List of Chinese monarchs
Template:Chinesetext The list of rulers of China includes rulers of China with various titles. From the Zhou dynasty to the Qin dynasty, rulers usually held the title "king" (Chinese: 王; pinyin: wáng). With the separation of China into different Warring States, this title had become so common that the unifier of China, the first Qin Emperor Qin Shihuang created a new title for himself, that of "emperor" (pinyin: huángdì). The 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 quasi-legitimate claim to the majority of China, or those who have traditionally been named in king-lists. The following list of Chinese monarchs is in no way comprehensive. Chinese sovereigns 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:
Family tree of ancient Chinese emperors → Chinese emperors family tree (early) → Chinese emperors family tree (middle) → Chinese emperors family tree (late)
Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
Although it is ingrained in Chinese mythology that the earliest mythological rulers of China included three huáng (皇, generally translated "sovereign" or "august one", denoting demigod status) and five dì (帝, 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 Shihuang to form the new title huángdì (皇帝, emperor), thus claiming legendary status for himself. These figures are all legendary, not historical.
Sovereigns/Emperors | Title | Other names | Years of reign | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sovereign1,4,5 (Empress3) | Nǚwā | 女媧 | — | (180,000 Years) |
Sovereign (Emperor3) | Yǒucháo | 有巢 | — | (110,000 Years) |
(Sovereign4) Emperor3 | Suìrén | 燧人 | — | (456,000 Years) |
Sovereign1,4,5 (Emperor2,3) | Fúxī | 伏羲 | — | 2852–2737 BC |
Sovereign1 (Emperor2,3) | Yán Emperor | 炎帝 | Shennong (神農) | 2737–2699 BC |
(Sovereign5) Emperor1,2 | Yellow Emperor | 黃帝 | Gongsun Xuanyuan (公孫軒轅) | 2699–2588 BC |
Emperor2 | Shǎohào | 少昊 | Jintian-shi (金天氏) | 2587–2491 BC |
Emperor1,2 | Zhuānxū | 顓頊 | Gaoyang (高陽) | 2490–2413 BC |
Emperor1 | Kù | 嚳 | Gaoxin-shi (高辛氏) | 2412–2343 BC |
Emperor1 | Zhì | 摯 | Qingyang-shi (青陽氏) | 2343–2333 BC |
Emperor1 | Yáo | 堯 | Tangyao (唐堯) | 2333–2234 BC |
Emperor1 | Shùn | 舜 | Youyu (有虞) | 2233–2184 BC |
1 — According to the Records of the Grand Historian. 2 — According to the Chu Ci. 3 — According to the Book of Rites. 4 — According to the Shangshu dazhuan (尚書大傳) and Baihu tongyi (白虎通義). 5 — According to the Diwang shiji (帝王世紀) |
Traditional dates are provided. |
Xia dynasty
C. 2070–1600 BCE1
Reign name² | Given name | Notes | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Yǔ | 禹 | Also known as: Dà Yǔ, 大禹 (Yǔ the Great) | |||||
Qǐ | 啟 | Son of Yǔ; beginning of hereditary succession | |||||
Tài Kāng | 太康 | Kāng | 康 | ||||
Zhòng Kāng | 仲康 | Kāng | 康 | ||||
Xiāng | 相 | ||||||
No king | About 40 years | ||||||
Shào Kāng | 少康 | Kāng | 康 | ||||
Zhù | 杼 | ||||||
Huái | 槐 | ||||||
Máng | 芒 | ||||||
Xiè | 洩 | ||||||
Jiàng | 降 | ||||||
Jiōng | 扃 | ||||||
Yìn Jiǎ | 胤甲 | Jǐn | 廑 | ||||
Kǒng Jiǎ | 孔甲 | ||||||
Gāo | 皋 | ||||||
Fā | 發 | ||||||
Lǚ Guǐ | 履癸 | Jié | 桀 | 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 Xia–Shang–Zhou 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, Xià (夏). |
