princes. Proclaimed himself King of Zhao in 319 and then Emperor in 330	374–333 (aged 58–59) Ended the Former Zhao in 329. Died of natural causes[164]
Shi Hong 石弘	–	333–334 (0–1 years) Era(s) Yanxi (延熙) 334	Son of Shi Le	313–334 (aged 20–21) Deposed and killed by Shi Hu[164]
Shi Hu 石虎	Emperor Wu 武皇帝	334–349 (14–15 years) Era(s) Jianwu (建武) 335–349 Taining (太寧) 349	Nephew of Shi Le, usurped power from Shi Hong in 334. Ruled as Heavenly King until 349	295–349 (aged 53–54) Died of natural causes[164]
Shi Shi 石世	–	349 (less than a year)	Son of Shi Hu	339–349 (aged 9–10) Murdered[164]
Shi Zun 石遵	–	349 (less than a year)	Son of Shi Hu	Killed by Ran Min[164]
Shi Jian 石鑒	–	349–350 (0–1 years) Era(s) Qinglong (青龍) 350	Son of Shi Hu, enthroned by Ran Min	Killed by Ran Min[164]
Shi Zhi 石祇	–	350–351 (0–1 years) Era(s) Yongning (永寧) 350–351	Son of Shi Hu	Gave up the imperial title in 351, later killed by a subordinate officer[164]

Former Liang (前涼; 320–376)^[165]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Zhang Mao 張茂	Duke Cheng 成公	320–324 (3–4 years)	Son of governor Zhang Gui	377–324 (aged 52–53) Made vassal of Former Zhao in 323. Died of natural causes[166]
Zhang Jun 張駿	Duke Zhongcheng 忠成公	324–346 (21–22 years)	Son of governor Zhang Shi	307–346 (aged 38–39) Died of natural causes[167]
Zhang Chonghua 張重華	Duke Huan 桓公	346–353 (6–7 years)	Son of Zhang Jun, didn't assume the dynastic title until 349	327–353 (aged 25–26) Died of natural causes[168]
Zhang Yaoling 張曜靈	Duke Ai 哀公	353 (less than a year)	Son of Zhang Chonghua	344–355 (aged 25–26) Killed by Zhang Zuo[167]
Zhang Zuo 張祚	King Wei 威王	354–355 (0–1 years) Era(s) Heping (和平) 354–355	Son of Zhang Jun	Discontinued the use of Western Jin era names before being killed in 355[167]
Zhang Xuanjing 張玄靚	Duke Chong 沖公	355–363 (7–8 years) Era(s) Taishi (太始) 355–356	Son of Zhang Chonghua	350–363 (aged 12–13) Killed by Zhang Tianxi[167]
Zhang Tianxi 張天錫	Duke Dao 沖公	363–376 (12–13 years) Era(s) Taiqing (太清) 363–376	Son of Zhang Jun	346–406 (aged 59–60) Surrendered to the Former Qin, later dying of natural causes in Eastern Jin[167]

Former Yan (前燕; 337–370)^[169]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Murong Huang 慕容皝	Emperor Wenming 文明皇帝	337–348 (10–11 years)	Son of governor Murong Hui, proclaimed himself Prince of Yan in 337. Remained loyal to the Jin	297–348 (aged 50–51) Died of natural causes[170]
Murong Jun 慕容儁	Emperor Jingzhao 景昭皇帝	348–360 (11–12 years) Era(s) Yuanxi (元璽) 353–357 Guangshou (光壽) 357–360	Son of Murong Huang, proclaimed himself Emperor in 352	319–360 (aged 38–39) Died of natural causes[167]
Murong Wei 慕容暐	Emperor You 幽皇帝	360–370 (9–10 years) Era(s) Jianxi (建熙) 360–370	Son of Murong Jun, ruled under the regency of Murong Ping	350–384 (aged 33–34) Captured by Former Qin in 370, executed by Fu Jiān in 384 after a failed coup[168]

Former Qin (前秦; 351–394)^[171]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Fu Jiàn 苻健	Emperor Jingming 景明皇帝	351–355 (3–4 years) Era(s) Huangshi (皇始) 351–355	Son of Prince Hong, leader of the Di. Proclaimed Heavenly King and Great Chanyu after Hong's murder in 351, became Emperor in 352	307 or 317–355 (aged 48 or 38) Died of natural causes[172]
Fu Sheng 苻生	Prince Li 厲王	355–357 (1–2 years) Era(s) Shouguang (壽光) 355–357	Son of Fu Jiàn	335–357 (aged 22) Killed by his cousin[172]
Fu Jiān 苻堅	Emperor Xuanzhao 宣昭皇帝	357–385 (27–28 years) Era(s) Yongxing (永興) 357–359 Ganlu (甘露) 359–364 Jian yuan (建元) 365–385	Grandson of Fu Hong, ruled as Heavenly King	338–385 (aged 47) Conquered Former Yan, Former Liang, and Dai. Killed by Yao Chang.[172]
Fu Pi 苻丕	Emperor Aiping 哀平皇帝	385–386 (0–1 years) Era(s) Taian (太安) 385–386	Son of Fu Jiān	Defeated by Murong Yong of Western Yan, later killed by the Eastern Jin army[172]
Fu Deng 苻登	Emperor Gao 高皇帝	386–394 (7–8 years) Era(s) Taichu (太初) 386–394	Grandnephew of Fu Jiān	343–394 (aged 51) Killed by Yao Xing of Later Qin[172]
Fu Chong 苻崇	–	394 (less than a year) Era(s) Yanchu (延初) 394	Son of Fu Deng	Killed by Qifu Qiangui of Western Qin[172]

Later Yan (後燕; 384–409)^[169]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Murong Chui 慕容垂	Emperor Wucheng 成武皇帝	384–396 (11–12 years) Era(s) Jianxing (建興) 386–396	Son of Prince Murong Huang of Former Yan, reestablished his kingdom after the Battle of Fei River	326–396 (aged 70) Conquered Western Yan in 394[173]
Murong Bao 慕容寶	Emperor Huimin 惠愍皇帝	396–398 (1–2 years) Era(s) Yongkang (永康) 396–398	Son of Murong Chui	355–398 (aged 43) Killed by the usurper Lan Han[173]
Murong Sheng 慕容盛	Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝	398–401 (2–3 years) Era(s) Jianping (建平) 398 Changle (長樂) 399–401	Son of Murong Bao, came to power after killing Lan Han	373–401 (aged 28) Killed by general Duan Ji[173]
Murong Xi 慕容熙	Emperor Zhaowen 昭文皇帝	401–407 (5–6 years) Era(s) Guangshi (光始) 401–406 Jianshi (建始) 407	Son of Murong Chui	385–407 (aged 22) Killed by Feng Ba[173]