Shang dynasty
C. 1600–1046 BCE1
Temple name | Regnal name² | Given name³ | Reign years1 | Capital | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tiān Yǐ | 天乙 | Tāng | 湯 | 1600–1300 BC | Bó 亳 | ||
Wài Bǐng | 外丙 | Shèng | 勝 | ||||
Zhòng Rén | 仲壬 | Yōng | 庸 | ||||
Tàizōng | 太宗 | Tài Jiǎ | 太甲 | Zhì | 至 | ||
Wò Dīng | 沃丁 | Xuàn | 絢 | ||||
Tài Gēng | 太庚 | Biàn | 辯 | ||||
Xiǎo Jiǎ | 小甲 | Gāo | 高 | ||||
Yōng Jǐ | 雍己 | Zhòu | 伷 | ||||
Tài Wù | 太戊 | Mì | 密 | ||||
Zhòng Dīng | 仲丁 | Zhuāng | 莊 | Áo 隞 | |||
Wài Rén | 外壬 | Fā | 發 | ||||
Jiān Jiǎ | 戔甲 | Zhěng | 整 | Xiàng 相 | |||
Zhōngzōng | 中宗 | Zǔ Yǐ | 祖乙 | Téng | 滕 | Bì 庇 | |
Zǔ Xīn | 祖辛 | Dàn | 旦 | ||||
Wò Jiǎ | 沃甲 | Yú | 踰 | ||||
Zǔ Dīng | 祖丁 | Xīn | 新 | ||||
Nán Gēng | 南庚 | Gēng | 更 | Yǎn 奄 | |||
Yáng Jiǎ | 陽甲 | Hé | 和 | ||||
Pán Gēng4 | 盤庚 | Xún | 旬 | 1300–1251 BC | Yīn 殷 | ||
Xiǎo Xīn | 小辛 | Sòng | 頌 | ||||
Xiǎo Yǐ | 小乙 | Liǎn | 斂 | ||||
Gāozōng | 高宗 | Wǔ Dīng | 武丁 | Zhāo | 昭 | 1250–1192 BC | |
Zǔ Gēng | 祖庚 | Yuè | 躍 | 1191–1148 BC | |||
Zǔ Jiǎ | 祖甲 | Zài | 載 | ||||
Lǐn Xīn | 廩辛 | Xiān | 先 | ||||
Kāng Dīng | 康丁 | Xiāo | 囂 | ||||
Wǔ Yǐ | 武乙 | Qú | 瞿 | 1147–1113 BC | |||
Wén Dīng5 | 文丁 | Tuō | 托 | 1112–1102 BC | |||
Dì Yǐ | 帝乙 | Xiàn | 羡 | 1101–1076 BC | |||
Di Xin (King Zhou of Shang) | 帝辛 | Shòu | 受 | 1075–1046 BC | |||
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 Xia–Shang–Zhou 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 (商). | |||||||
3 The Shang royal family name was Zǐ (子). | |||||||
4 The period of the Shang dynasty starting from Pan Geng is also frequently referred to as the Yin (殷) dynasty. because he changed capital to Yin. | |||||||
5 Also known as Tai Ding (太丁). |
Zhou dynasty
Circa 10461–256 BC, traditionally divided into:
- Western Zhou dynasty, c. 1046–771 BC
- Eastern Zhou dynasty, 770–256 BC, which is in turn split into :
- the Spring and Autumn period, 770–476 BC
- the Warring States period, 475–221 BC
Posthumous name | Given name | Reign years1 | Common name | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pinyin | Chinese | Pinyin | Chinese | ||
Wǔ Wáng | 武王 | Fā | 發 | 1046–1043 BC1 | King Wu of Zhou |
Chéng Wáng | 成王 | Sòng | 誦 | 1042–1021 BC1 | King Cheng of Zhou |
Kāng Wáng | 康王 | Zhāo | 釗 | 1020–996 BC1 | King Kang of Zhou |
Zhāo Wáng | 昭王 | Xiá | 瑕 | 995–977 BC1 | King Zhao of Zhou |
Mù Wáng | 穆王 | Mǎn | 滿 | 976–922 BC1 | King Mu of Zhou |
Gōng Wáng | 共王 | Yīhù | 繄扈 | 922–900 BC1 | King Gong of Zhou |
Yì Wáng | 懿王 | Jiān | 囏 | 899–892 BC1 | King Yi of Zhou (Jian) |
Xiào Wáng | 孝王 | Bìfāng | 辟方 | 891–886 BC1 | King Xiao of Zhou |
Yí Wáng | 夷王 | Xiè | 燮 | 885–878 BC1 | King Yi of Zhou (Xie) |
Lì Wáng | 厲王 | Hú | 胡 | 877–841 BC1 | King Li of Zhou |
Gonghe 共和 (regency) | 841–828 BC | Gonghe | |||
Xuān Wáng | 宣王 | Jìng | 靜 | 827–782 BC | King Xuan of Zhou |
Yōu Wáng | 幽王 | Gōngshēng | 宮湦 | 781–771 BC | King You of Zhou |
Ping Wang | 平王 | Yijiu | 宜臼 | 770–720 BC | King Ping of Zhou |
Huan Wang | 桓王 | Lin | 林 | 719–697 BC | King Huan of Zhou |
Zhuang Wang | 莊王 | Tuo | 佗 | 696–682 BC | King Zhuang of Zhou |
Xi Wang | 釐王 | Huqi | 胡齊 | 681–677 BC | King Xi of Zhou |
Hui Wang | 惠王 | Lang | 閬 | 676–652 BC | King Hui of Zhou |
Xiang Wang | 襄王 | Zheng | 鄭 | 651–619 BC | King Xiang of Zhou |
Qing Wang | 頃王 | Renchen | 壬臣 | 618–613 BC | King Qing of Zhou |
Kuang Wang | 匡王 | Ban | 班 | 612–607 BC | King Kuang of Zhou |
Ding Wang | 定王 | Yu | 瑜 | 606–586 BC | King Ding of Zhou |
Jian Wang | 簡王 | Yi | 夷 | 585–572 BC | King Jian of Zhou |
Ling Wang | 靈王 | Xiexin | 泄心 | 571–545 BC | King Ling of Zhou |
Jing Wang | 景王 | Gui | 貴 | 544–521 BC | King Jing of Zhou (Gui) |
Dao Wang | 悼王 | Meng | 猛 | 520 BC | King Dao of Zhou |
Jing Wang | 敬王 | Gai | 丐 | 519–476 BC | King Jing of Zhou (Gai) |
Yuan Wang | 元王 | Ren | 仁 | 475–469 BC | King Yuan of Zhou |
Zhending Wang | 貞定王 | Jie | 介 | 468–442 BC | King Zhending of Zhou |
Ai Wang | 哀王 | Quji | 去疾 | 441 BC | King Ai of Zhou |
Si Wang | 思王 | Shu | 叔 | 441 BC | King Si of Zhou |
Kao Wang | 考王 | Wei | 嵬 | 440–426 BC | King Kao of Zhou |
Weilie Wang | 威烈王 | Wu | 午 | 425–402 BC | King Weilie of Zhou |
An Wang | 安王 | Jiao | 驕 | 401–376 BC | King An of Zhou |
Lie Wang | 烈王 | Xi | 喜 | 375–369 BC | King Lie of Zhou |
Xian Wang | 顯王 | Bian | 扁 | 368–321 BC | King Xian of Zhou |
Shenjing Wang | 慎靚王 | Ding | 定 | 320–315 BC | King Shenjing of Zhou |
Nan Wang | 赧王 | Yan | 延 | 314–256 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 Xia–Shang–Zhou Chronology Project, the work of scholars sponsored by the Chinese government which reported in 2000. They are given only as a guide. |
Qin dynasty
Title | Given Name | Period of Reign | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Qin Shi Huang1 | 秦始皇 | Zhèng | 政 | 221–210 BC |
Qin Er Shi | 秦二世 | Húhài | 胡亥 | 209–207 BC |
Qin San Shi (King Ziying)2 | 秦三世 | Ziyīng | 子嬰 | 207 BC |
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 (秦王子嬰). |
Han dynasty
Three Kingdoms Period
Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wei(魏) or [Cao Wei(曹魏)] established by Cao Cao 220–265 | |||||||
Convention: "Wei" + posthumous name, sometimes except Cao Pi who was referred using personal names. | |||||||
Emperor Wen | 文帝 | 曹丕 | Cáo Pī | 220–226 | Huángchū | 黃初 | 220–226 |
Emperor Ming | 明帝 | 曹叡 | Cáo Ruì | 226–239 | Tàihé | 太和 | 227–233 |
Qīnglóng | 青龍 | 233–237 | |||||
Jǐngchū | 景初 | 237–239 | |||||
Prince Qi | 齊王 | 曹芳 | Cáo Fāng | 239–254 | Zhèngshǐ | 正始 | 240–249 |
Jiāpíng | 嘉平 | 249–254 | |||||
Duke Gaoguixiang | 高貴鄉公 | 曹髦 | Cáo Máo | 254–260 | Zhèngyuán | 正元 | 254–256 |
Gānlù | 甘露 | 256–260 | |||||
Emperor Yuan | 元帝 | 曹奐 | Cáo Huàn | 260–265 | Jǐngyuán | 景元 | 260–264 |
Xiánxī | 咸熙 | 264–265 | |||||
Shu(蜀) or Shu Han(蜀漢) 221–263 | |||||||
Convention: use personal name | |||||||
Emperor Zhaolie | 昭烈帝 | 劉備 | Liú Bèi | 221–223 | Zhāngwǔ | 章武 | 221–223 |
Last Emperor (Hòuzhǔ) | 後主 | 劉禪 | Liú Shàn | 223–263 | Jiànxīng | 建興 | 223–237 |
Yánxī | 延熙 | 238–257 | |||||
Jǐngyào | 景耀 | 258–263 | |||||
Yánxīng | 炎興 | 263 | |||||
Wu(吳) 222–280 | |||||||
Convention: use personal name | |||||||
Great Emperor (Da Di) | 大帝 | 孫權 | Sūn Quán | 222–252 | Huángwǔ | 黃武 | 222–229 |
Huánglóng | 黃龍 | 229–231 | |||||
Jiāhé | 嘉禾 | 232–238 | |||||
Chìwū | 赤烏 | 238–251 | |||||
Tàiyuán | 太元 | 251–252 | |||||
Shénfèng | 神鳳 | 252 | |||||