Later Qin (後秦; 384–417)^[171]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Yao Chang 姚萇	Emperor Wuzhao 武昭皇帝	384–393 (8–9 years) Era(s) Baique (白雀) 384–386 Jianchu (建初) 386–393	Proclaimed King after the Battle of Fei River, then Emmperor after killing Fu Jiān of Former Qin	343–394 (aged 51) Died of natural causes[174]
Yao Xing 姚興	Emperor Wenhuan 文桓皇帝	394–416 (21–22 years) Era(s) Huangchu (皇初) 394–399 Hongshi (弘始) 399–416	Son of Yao Chang	366–416 (aged 50) Conquered Former Qin and Later Liang. Favored Buddhism and Taoism.[174]
Yao Hong 姚泓	–	416–417 (0–1 years) Era(s) Yonghe (永和) 416–417	Son of Yao Xing	388–417 (aged 29) Executed by the Eastern Jin[174]

Western Qin (西秦; 385–400, 409–431)^[171]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Qifu Guoren 乞伏國仁	Prince Xuanlie 宣烈王	385–388 (2–3 years) Era(s) Jianyi (建義) 385–388	Former general of Former Qin	Died of natural causes[175]
Qifu Gangui 乞伏乾歸	Prince Wuyuan 武元王	388–412 (23–24 years) Era(s) Taichu (太初) 388–400 Gengshi (更始) 409–412	Younger brother of Qifu Guoren	Surrendered to Later Qin in 400, reclaimed the throne in 409. Killed by his nephew[175]
Qifu Chipan 乞伏熾磐	Prince Wenzhao 文昭王	412–428 (15–16 years) Era(s) Yongkang (永康) 412–419 Jianhong (建弘) 419–428	Son of Qifu Gangui	Conquered Southern Liang in 414[175]
Qifu Mumo 乞伏暮末	–	428–431 (2–3 years) Era(s) Yonghong (永弘) 428–431	Son of Qifu Chipan	Killed by the Xia[175]

Later Liang (後涼; 386–403)^[176]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Lü Guang 呂光	Emperor Yiwu 懿武皇帝	386–399 (12–13 years) Era(s) Taian (太安) 386–389 Linjia (麟嘉) 389–396 Longfei (龍飛) 396–400	Former general of Former Qin, proclaimed himself Duke of Jiuquan in 386 and Heavenly King in 396	337–399 (aged 19) Abdicated in favor of his son[177]
Lü Shao 呂紹	Prince Yin 隱王	399 (less than a year)	Son of Lü Guang	Forced to commit suicide by his brother[177]
Lü Zuan 呂纂	Emperor Ling 靈皇帝	399–401 (1–2 years) Era(s) Xianning (咸寧) 400–401	Son of Lü Guang	Killed by Lü Chao, Guang's nephew[177]
Lü Long 呂隆	–	401–403 (1–2 years) Era(s) Shending (神鼎) 401–403	Nephew of Lü Guang	Killed by Yao Hong of Later Qin[177]

Southern Liang (南涼; 397–414)^[178]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Tufa Wugu 禿髮烏孤	Prince Wu 武王	397–399 (1–2 years) Era(s) Taichu (太初) 397–400	Proclaimed himself Great Chanyu	Died of natural causes[179]
Tufa Lilugu 禿髮利鹿孤	Prince Kang 康王	399–402 (2–3 years) Era(s) Jianhe (建和) 400–402	Elder brother of Tufa Wugu	Died of natural causes[179]
Tufa Rutan 禿髮傉檀	Prince Jing 景王	402–414 (11–12 years) Era(s) Hongchang (弘昌) 402–404 Jiaping (嘉平) 409–414	Elder brother Tufa Lilugu	364–415 (aged 51) Captured and killed by Western Qin[179]

Northern Liang (北涼; 397–439)^[169]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Duan Ye 段業	–	397–401 (3–4 years) Era(s) Shenxi (神璽) 397–399 Tianxi (天璽) 399–401	Governor of Later Liang, proclaimed himself Prince of Liang in 397	Killed by Juqu Mengxun[180]
Juqu Mengxun 沮渠蒙遜	–	401–433 (31–32 years) Era(s) Yongan (永安) 401–412 Xuanshi (玄始) 412–428 Chengxuan (承玄) 428–430 Yihe (義和) 430–433	Former ally of Duan Ye, proclaimed himself Duke of Zhangye	Conquered Western Liang in 421[181]
Juqu Mujian 沮渠牧犍	Prince Ai 哀王	433–439 (5–6 years) Era(s) Shenxi (神璽) 397–399 Yonghe (永和) 433–439	Son of Juqu Mengxun	Defeated by Northern Wei, later forced to commit suicide in 449 for sedition[181]

Southern Yan (南燕; 398–410)^[169]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Murong De 慕容德	Emperor Xianwu 武昭皇帝	398–405 (6–7 years) Era(s) Jianping (建平) 400–405	Younger brother of Murong Chui of Later Yan, declared himself Prince in 398 and then Emperor in 400	336–405 (aged 69) Captured and killed by Western Qin[182]
Murong Chao 慕容超	–	405–410 (4–5 years) Era(s) Taishang (太上) 405–410	Uncertain succession	385–410 (aged 25) Captured and killed by Eastern Jin[182]

Western Liang (西涼; 400–421)^[178]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Gao 李暠	Prince Wuzhao 武昭王	400–417 (16–17 years) Era(s) Gengzi (庚子) 400–405 Jianchu (建初) 406–417	Governor of Dunhuang under Duan Ye of Northern Liang, declared himself Duke	351–417 (aged 66) Died of natural causes[183]
Li Xin 李歆	–	417–420 (2–3 years) Era(s) Jiaxing (嘉興) 417–420	Son of Li Gao	Killed by Juqu Mengxun of Northern Liang[184]
Li Xun 李恂	–	420–421 (0–1 years) Era(s) Yongjian (永建): 420–421	Son of Li Gao	Committed suicide after the fall of Dunhuang[184]

Helian Xia (胡夏; 407–431)^[171]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Helian Bobo 赫連勃勃	Emperor Wulie 武烈皇帝	407–425 (17–18 years) Era(s) Longsheng (龍升) 407–413 Fengxiang (鳳翔) 413–418 Changwu (昌武) 418–419 Zhenxing (真興) 419–425	Subordinate of Yao Xing of Later Qin, declared himself Heavenly King in 407 and then Emperor at Chang'an in 418	381–425 (aged 44) Died of natural causes[185]
Helian Chang 赫連昌	–	425–428 (2–3 years) Era(s) Chengguang (承光) 425–428	Son of Helian Bobo	Executed by Northern Wei in 434[185]
Helian Ding 赫連定	–	428–431 (2–3 years) Era(s) Shengguang (勝光): 428–431	Son of Helian Bobo	Executed by Tuyuhun in 432[185]