Prince Kuaiji | 會稽王 | 孫亮 | Sūn Liàng | 252–258 | Jiànxīng | 建興 | 252–253 |
Wǔfèng | 五鳳 | 254–256 | |||||
Tàipíng | 太平 | 256–258 | |||||
Emperor Jing | 景帝 | 孫休 | Sūn Xiū | 258–264 | Yǒngān | 永安 | 258–264 |
Marquis Wucheng (Wūchéng Hóu) | 烏程侯 | 孫皓 | Sūn Hào | 264–280 | Yuánxīng | 元興 | 264–265 |
Gānlù | 甘露 | 265–266 | |||||
Bǎodǐng | 寶鼎 | 266–269 | |||||
Jiànhéng | 建衡 | 269–271 | |||||
Fènghuáng | 鳳凰 | 272–274 | |||||
Tiāncè | 天冊 | 275–276 | |||||
Tiānxǐ | 天璽 | 276 | |||||
Tiānjì | 天紀 | 277–280 |
Jin dynasty
Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) |
Personal Names | Period of Reigns |
Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: "Jin" + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Jin Dynasty in English | |||||||||||
Xi (Western) Jin dynasty 西晉/西晋 265–317 | |||||||||||
Emperor Wu | 武帝 | Sīmǎ Yán | 司馬炎 | 265–290 | Tàishǐ | 泰始 | 265–274 | ||||
Xiánníng | 咸寧 | 275–280 | |||||||||
Tàikāng | 太康 | 280–289 | |||||||||
Tàixī | 太熙 | 290 | |||||||||
Emperor Hui | 惠帝 | Sīmǎ Zhōng | 司馬衷 | 290–306 | Yǒngxī | 永熙 | 290 | ||||
Yǒngpīng | 永平 | 291 | |||||||||
Yuánkāng | 元康 | 291–299 | |||||||||
Yǒngkāng | 永康 | 300–301 | |||||||||
Yǒngníng | 永寧 | 301–302 | |||||||||
Tàiān | 太安 | 302–303 | |||||||||
Yǒngān | 永安 | 304 | |||||||||
Jiànwǔ | 建武 | 304 | |||||||||
Yǒngān | 永安 | 304 | |||||||||
Yǒngxīng | 永興 | 304–306 | |||||||||
Guāngxī | 光熙 | 306 | |||||||||
Emperor Huai | 懷帝 | Sīmǎ Chì | 司馬熾 | 307–313 | Yǒngjiā | 永嘉 | 307–313 | ||||
Emperor Min | 愍帝 | Sīmǎ Yè | 司馬鄴 | 313–317 | Jiànxīng | 建興 | 313–317 | ||||
Dong (Eastern) Jin dynasty 東晉/东晋 317–420 | |||||||||||
Emperor Yuan | 元帝 | Sīmǎ Ruì | 司馬睿 | 317–322 | Jiànwǔ | 建武 | 317–318 | ||||
Dàxīng | 大興 | 318–321 | |||||||||
Yǒngchāng | 永昌 | 321–322 | |||||||||
Emperor Míng | 明帝 | Sīmǎ Shào | 司馬紹 | 322–325 | Yǒngchāng | 永昌 | 322–323 | ||||
Tàiníng | 太寧 | 323–325 | |||||||||
Emperor Cheng | 成帝 | Sīmǎ Yǎn | 司馬衍 | 325–342 | Tàiníng | 太寧 | 325 | ||||
Xiánhé | 咸和 | 326–334 | |||||||||
Xiánkāng | 咸康 | 335–342 | |||||||||
Emperor Kang | 康帝 | Sīmǎ Yuè | 司馬岳 | 342–344 | Jiànyuán | 建元 | 343–344 | ||||
Emperor Mu | 穆帝 | Sima Dān | 司馬聃 | 345–361 | Yǒnghé | 永和 | 345–356 | ||||
Shēngpíng | 升平 | 357–361 | |||||||||
Emperor Ai | 哀帝 | Sīmǎ Pī | 司馬丕 | 361–365 | Lónghé | 隆和 | 362–363 | ||||
Xīngníng | 興寧 | 363–365 | |||||||||
Emperor Fei | 廢帝 | Sīmǎ Yì | 司馬奕 | 365–371 | Tàihé | 太和 | 365–371 | ||||
Emperor Jianwen | 簡文帝 | Sīmǎ Yù | 司馬昱 | 371–372 | Xiánān | 咸安 | 371–372 | ||||
Emperor Xiaowu | 孝武帝 | Sīmǎ Yào | 司馬曜 | 372–396 | Níngkāng | 寧康 | 373–375 | ||||
Tàiyuán | 太元 | 376–396 | |||||||||
Emperor An | 安帝 | Sīmǎ Dézōng | 司馬德宗 | 396–418 | Lóngān | 隆安 | 397–401 | ||||
Yuánxīng | 元興 | 402–404 | |||||||||
Yìxī | 義熙 | 405–418 | |||||||||
Emperor Gong | 恭帝 | Sīmǎ Déwén | 司馬德文 | 419–420 | Yuánxī | 元熙 | 419–420 |
Sixteen Kingdoms Period
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號) | Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: use personal name | ||||
Han Zhao 漢趙 304–329 (addressed separately in traditional texts as Han 漢 and Former Zhao 前趙) | ||||
Han 304–318 | ||||
Gao Zu 高祖 |
Emperor Guangwen 光文帝 |
Liu Yuan 劉淵 |
304–310 | Jiànxīng (建興) 304–307 Yǒngfèng (永鳳) 308 |
Did not exist | Prince Liang 梁王 |
Liu He 劉和 |
7 days in 310 | Guāngxīng (光興) 310 (continuation) |
Lie Zong 烈宗 |
Emperor Zhaowu 昭武帝 |
Liu Cong 劉聰 |
310–318 | Guāngxīng (光興) 310 (continuation) Jiāpíng (嘉平) 311–315 |
Did not exist | Emperor Yin 隱帝 |
Liu Can 劉粲 |
a month and days in 318 | Hànchāng (漢昌) 318 (until renaming as Former Zhao) |
Qian (Former) Zhao 前趙 318–329 | ||||
Did not exist | Last Emperor 後主 |
Liu Yao 劉曜 |
318–329 | Guāngchū (光初) 318–329 (until conquest by Later Zhao) |
Hou (Later) Zhao Empire 后趙 319–351 | ||||
Gaozu Emperor 高祖 |
Emperor Ming 明帝 |
Shi Le 石勒 |
319–333 | Prince Zhao (趙王) 319–327 Tàihé (太和) 328–329 |
Did not exist | Prince Haiyang 海陽王 |
Shi Hong 石弘 |
333–334 | Yánxī (延熙) 333 (continuation) Jiànwǔ (建武) 334 |
Taizu Emperor 太祖 |
Emperor Wu 武帝 |
Shi Hu 石虎 |
334–349 | Jiànwǔ (建武) 334–348 Taìníng (太寧) 349 |
Did not exist | Prince Qiao 譙王 |
Shi Shi 石世 |
73 days in 349 | Taìníng (太寧) 349 (continuation) |
Did not exist | Prince Pangcheng 彭城王 |
Shi Zun 石遵 |
183 days in 349 | Taìníng (太寧) 349 (continuation) |
Did not exist | Prince Yiyang 義陽王 |
Shi Jian 石鑒 |
103 days within 349–350 | Qīnglóng (青龍) (changed mid-year) |
Did not exist | Prince Xinxing 新興王 |
Shi Zhi 石祗 |
350–351 | Yǒngníng (永寧) 350–351 (until Ran Min's coup) |
Cheng Han 成漢 303–347 (addressed separately in traditional texts as Cheng and Han) | ||||
Cheng 303–338 | ||||
Shízu Emperor 始祖 or Shìzu Emperor 世祖 |
Emperor Jing 景帝 |
Li Te 李特 |
303 | Jiànchū (建初) or Jǐngchū (景初) 303 |
Did not exist | Prince Qin Wen 秦文王 |
Li Liu 李流 |
several months in 303 | Jiànchū (建初) or Jǐngchū (景初) 303 (continuation) |
Taizong Emperor 太宗 |
Emperor Wu 武帝 |
Li Xiong 李雄 |
303–334 | Jiànchū (建初) or Jǐngchū (景初) 303 (continuation) Jiànxīng (建興) 304–305 |
Did not exist | Emperor Ai 哀帝 |
Li Ban 李班 |
7 months in 334 | Yùhéng (玉衡) 334 (continuation) |
Did not exist | Duke You 幽公 |
Li Qi 李期 |
334–338 | Yùhéng (玉恆) 334–337 (continuation) Hànxīng (漢興) |
Han 338–347 | ||||
Zhongzong Emperor 中宗 |
Emperor Zhaowen 昭文帝 |
Li Shou 李壽 |
338–343 | Hànxīng (漢興) 338–343 (continuation) |
Did not exist | Marquis Guiyi
歸義侯 |
Li Shi 李勢 |
343–347 | Hànxīng (漢興) 343 (continuation) Tàihé (太和) 344–345 |
Qian (Former) Yan 前燕 337–370 | ||||
Taizu Emperor 太祖 |
Emperor Wenming 文明帝 |
Murong Huang 慕容皝 |
337–348 | Yànwáng (燕王) 337–348 |
Liezong Emperor 烈宗) |
Emperor Jingzhao 景昭帝 |
Murong Jun 慕容俊 |
348–360 | Yànwáng (燕王) 348 (continuation) Yànyuán (燕元) 349–351 |
Did not exist | Prince You 幽帝 |
Murong Wei 慕容暐 |
360–370 | Jiànxī (建熙) 360–365 (continuation) Jiànyuán (建元) 366–370 |
Hou (Later) Yan 后燕 384–407 | ||||
Shizu Emperor 世祖 |
Emperor Wucheng 武成帝 |
Murong Chui 慕容垂 |
384–396 | Yànwáng (燕王) 384–385 Jianxing (建興) 386–396 |
Liezong Emperor 烈宗 |
Emperor Huimin 惠愍帝 |
Murong Bao 慕容寶 |
396–398 | Yongkang (永康 yǒng kāng) 396–398 |
Zhongzong Emperor 中宗 |
Emperor Zhaowu 昭武帝 |
Murong Sheng 慕容盛 |
398–401 | Jianping (建平) 398 Changle (長樂) 399–401 |
Did not exist | Emperor Zhaowen 昭文帝 |
Murong Xi 慕容熙 |
401–407 | Guangshi (光始) 401–406 Jianshi (建始) 407 |
Nan (Southern) Yan 南燕 398–410 | ||||
Shi Zong 世宗 |
Emperor Xianwu 獻武帝 |
Murong De 慕容德 |
398–405 | Yanwang (燕王) 398–400 Jianping (建平) 400–405 |
Did not exist | Last Emperor 後主 |
Murong Chao 慕容超 |
405–410 | Taishang (太上) 405–410 |