Northern Yan (北燕; 407–436)^[169]

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Gao Yun 高雲	Emperor Huiyi 惠懿皇帝	407–409 (1–2 years) Era(s) Zhengshi (正始) 407–409	Adopted son of Murong Bao or Later Yan, proclaimed Heavenly King by Feng Ba	Killed by his underlings[185]
Feng Ba 馮跋	Emperor Wencheng 文成皇帝	409–430 (20–21 years) Era(s) Taiping (太平) 409–430	Seized power after Yun's death	Died of natural causes[186]
Feng Hong 馮弘	Emperor Zhaocheng 昭成皇帝	430–436 (5–6 years) Era(s) Daxing (大興) 431–436	Younger brother of Feng Ba	Defeated by Northern Wei, later murdered in Goguryeo[185]

Northern Wei (北魏; 386–535)^[187]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Daowu 道武皇帝	Tuoba Gui 拓拔珪	20 February 386 – 409 Era(s) Dengguo (登國) 386–396 Huangshi (皇始) 396–398 Tianxing (天興) 398–404 Tianci (赤烏)404–409	Leader of the Tuoba, refounded the Dai State as Wei	371–409 (aged 39) Killed by his son Tuoba Shao[188]
Emperor Mingyuan 明元皇帝	Tuoba Si 拓拔嗣	409–423 Era(s) Yongxing (永興) 409–413 Shenrui (神瑞) 414–416 Taichang (泰常) 416–423	Son of Emperor Daowu	392–423 (aged 31) Died of disease[188]
Emperor Taiwu 太武皇帝	Tuoba Tao 拓拔燾	423–452 Era(s) Shiguang (始光) 424–428 Shenjia (神䴥) 428–431 Yanhe (延和) 432–434 Taiyan (太延) 435–440 Taipingzhenjun (太平真君) 440–451 Zhengping (正平) 451–452	Son of Emperor Mingyuan	408–452 (aged 43–44) Conquered Xia, Northern Yan and Liang. Killed by eunuch Zong Ai[188]
Tuoba Yu 拓拔余	Tuoba Yu 拓拔余	452 Era(s) Chengping(承平)	Son of Taiwu. Put on the throne by eunuch Zong Ai	Killed by Zong Ai[189]
Emperor Wencheng 文成皇帝	Tuoba Jun 拓拔濬	452–465 Era(s) Xing'an (興安) 452–454 Xingguang (興光) 454–455 Tai'an (太安) 455–459 Heping (和平) 460–465	Grandson of Taiwu. Ascended to the throne after the murder of Zong.	440–465 (aged 24–25) Died of natural causes[190]
Emperor Xianwen 獻文皇帝	Tuoba Hong 拓拔弘	465–471 Era(s) Tianan (天安) 466–467 Huangxin (皇興) 467–471	Son of Wencheng	454–476 (aged 21–22) Abdicated in favor of his son Yuan Hong, later dying of natural causes[191]
Emperor Xiaowen 孝文皇帝	Tuoba Hong 拓拔宏 Yuan Hong 元宏	471–499 Era(s) Yanxing (延興) 471–476 Chengming (承明) 476 Taihe (太和) 477–499	Son of Xianwen, ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Feng until 470.	467–499 (aged 31–32) One of the most significant reformers in medieval China. Died of natural causes[192]
Emperor Xuanwu 宣武皇帝	Yuan Ke 元恪	499–515 Era(s) Jingming (景明) 500–503 Zhengshi (正始) 504–508 Yongping (永平) 508–512 Yanchang (延昌) 512–515	Son of Xiaowen	483–515 (aged 31–32) His reign marked the decline of Wei[193]
Emperor Xiaoming 孝明皇帝	Yuan Xu 元詡	515–528 Era(s) Xiping (熙平) 516–518 Shengui (神龜) 518–520 Zhengguang (正光) 520–525 Xiaochang (孝昌) 525–527 Wutai (武泰) 528	Son of Xuanwu	510–528 (aged 17–18) Killed in a power struggle against Empress Dowager Hu[194]
None, known as Youzhu of Northern Wei 北魏幼主	Yuan Zhao 元釗	528	Enthroned by Empress Dowager Hu	526–528 (aged 2) Killed by general Erzhu Rong[195]
Emperor Xiaozhuang 孝莊皇帝	Yuan Ziyou 元子攸	528–530 Era(s) Jianyi (建義) 528 Yongan (永安) 528-530	Enthroned by Erzhu Rong	507–early 531 (aged 24) Killed by general Erzhu Zhao[196]
Yuan Ye 元曄	Yuan Ye 元曄	530–531 Era(s) Jianming (建明) 530–531	Enthroned by the Erzhu Clan in opposition to Xiaozhuang	Executed in 532[197]
Emperor Jiemin 節閔皇帝	Yuan Gong 元恭	531–532 Era(s) Putai (普泰) 531–532	Enthroned by Erzhu Shilong	498–532 (aged 33–34) Deposed and executed by Gao Huan[198]
Yuan Lang 元朗	Yuan Lang 元朗	531–532 Era(s) Zhongxing (中興) 531–532	Enthroned by Gao Huan	513–532 (aged 19–18) Deposed and executed by Gao Huan[198]
Emperor Xiaowu 節閔皇帝	Yuan Xiu 元脩	532–535 Era(s) Taichang (太昌) 532 Yongxing (永興) 532 Yongxi (永熙) 532–534	Enthroned by Gao Huan	510–early 535 (aged 25) Fled to Chang’an, where he was poisoned by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou[199]

Eastern Wei (东魏; 534–550)^[200]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Xiaojing 孝靜皇帝	Yuan Shanjian 元善見	534–550 Era(s) Tianping (登國) 534–537 Yuanxiang (皇始) 538–539 Xinghe (天興) 539–542 Wuding (赤烏) 543–550	Enthroned by Gao Huan	524–552 (aged 27–28) Forced to abdicate and later poisoned by Gao Yang[201]