Bei (Northern) Yan 北燕 407–436 | ||||
Did not exist | Emperor Huiyi 惠懿帝 |
Gao Yun 高雲 |
407–409 | Zhengshi (正始) 407–409 |
Taizu 太祖 |
Emperor Wencheng 文成帝 |
Feng Ba 馮跋 |
409–430 | Taiping (太平) 409–430 |
Did not exist | Emperor Zhaocheng 昭成帝 |
Feng Hong 馮弘 |
430–436 | Daxing (大興) 430–436 |
Qian (Former) Liang 前凉 320–376 | ||||
Did not exist | Duke Cheng 成公 |
Zhang Mao 張茂 |
320–324 | Jianxing (建興) 320–324 |
Did not exist | Duke Zhongcheng 忠成公 |
Zhang Jun 張駿 |
324–346 | Jianxing (建興) 324–346 |
Did not exist | Duke Huan 桓公 |
Zhang Chonghua 張重華 |
346–353 | Jianxing (建興) 346–353 |
Did not exist | Duke Ai 哀公 |
Zhang Yaoling 張曜靈 |
3 months (the ninth to the twelfth month) in 353 | Jianxing (建興) 353 |
Did not exist | Prince Wei 威王 |
Zhang Zuo 張祚 |
353–355 | Jianxing (建興) 353–354 Heping (和平) 354–355 |
Did not exist | Duke Jingdao 敬悼公 or Duke Chong 沖公 |
Zhang Xuanjing 張玄靖 |
355–363 | Jianxing (建興) 355–361 Shengping (升平) 361–363 |
Did not exist | Duke Dao 悼公 |
Zhang Tianxi 張天錫 |
364–376 | Shengping (升平) 364–376 |
Hou (Later) Liang 后凉 386–403 | ||||
Taizu 太祖 |
King Yiwu 懿武王 |
Lü Guang 呂光 |
386–399 | Taian (太安) 386–389 Linjia (麟嘉 389–396 |
Did not exist | King Yin 隱王 |
Lü Shao 呂紹 |
399 | Longfei (龍飛) 399 |
Did not exist | King Ling 靈王 |
Lü Zuan 呂纂 |
399–401 | Xianning (咸寧) 399–401 |
Did not exist | Duke Shangshu 尚書公 or Duke Jiankang 建康公 |
Lü Long 呂隆 |
401–403 | Shending (神鼎) 401–403 |
Nan (Southern) Liang 南凉 397–414 | ||||
Lie Zu 烈祖 |
King Wu 武王 |
Tufa Wugu 禿髮烏孤 |
397–399 | Taichu (太初) 397–399 |
Did not exist | King Kang 康王 |
Tufa Lilugu 禿髮利鹿孤 |
399–402 | Jianhe (建和) 399–402 |
Did not exist | King Jǐng 景王 or King Jìng 敬王 |
Tufa Rutan 禿髮傉檀 |
402–414 | Hongchang (弘昌) 402–404 Jiaping (嘉平) 409–414 |
Bei (Northern) Liang 北凉 397–439 (as Kings of Gaochang 442–460) | ||||
Did not exist | Did not exist | Duan Ye 段業 |
397–401 | Shenxi (神璽) 397–399 Tianxi (天璽) 399–401 |
Tai zu 太祖 |
King Wuxuan 武宣王 |
Juqu Mengxun 沮渠蒙遜 |
401–433 | Yongan (永安) 401–412 Xuanshi (玄始) 412–428 |
Did not exist | King Ai 哀王 |
Juqu Mujian 沮渠牧犍 |
433–439 | Yonghe (永和) 433–439 |
Did not exist | Did not exist | Juqu Wuhui 沮渠無諱 |
442–444 | Chengping (承平) 442–443 Qianshou (乾壽) 443–444 |
Did not exist | Did not exist | Juqu Anzhou 沮渠安周 |
444–460 | Chengping (承平) 444–460 |
Xi (Western) Liang 西凉 400–421 | ||||
Tai zu 太祖 |
King Wuzhao 武昭王 |
Li Gao 李暠 |
400–417 | Gengzi (庚子) 400–405 Jianchu (建初) 406–416 |
Did not exist | Later King 後主 |
Li Xin 李歆 |
417–420 | Jiaxing (嘉興) 417–420 |
Did not exist | Last King 後主 |
Li Xun 李恂 |
420–421 | Yongjian (永建) 420–421 |
Qian Former Qin Empire 前秦 351–394 | ||||
Gao Zu 高祖 |
Emperor Jing Ming 景明帝 |
Fu Jian 苻健 |
351–355 | Huangshi (皇始) 351–355 |
Did not exist | King Li 厲王 |
Fu Sheng 苻生 |
355–357 | Shouguang (壽光) 355–357 |
Shi Zu 世祖 |
Emperor Xuan Zhao 宣昭帝 |
Fu Jian 苻堅 |
357–385 | Yongxing (永興) 357–359 Ganlu (甘露) 359–364 |
Did not exist | Emperor Ai Ping 哀平帝 |
Fu Pi 苻丕 |
385–386 | Taian (太安) 385–386 |
Tai Zong 太宗 |
Emperor Gao 高帝 |
Fu Deng 苻登 |
386–394 | Taichu (太初) 385–394 |
Did not exist | Last Emperor 後主 |
Fu Chong 苻崇 |
several months in 394 | Yanchu (延初) 394 |
Hou (Later) Qin 后秦 384–417 | ||||
Tai zu 太祖 |
Emperor Wu Zhao 武昭帝 |
Yao Chang 姚萇 |