Northern Qi (北齐; 550–577)^[200]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wenxuan 文宣皇帝	Gao Yang 高洋	550–559 Era(s) Tianbao (天保)	Regent of Eastern Wei, proclaimed himself emperor after deposing Emperor Xiaojing	529–559 (aged 29–30) Supposedly suffered insanity in his late reign. Died of natural causes[202]
Emperor Fei 孝靜皇帝	Gao Yin 高殷	559–560 Era(s) Qianming (乾明)	Son of Emperor Wenxuan, enthroned by official Yang Yin	545–561 (aged 15–16) Forced to abdicate by his uncles Gao Yan and Gao Zhan, later executed[202]
Emperor Xiaozhao 孝昭皇帝	Gao Yan 高演	560–561 Era(s) Huangjian (登國)	Son of Gao Huan, seized power through a palace coup	535–559 (aged 25–26) Died of natural causes[202]
Emperor Wucheng 武成皇帝	Gao Zhan 高湛	561–565 Era(s) Taining (太寧) 561–562 Heqing (河清) 562–565	Brother of Xiaozhao	537–569 (aged 31–32) Abdicated in favor of his son, later dying of natural causes[203]
Gao Wei 高緯	Gao Wei 高緯	565–577 Era(s) Tiantong (天統) 565–569 Wǔpíng (河清) 570–576 Longhua (隆化) 576	Son of Wucheng, ruled under his father's regency until 569	557–577 (aged 19–20) Abdicated in favor of his son, later killed by Northern Zhou[204]
Gao Heng 高恆	Gao Heng 高恆	577 Era(s) Chengguang (承光)	Son of Gao Wei	557–577 (aged 19–20) Abdicated in favor of his uncle Gao Jie, but was soon killed alongside him[205]

Western Wei (西魏; 535–557)^[200]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wen 文皇帝	Yuan Baoyu 元寶炬	535–551 Era(s) Datong (大統) 535–551	Grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei	507–551 (aged 43–44) Killed by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou[206]
Emperor Fei 廢帝	Yuan Qin 元欽	551–554	Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai	Poisoned to death by Yuwen Tai[206]
Emperor Gong 恭皇帝	Yuan Kuo 元廓	554–556	Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai	537–557 (aged 19–20) Abdicated in favor of Yuwen Jue, Tai's son. Killed shortly after[206]

Northern Zhou (北周; 557–581)^[207]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Xiaomin 孝閔皇帝	Yuwen Jue 宇文覺	557	Son of Yuwen Tai, proclaimed himself Heavenly King under Yuwen Hu's patronage and refounded the Northern Wei State as Zhou	542–557 (aged 14–15) Poisoned to death after a failed coup against Yuwen Hu[208]
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Yuwen Yu 宇文毓	557–560 Era(s) Wucheng (武成) 559–560	Son of Yuwen Tai, ruled alongside Yuwen Hu	534–560 (aged 25–26) Poisoned to death by Yuwen Hu[209]
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Yuwen Yong 宇文邕	561–578 Era(s) Baoding (保定) 561–565 Tianhe (河清) 565–572 Jiande (隆化) 572–578 Xuanzheng (隆化) 578	Son of Yuwen Tai, sole ruler after deposing Yuwen Hu in 572	543–578 (aged 34–35) Died of natural causes[209]
Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝	Yuwen Yun 宇文贇	578–579 Era(s) Dacheng (大成) 579	Son of Yuwen Yong	559–580 (aged 34–35) He neglected government and abdicated in favor of his son[209]
Emperor Jing 靜皇帝	Yuwen Yan 宇文衍 Yuwen Chan 宇文闡	579–581 Era(s) Daxiang (大象) 579–581 Dading (大定) 581	Son of Yuwen Yun	573–581 (aged 7–8) Killed by officer Yang Jian, the future Emperor Wen of Sui[209]

Liu Song dynasty (劉宋, 420–479)^[210]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Liu Yu 劉裕	420–422 (1–2 years) Era(s) Yongchu (永初)	Proclaimed himself emperor after defeating Huan Xuan of Jin in 404, conquering Southern Yan in 410 and taking Later Qin in 417.	363–422 (aged 58–59) Died of natural causes[211]
Emperor Shao 少帝	Liu Yifu 劉義符	422–424 (1–2 years) Era(s) Jingping (景平) 423–424	Son of Emperor Wu	406–424 (aged 17–18) Killed by officer Xu Xianzhi[212]
Emperor Wen 文皇帝	Liu Yilong 劉義隆	424–453 (28–29 years) Era(s) Yuanjia (元嘉) 424–453	Son of Emperor Wu	407–453 (aged 45–46) Killed by his son[213]
Liu Shao 劉劭	Liu Shao 劉劭	453 (less than a year) Era(s) Taichu (太初) 453	Son of Emperor Wen	c. 426–453 (aged c. 27) Killed by his brother[214]
Emperor Xiaowu 孝武皇帝	Liu Jun 劉駿	453–464 (10–11 years) Era(s) Xiaojian (孝建) 454–456 Daming (大明) 457–464	Son of Emperor Wen	430–464 (aged 13–14) Died of natural causes[215]
Emperor Qianfei 前廢帝	Liu Ziye 劉子業	464–465 (0–1 years) Era(s) Yongguang (永光) 456 Jinghe (景和) 456	Son of Emperor Xiaowu	449–465 (aged 15–16) Killed in a conspiracy[216]
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Liu Yu 劉彧	466–472 (5–6 years) Era(s) Taishi (泰始) 465–471 Taiyu (泰豫) 472	Son of Emperor Wen	439–472 (aged 15–16) Died of natural causes[217]
Emperor Houfei 後廢帝	Liu Yu 劉昱	472–477 (4–5 years) Era(s) Yuanhui (元徽) 473–477	Son of Emperor Ming	463–477 (aged 13–14) Killed by Xiao Daocheng[218]
Emperor Shun 順皇帝	Liu Zhun 劉準	477–479 (1–2 years) Era(s) Shengming (昇明)	Son of Emperor Ming, enthroned by Xiao Daocheng, the future Emperor Gao of Southern Qi	467–479 (aged 13–14) Killed by Xiao Daocheng[219]

Southern Qi (南齊; 479–502)^[210]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Gao 高皇帝	Xiao Daocheng 蕭道成	479–482 (2–3 years) Era(s) Jianyuan (建元) 479–482	Proclaimed himself emperor after overthrowing the Liu Song dynasty	427–482 (aged 54–55) Died of natural causes[220]
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Xiao Ze 蕭賾	482–493 (10–11 years) Era(s) Jianyuan (建元) 483–493	Son of Emperor Gao	440–493 (aged 54–55) Died of natural causes[221]
Prince of Yulin 鬱林王	Xiao Zhaoye 蕭昭業	493–494 (0–1 years) Era(s) Jianyuan (隆昌) 494	Grandson of Emperor Wu	473–494 (aged 20–21) Killed by Xiao Luan[221]
Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文	Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文	494 (less than a year) Era(s) Yanxing (延興) 494	Younger brother of Xiao Zhaoye	480–494 (aged 13–14) Killed by Xiao Luan[222]
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Xiao Luan 蕭鸞	494–498 (3–4 years) Era(s) Jianwu (建武) 494–498 Tongtai (永泰) 498	Nephew of Emperor Gao	452–498 (aged 45–46) Died of natural causes[223]
Marquess of Donghun 東昏侯	Xiao Baojuan 蕭寶卷	498–501 (2–3 years) Era(s) Yongyuan (永元) 499–501	Son of Xiao Luan	483–501 (aged 17–18) Killed by his underlings[224]
Emperor He 和皇帝	Xiao Baorong 蕭寶融	501–502 (0–1 years) Era(s) Zhongxing (中興) 501–502	Son of Xiao Luan, set up in Jiangling in opposition to his brother	488–502 (aged 13–14) Deposed and killed by Xiao Yan[225]

Liang dynasty (梁; 502–557)^[210]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Xiao Yan 蕭衍	502–549 (46–47 years) Era(s) Tianjian (天監) 502–519 Putong (普通) 520–527 Datong (大通) 527–529 Zhongdatong (中大通) 529–534 Datong (大同) 535–546 Zhongdatong (中大同) 546–547 Taiqing (太清) 547–549	Overthrew the Southern Qi	464–549 (aged 85) Imprisoned during the rebellion of Hou Jing, died of hunger[226]
Emperor Jianwen 簡文皇帝	Xiao Gang 蕭綱	549–551 (1–2 years) Era(s) Dabao (大寶) 550–551	Son of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing	503–551 (aged 47–48) Deposed and killed by Hou Jing[227]
None, known by his personal name	Xiao Dong 蕭棟	551 (less than a year) Era(s) Tianzheng (天正) 551	Grandson of Xiao Tong and great-grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing	503–551 (aged 47–48) Deposed by Hou Jing and killed by Xiao Yi[227]
Emperor Yuan 元皇帝	Xiao Yi 蕭繹	552–555 (2–3 years) Era(s) Chengsheng (承聖) 552–555	Son of Wu. Sole ruler after defeating Hou Jing in 552 and Xiao Ji in 553.	508–555 (aged 46–47) Captured and killed by Western Wei[227]
Emperor Ming 閔皇帝	Xiao Yuanming 蕭淵明	555 (less than a year) Era(s) Tiancheng (天成) 555	Nephew of Wu, enthroned by official Wang Sengbian	Deposed by Chen Baxian, died of natural causes in 556[228]
Emperor Jin 敬皇帝	Xiao Fangzhi 蕭方智	555–557 (1–2 years) Era(s) Shaotai (紹泰) 555–556 Taiping (太平) 556–557	Son of Yuan, enthroned by Chen Baxian	543–558 (aged 14–15) Deposed and killed by Chen Baxian[229]

Western Liang (西梁; 555–587)^[230]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝	Xiao Cha 蕭詧	555–562 (6–7 years) Era(s) Dading (大定) 555–562	Son of Xiao Tong and grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Western Wei	519–562 (aged 42–43) Died of natural causes[231]
Emperor Ming 武皇帝	Xiao Kui 蕭巋	562–585 (22–23 years) Era(s) Tianbao (天保) 562–585	Son of Xiao Cha	542–585 (aged 42–43) Died of natural causes[232]
Emperor Jing 豫章王	Xiao Cong 蕭琮	585–587 (1–2 years) Era(s) Guangyun (廣運) 586–587	Son of Xiao Kui	Deposed by Emperor Wen of Sui in 587, died of natural causes c. 607[231]

Chen dynasty(陳; 557–589)^[230]

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Chen Baxian 陳霸先	557–559 (1–2 years) Era(s) Yongding (永定) 557–559	Overthrew the Liang Dynasty	503–559 (aged 55–56) Died of natural causes[233]
Emperor Wen 文皇帝	Chen Qian 陳蒨	559–566 (6–7 years) Era(s) Tianjia (永定) 560–566 Tiankang (天康) 566	Nephew of Chen Baxian	522–566 (aged 43–44) Died of natural causes[234]
Emperor Fei 廢帝	Chen Bozong 陳伯宗	566–568 (1–2 years) Era(s) Guangda (光大) 555–568	Son of Emperor Wen	554–570 (aged 15–16) Deposed by his uncle[235]
Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝	Chen Xu 陳頊	569–582 (12–13 years) Era(s) Taijian (太建) 569–582	Younger brother of Emperor Wen	528–582 (aged 59–60) Died of natural causes[236]
Chen Houzhu 陳後主	Chen Shubao 陳叔寶	582–589 (6–7 years)	Son of Emperor Xuan	553–604 (aged 50–51) Neglect of government, he was captured by the Sui army. Died of natural causes[237]

Sui dynasty (隋朝; 581–619)

Portrait	Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
	Wen 文	Yang Jian 楊堅	4 March 581 – 13 August 604 (23 years, 5 months and 9 days) Era(s) Kaihuang (開皇) 4 March 581 – 7 February 601 Renshou (仁壽) 8 February 601 – 13 August 604	Son of Yang Zhong, Duke of Sui. Overthrew the Northern Zhou and conquered the other Chinese states	21 July 541 – 13 August 604 (aged 63) Instituted several institutional reforms and promoted Buddhism. Murdered by his son[238]
	Yang 煬	Yang Guang 楊廣	21 August 604 – 11 April 618 (13 years, 7 months and 21 days) Era(s) Daye (大業) 25 January 605 – 11 April 618	Son of Wen	569 – 11 April 618 (aged 51) Led several construction projects and military campaigns. Overthrown in a rebellion and killed by his underlings[239]
Gong 恭		Yang You 楊侑	18 December 617 – 12 June 618[v] (5 months and 25 days) Era(s) Yining (義寧) 18 December 617 – 12 June 618	Grandson of Wen	605 – 619 (aged 14) A puppet of Li Yuan. Deposed and later executed[241]