384–393 | Baique (白雀) 384–386 Jianchu (建初) 386–393 |
Gao Zu 高祖 |
Emperor Wen Huan 文桓帝 |
Yao Xing 姚興 |
394–416 | Huangchu (皇初) 394–399 Hongshi (弘始) 399–416 |
Did not exist | Last Emperor 後主 |
Yao Hong 姚泓 |
416–417 | Yonghe (永和) 416–417 |
Xi (Western) Qin 西秦 385–400, 409–431 | ||||
Lie Zu 烈祖 |
King Xuanlie 宣烈王 |
Qifu Guoren 乞伏國仁 |
385–388 | Jianyi (建義) 385–388 |
Gao Zu 高祖 |
King Wu Yuan 武元王 |
Qifu Gangui 乞伏乾歸 |
388–400, 409–412 | Taichu (太初) 388–400 Gengshi (更始) 409–412 |
Tai Zu 太祖 |
King Wen Zhao 文昭王 |
Qifu Chipan 乞伏熾磐 |
412–428 | Yongkang (永康) 412–419 Jianhong (建弘) 420–428 |
Did not exist | Last King 後主 |
Qifu Mumo 乞伏暮末 |
428–431 | Yonghong (永弘) 428–431 |
Xia 夏 407–431 | ||||
Shi Zu 世祖 |
Emperor Wulie 武烈帝 |
Helian Bobo 赫連勃勃 |
407–425 | Longsheng (龍升) 407–413 Fengxiang (鳳翔) 413–418 |
Did not exist | Prince Qin 秦王 |
Helian Chang 赫連昌 |
425–428 | Chengguang (承光) 425–428 |
Did not exist | Prince Pingyuan 平原王 |
Helian Ding 赫連定 |
428–431 | Shengguang (勝光) 425–428 |
Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|
Convention: use personal name | |||
Ran Wei 冉魏 350–352 (addressed as Wei in traditional texts) | |||
Wudao Tianwang (Wudao Heavenly King)
武悼天王 |
Ran Min 冉閔 |
350–352 | Yongxing (永興) 350–352 |
Xi (Western) Yan 西燕 384–394 | |||
Emperor Wei 威帝 |
Murong Hong 慕容泓 |
384 | Yanxing (燕興) 384 |
Did not exist | Murong Chong 慕容沖 |
384–386 | Yanxing (燕興) 384–385 Gengshi (更始) 385–386 |
Did not exist | Duan Sui 段隨 |
386 | Changping (昌平) 386 |
Did not exist | Murong Yi 慕容顗 |
386 | Jianming (建明) 386 |
Did not exist | Murong Yao 慕容瑤 |
386 | Jianping (建平) 386 |
Did not exist | Murong Zhong 慕容忠 |
386 | Jianwu (建武) 386 |
Did not exist | Murong Yong 慕容永 |
386–394 | Zhongxing (中興) 386–394 |
Shu 蜀 405–413 | |||
King Chengdu 成都王 |
Qiao Zong 譙縱 |
405–413 | Did not exist |
Chieftains of Tiefu Tribe 匈奴支系鐵弗部首領 (mid-3rd century – 391) | |||
Did not exist | Liu Qubei 劉去卑 |
mid-3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Liu Gaoshengyuan 劉誥升爰 |
mid-3rd century – late 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Liu Hu 劉虎 |
early 4th century (309?) – 341 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Liu Wuheng 劉務恒 |
341–356 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Liu Eloutou 劉閼陋頭 |
356–358 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Liu Xiwuqi 劉悉勿祈 |
358–359 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Liu Weichen 劉衛辰 |
359–391 | Did not exist |
Chieftains of Yuwen Tribe 宇文部鮮卑首領 (late-3rd century – 345) | |||
Did not exist | Yuwen Mohuai 宇文莫槐 |
late 3rd century – 293 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yuwen Puhui 宇文普回 or Yuwen Pubo 宇文普撥 |
293 – late 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yuwen Qiubuqin 宇文丘不勤 |
late 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yuwen Mogui 宇文莫圭 |
late 3rd century (299?)- early 4th century (302?) | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yuwen Xiduguan 宇文悉獨官 |
early 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yuwen Qidegui 宇文乞得歸 |
early 3rd century – 333 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yuwen Yidougui 宇文逸豆歸 |
333–345 | Did not exist |
Dukes of Liaoxi 遼西公 303–338 | |||
Did not exist | Duan Wuwuchen 段務勿塵 |