Tang (唐; 618–690; 705–907) and (Wu) Zhou ((武)周; 690–705) dynasties

Portrait	Temple name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Early Tang (618–690) [edit]
	Gaozu 高祖 Other names Posthumous name (635) Emperor Taiwu (太武皇帝) Posthumous name (674) Emperor Shenyao (神堯皇帝) Posthumous name (754) Emperor Shenyao Dasheng Daguang Xiao (神堯大聖大光孝皇帝)	Li Yuan 李淵	18 June 618 – 4 September 626 (8 years, 2 months and 17 days) Era(s) Wude (武德) 18 June 618 – 22 January 627	Son of Li Bing, Duke of Tang and officer of Northern Zhou. Claimed descent from Li Gao, founder of Western Liang	566 – 25 June 635 (aged 69) Abdicated in favor of his son following the Xuanwu Gate Incident. A fair and capable ruler, his reign is said to have started a golden age in Chinese history, although imperial propaganda often underestimated his reign to exalt that of his son[242]
	Taizong 太宗 Other names Posthumous name (649): Emperor Wen (文皇帝) Posthumous name (754): Emperor Wen Wu Dasheng Daguang Xiao (文武大聖大廣孝皇帝)	Li Shimin 李世民	4 September 626 – 10 July 649 (23 years, 10 months and 6 days) Era(s) Zhenguan (貞觀) 23 January 627 – 6 February 650	Son of Gaozu; named heir after the murder of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng in the Xuanwu Gate Incident	23 January 597/99 – 10 July 649 (aged 50–52) Considered one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, both as a conqueror and administrator. His reign saw a territorial expansion and economic growth not seen since the Han dynasty. Died after a period of prolonged illness, possibly due to alchemical elixir poisoning[243]
	Gaozong 高宗 Other names Posthumous name (683): Great Emperor Tianhuang (天皇大皇帝) Posthumous name (754): Emperor Tianhuang Dasheng Dahong Xiao (天皇大聖大弘孝皇帝)	Li Zhi 李治	15 July 649 – 27 December 683 (34 years, 5 months and 12 days) Era(s) Yonghui (永徽) 7 February 650 – 6 February 656 Xianqing (顯慶) 7 February 656 – 3 April 661 Longshuo (龍朔) 4 April 661 – 1 February 664 Linde (麟德) 2 February 664 – 13 February 666 Qianfeng (乾封) 14 February 666 – 21 April 668 Zongzhang (總章) 22 April 668 – 26 March 670 Xianheng (咸亨) 27 March 670 – 19 September 674 Shangyuan (上元) 20 September 674 – 17 December 676 Yifeng (儀鳳) 18 December 676 – 14 July 679 Tiaolu (調露) 15 July 679 – 21 September 680 Yonglong (永隆) 22 September 680 – 14 November 681 Kaiyao (開耀) 15 November 681 – 1 April 682 Yongchun (永淳) 2 April 682 – 26 December 683 Hongdao (弘道) 27 December 683 – 22 January 684	Son of Taizong	20 July 628 – 27 December 683 (aged 55) A well-meaning but ineffectual ruler, his reign was dominated by several successive regencies. Suffered a serious stroke in late 660, whereafter the government was run by his wife, the future Empress Wu Zetian. Died after several years of illness[244]
	Zhongzong 中宗 Other names Posthumous name (710): Emperor Xiaohe (孝和皇帝) Posthumous name (754): Emperor Dahe Dasheng Dazhao Xiao (大和大聖大昭孝皇帝)	Li Xian 李顯	3 January 684 – 26 February 684 (1 month and 23 days) Era(s) Sisheng (嗣聖) 23 January – 26 February 684	Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian	26 November 656 – 3 July 710 (aged 53) Deposed by his mother after challenging her authority[245]
	Ruizong 睿宗 Other names Posthumous name (716): Great Emperor Shengzhen (大圣真皇帝) Posthumous name (754): Emperor Xuanzhen Dasheng Daxing Xiao (玄真大聖大興孝皇帝)	Li Dan 李旦	27 February 684 – 16 October 690 (6 years, 7 months and 19 days) Era(s) Wenming(文明) 27 February – 18 October 684 Guangzhai(光宅) 19 October 684 – 8 February 685 Chuigong(垂拱) 9 February 685 – 26 January 689 Yongchang(永昌) 27 January – 17 December 689 Zaichu(載初) 18 December 689 – 15 October 690	Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian	22 June 662 – 13 July 716 (aged 54) A complete puppet of his mother; forced to abdicate[246]
Wu Zhou (690–705) [edit] See also: Wu Zhou
	none, known as Wu Zetian    武則天[w] Other names Dynastic name: Emperor Jinlun (金輪皇帝) Posthumous name (706): Emperor Zetian Dasheng (則天大聖皇帝) Posthumous name (710): Holy Empress (大聖天后) Posthumous name (716): Empress Zetian (則天皇后) Posthumous name (749): Holy Empress Zetianshun (則天順聖皇后)	Wu Zhao 武曌	16 October 690 – 21 February 705 (14 years, 4 months and 5 days) Era(s) Tianshou (天授) 16 October 690 – 21 April 692 Ruyi (如意) 22 April – 22 October 692 Changshou (長壽) 23 October 692 – 8 June 694 Yanzai (延載) 9 June 694 – 21 January 695 Zhengsheng (證聖) 22 January – 21 October 695 Tiancewansui (天冊萬歲) 22 October 695 – 19 January 696 Wansuidengfeng (萬歲登封) 20 January – 21 April 696 Wansuitongtian (萬歲通天) 22 April 696 – 28 September 697 Shengong (神功) 29 September – 19 December 697 Shengli (聖曆) 20 December 697 – 26 May 700 Jiushi (久視) 27 May 700 – 14 February 701 Dazu (大足) 15 February – 25 November 701 Chang'an (長安) 26 November 701 – 21 February 705	Former consort of emperors Taizong and Gaozong; regent since November 660, de facto ruler since January 683	623/625 – 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[248]
Tang restoration (705–907) [edit]
	Zhongzong (second reign)	Li Xian 李顯	23 February 705 – 3 July 710 (5 years, 4 months and 10 days) Era(s) Shenlong (神龍) 21 February 705 – 4 October 707 Jinglong (景龍) 5 October 707 – 4 July 710	Restored to the throne by Tang loyalists	26 November 656 – 3 July 710 (aged 53) A weak ruler; he died after eating a poisoned cake delivered by his wife, Empress Wei[249]
none, known as Emperor Shang 唐殤帝[x]		Li Chongmao 李重茂	8 July 710 – 25 July 710 (17 days) Era(s) Tanglong (唐隆) 5 July – 18 August 710	Son of Zhongzong; installed by Empress Wei	698–714 (aged 16) Second shortest-reigning emperor; deposed in a palace coup[250]
	Ruizong (second reign)	Li Dan 李旦	25 July 710 – 8 September 712 (2 years, 1 month and 14 days) Era(s) Jingyun (景雲) 19 August 710 – 28 February 712 Taiji (太極) 1 March – 20 June 712 Yanhe (延和) 21 June – 11 September 712	Restored to the throne by detractors of Empress Wei	22 June 662 – 13 July 716 (aged 54) Spent his reign in a constant power struggle with his sister, Princess Taiping. Abdicated in favor of his son to undermine her influence[251]
	Xuanzong 玄宗 Other names Posthumous name (long): Emperor Zhidao Dasheng Daming Xiao (至道大聖大明孝皇帝) Posthumous name (short): Emperor Ming (明皇帝)	Li Longji 李隆基	8 September 712 – 12 August 756 (43 years, 11 months and 4 days) Era(s) Xiantian (先天) 12 September 712 – 21 December 713 Kaiyuan (開元) 22 December 713 – 9 February 742 Tianbao (天寶) 10 February 742 – 11 August 756	Son of Ruizong	8 September 685 – 3 May 762 (aged 76) One of the greatest and longest reigning Chinese emperors. The Tang empire reached its peak during his early reign, but fell of grace at the end as a result of the disastrous An Lushan Rebellion. Abdicated in favor of his son[252]
	Suzong 肅宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Wenming Wude Dasheng Daxuan Xiao (文明武德大聖大宣孝皇帝)	Li Jun 李浚	12 August 756 – 16 May 762 (5 years, 9 months and 4 days) Era(s) Zhide (至德) 12 August 756 – 17 March 758 Qianyuan (乾元) 18 March 758 – 6 June 760 Shangyuan (上元) 7 June 760 – 22 October 761 Yuannian (元年) 23 October 761 – 13 May 762 Baoying (上元) 14 May 762 – 23 August 763	Son of Xuanzong; proclaimed emperor in Lingwu	711 – 16 May 762 (aged 51) Recaptured Chang'an in November 757. During his reign the eunuchs grew increasingly powerful.[253]
	Daizong 代宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Ruiwen Xiaowu (睿文孝武皇帝)	Li Chu 李俶	18 May 762 – 10 June 779 (17 years and 23 days) Era(s) Guangde (廣德) 24 August 763 – 25 January 765 Yongtai (永泰) 26 January 765 – 17 December 766 Dali (大曆) 18 December 766 – 10 February 780	Son of Suzong; proclaimed emperor in Chang'an	9 January 727 – 10 June 779 (aged 52) Ended the An–Shi Rebellion, but failed to maintain control over the far provinces[254]
	Dezong 德宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Shenwu Xiaowen (神武孝文皇帝)	Li Kuo 李适	12 June 779 – 25 February 805 (25 years, 8 months and 13 days) Era(s) Jianzhong (建中) 11 February 780 – 26 January 784 Xingyuan (興元) 27 January 784 – 13 February 785 Zhenyuan (貞元) 14 February 785 – 31 August 805	Son of Daizong	27 May 742 – 25 February 805 (aged 62) Notable for his tax reforms, he also attempted to control regional jiedushi, but this backfired and caused a military mutiny in 783[255]
Shunzong 順宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhide Dasheng Da'an Xiao (至德大聖大安孝皇帝)		Li Song 李誦	28 February – 28 August 805 (6 months) Era(s) Yongzhen (永貞) 1 September 805 – 24 January 806	Son of Dezong	February 761 – 11 February 806 (aged 45) Aphasic, weak and ill, he was urged to abdicate by the court eunuchs[256]
	Xianzong 憲宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhaowen Zhangwu Dasheng Zhishen Xiao (昭文章武大聖至神孝皇帝)	Li Chun 李純	5 September 805 – 14 February 820 (14 years, 5 months and 9 days) Era(s) Yuanhe (元和) 25 January 806 – 8 February 810	Son of Shunzong	March 778 – 14 February 820 (aged 41) Ended the warlord threat, but ended up becoming a puppet of the eunuchs. A drug addict, he was poisoned to death by eunuch Chen Hongzhi[257]
	Muzong 穆宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Ruisheng Wenhui Xiao (睿聖文惠孝皇帝)	Li Heng 李恆	20 February 820 – 25 February 824 (4 years and 5 days) Era(s) Changqing (長慶) 9 February 821 – 28 January 825	Son of Xianzong	July 795 – 25 February 824 (aged 28) Suffered a serious stroke in 822 (while playing polo), whereafter the government was run by eunuchs Wang Shoucheng and Li Fengji.[258]
	Jingzong 敬宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Ruiwu Zhaomin Xiao (睿武昭湣孝皇帝)	Li Zhan 李湛	29 February 824 – 9 January 827 (2 years, 10 months and 11 days) Era(s) Baoli (寶曆) 29 January 825 – 13 March 827	Son of Muzong	22 July 809 – 9 January 827 (aged 17) A reckless player of football; he was killed by eunuchs[259]
	Wenzong 文宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Yuansheng Zhaoxian Xiao (元聖昭獻孝皇帝)	Li Ang 李昂	13 January 827 – 10 February 840 (13 years lacking 3 days) Era(s) Taihe (太和) 14 March 827 – 21 January 836 Kaicheng (開成) 22 January 836 – 3 February 841	Son of Muzong	20 November 809 – 10 February 840 (aged 30) Attempted to eradicate the eunuchs in the Sweet Dew incident (835), but ended up making them stronger. Died of natural causes[260]
	Wuzong 武宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhidao Zhaosu Xiao (至道昭肅孝皇帝)	Li Yan 李炎	20 February 840 – 22 April 846 (6 years, 2 months and 2 days) Era(s) Huichang (會昌) 4 February 841 – 5 February 847	Son of Muzong	2 July 814 – 22 April 846 (aged 31) Notable for his persecution of Buddhism. Died of drug overdose[261]
	Xuanzong 宣宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Yuansheng Zhiming Chengwu Xianwen Ruizhi Zhangren Shencong Yidao Daxiao (元聖至明成武獻文睿智章仁神聰懿道大孝皇帝)	Li Chen 李忱	25 April 846 – 7 September 859 (13 years, 4 months and 13 days) Era(s) Dazhong (大中) 6 February 847 – 16 December 860	Son of Xianzong	27 July 810 – 7 September 859 (aged 49) Arguably the last capable Tang emperor. Notable for his campaigns against the Tibetan Empire. Died of drug overdose[262]
	Yizong 懿宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhaosheng Gonghui Xiao (昭聖恭惠孝皇帝)	Li Cui 李漼	13 September 859 – 15 August 873 (13 years, 11 months and 2 days) Era(s) Xiantong (咸通) 17 December 847 – 16 December 860	Son of Xuanzong	28 December 833 – 15 August 873 (aged 39) A devout Buddhist, but also a cruel and unstable ruler. His reign, which was dominated by eunuchs, saw various revolts that severely weakened imperial power[263]
	Xizong 僖宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Huisheng Gongding Xiao (惠聖恭定孝皇帝)	Li Xuan 李儇	16 August 873 – 20 April 888 (14 years, 8 months and 4 days) Era(s) Qianfu (乾符) 17 December 874 – 13 February 880 Guangming (廣明) 14 February 880 – 8 August 881 Zhonghe (中和) 9 August 881 – 1 April 885 Guangqi (光啟) 2 April 885 – 4 April 888 Wende (文德) 5 April 888 – 3 February 889	Son of Yizong	8 June 862 – 20 April 888 (aged 25) A puppet of Tian Lingzi, had to flee Chang'an twice due to internal strife[264]
None, known by his personal name		Li Yun 李熅	31 October 886 – January 887 (3 months) Era(s) Jianzhen (建貞) 7 June 886 – January 887	Great-grandson of Suzong, took power in Chang'an	Died in 887 Killed by Xizong's forces; often seen as an usurper[265]
	Zhaozong 昭宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Shèngmù Jǐngwén Xìao (聖穆景文孝皇帝)	Li Ye 李曄	20 April 888 – 22 September 904   (12 years, 7 months and 11 days)[y] Era(s) Longji (龍紀) 4 February 889 – 24 January 890 Dashun (大順) 25 January 890 – 1 February 891 Jingfu (景福) 2 February 892 – 9 February 894 Qianning (乾寧) 10 February 894 – 15 September 898 Guanghua (光化) 16 September 898 – 12 May 901 Tianfu (天復) 13 May 901 – 27 May 904 Tianyou (天佑) 28 May 904 – 1 June 907	Son of Yizong	31 March 867 – 22 September 904 (aged 37) His reign saw the final collapse of imperial authority and the rise of new powerful warlords. He was killed by rebel Zhu Wen[267]
better known as Emperor Ai 唐哀帝 Other names Temple name: Jǐngzōng (景宗) Alternate posthumous name: Emperor Zhaoxuan (昭宣帝)		Li Zhu 李柷	26 September 904 – 1 June 907   (2 years, 8 months and 6 days)[z]	Son of Zhaozong, proclaimed emperor in Luoyang	27 October 892 – 25 March 908 (aged 15) Installed, deposed, and later killed by Zhu Wen[268]

Later Liang (後梁; 907–923)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Zhu Wen 朱溫	Taizu 太祖	907–912 (4–5 years) Eras Kaiping (開平) 907–911 Qianhua (乾化) 911–912	Former ally of rebel Huang Chao, defected to the Imperial army in 882 but later betrayed the Tang and proclaimed himself Emperor in Kaifeng	852–912 (aged 60) Killed by his son[269]
Zhu Yougui 朱友珪	—	912–913 (0–1 years) Eras Fengli (鳳曆) 913	Son of Zhu Wen, usurped power after learning of his father's intentions of adopting Zhu Youwen as heir	Died in 913 Described as murderous and lustful, he was killed by his brother[269]
Zhu Youzhen 朱瑱	—	913–923 (9–10 years) Eras Qianhua (乾化) 913–915 Zhenming (貞明) 915–921 Longde (龍德) 921–923	Son of Zhu Wen	888–923 (aged 35) Killed by the forces of Li Cunxu[269]

Later Tang (後唐; 923–937)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Cunxu 李存勗	Zhuangzong 莊宗	923–926 (2–3 years) Eras Tongguang (同光) 923–926	Proclaimed himself Emperor after conquering Later Liang	885–926 (aged 41) Killed in a coup[270]
Li Siyuan 李嗣源	Mingzong 明宗	926–933 (6–7 years) Eras Tiancheng (天成) 926–933	Adopted son of Li Keyong, took Luoyang and proclaimed himself Emperor after the murder of Li Cunxu	867–933 (aged 66) Died of natural causes[271]
Li Conghou 李從厚	—	934 (less than a year) Eras Yingshun (应顺) 934	Son of Li Siyuan	914–early 934 (aged 20) Killed by Li Congke[272]
Li Congke 李從珂	—	934–937 (2–3 years) Eras Qingtai (清泰) 934–937	Adopted son of Li Siyuan, he usurped power from Li Conghou	884/6–936 (aged 50–52) Defeated by Shi Jingtang of Later Jin, he burned himself to death[272]

Later Jin (後晉; 936–947)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Shi Jingtang 石敬瑭	Gaozu 高祖	936–942 (5–6 years) Eras Tianfu (天福) 936–942	Proclaimed himself emperor with the help of the Shatuo and Khitan people	892–942 (aged 50) Died of natural causes[273]
Shi Chonggui 石重貴	—	942–947 (4–5 years) Eras Tianfu (天福) 942–944 Kaiyun (開運) 944–946	Nephew of Shi Jingtang	914–947 (aged 33) Captured by Emperor Taizong of Liao but spared; died of natural causes[273]

Later Han (後漢; 947–951)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Zhiyuan 劉知遠	Gaozu 高祖	947–948 (0–1 years) Eras Tianfu (天福) 947 Qianyou (乾祐) 948	Jiedushi under the Later Jin, proclaimed himself emperor after the capture of Shi Chonggui by the Khitan	895–948 (aged 53) Died of natural causes[274]
Liu Chengyou 劉承祐	—	948–951 (2–3 years) Eras Qianyou (乾祐) 947–951	Son of Liu Zhiyuan	931–951 (aged 20) Killed by the forces of Guo Wei[275]

Later Zhou (後周; 951–960)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Guo Wei 郭威	Taizu 太祖	951–954 (2–3 years) Eras Guangshun (廣順) 951–953 Xiande (顯德) 954	Officer of Later Han, proclaimed himself emperor and dethroned Liu Chengyou	904–954 (aged 50) Died of natural causes; introduced reforms that greatly benefited farming[276]
Chai Rong 柴榮	Shizong 世宗	954–959 (4–5 years) Eras Xiande (顯德) 954–959	Adopted son of Guo Wei	921–959 (aged 38) Conquered Eastern and Southwest China; died of natural causes[277]
Chai Zongxun 柴宗訓	—	959–960 (0–1 years) Eras Xiande (顯德) 959–960	Son of Chai Rong	953–973 (aged 20) Deposed by Emperor Taizu of Song[278]

Former Shu (前蜀; 907–925)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Wang Jian 王建	Gaozu 高祖	907–918 (10–11 years)	Rebelled against the Tang in 891, named Prince in 903 and later proclaimed himself emperor in 907	847–918 (aged 69) Died of natural causes; known for his great tomb and stone statues[279]
Wang Zongyan 王宗衍	—	918–925 (6–7 years)	Son of Wang Jian	899–926 (aged 27) Lustful and neglected of government, he was killed by Li Cunxu[280]

Yang Wu (楊吳; 907–937)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Yang Xingmi 楊行密	Taizu 太祖	902–905 (2–3 years)	Took over Yangzhou in 892 and was named "Prince of Wu" in 902, became independent after the fall of the Tang	852–905 (aged 53) Died of natural causes[281]
Yang Wo 楊渥	—	905–908 (2–3 years)	Son of Yang Xingmi	886–908 (aged 22) Killed by Zhang Hao and Xu Wen[282]
Yang Longyan 楊隆演	—	908–920 (11–12 years)	Son of Yang Xingmi, enthroned by Xu Wen	897–920 (aged 23) Died of natural causes[282]
Yang Pu 楊溥	—	920–937 (16–17 years)	Son of Yang Xingmi and e