303 – 310 or 311 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Duan Jilujuan 段疾陸眷 |
310 or 311 – 318 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Duan Shefuchen 段涉復辰 |
318 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Duan Pidi 段匹磾 |
318–321 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Duan Mopei 段末柸 |
318–325 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Duan Ya 段牙 |
325 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Duan Liao 段遼 |
326–338 | Did not exist |
Chieftains, Dukes and Kings of Chouchi, Wuxing and Yinping (late 2nd century- mid-6th century (555?)) | |||
First Phase of Chouchi 前仇池 (late 2nd century – 371) | |||
Did not exist | Yang Teng 楊騰 |
late 2nd century- early 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Ju 楊駒 |
early 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Qianwan 楊千萬 |
early 3rd century – mid-3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Feilong 楊飛龍 |
mid-3rd century – late 3rd century | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Maosou 楊茂搜 |
late 3rd century – 317 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Nandi 楊難敵 |
317–334 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Yi 楊毅 |
334–337 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Chu 楊初 |
337–355 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Guo 楊國 |
355–356 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Jun 楊俊 |
356–360 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Shi 楊世 |
360–370 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Cuan 楊篡 |
370–371 | Did not exist |
Second Phase of Chouchi 后仇池 385–473 | |||
King Wǔ 武王 |
Yang Ding 楊定 |
385–394 | Did not exist |
King Huìwén 惠文王 |
Yang Sheng 楊盛 |
394–425 | Did not exist |
King Xiàozhāo 孝昭王 |
Yang Xuan 楊玄 |
425–429 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Baozong 楊保宗 |
429 and 443 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Nandang 楊難當 |
429–441 | Jianyi (建義) 436–440 |
Did not exist | Yang Baochi 楊保熾 |
442–443 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Wende 楊文德 |
443–454 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Yuanhe 楊元和 |
455–466 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Sengsi 楊僧嗣 |
466–473 | Did not exist |
Kings of Wuxing 武興王 473–506 and 534–555 | |||
Did not exist | Yang Wendu 楊文度 |
473–477 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Wenhong 楊文弘 |
477–482 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Houqi 楊後起 |
482–486 | Did not exist |
An Wang 安王 |
Yang Jishi 楊集始 |
482–503 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Shaoxian 楊紹先 |
503–506, 534–535 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Zhihui 楊智慧 |
535–545 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Bixie 楊辟邪 |
545–553 | Did not exist |
Note: Yang Zhihui and Yang Bixie could be the same person | |||
Kings of Yinping 陰平王 477 – mid-6th century | |||
Did not exist | Yang Guangxiang 楊廣香 |
477–483? | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Jiong 楊炯 |
483–495 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Chongzu 楊崇祖 |
495-before 502 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Mengsun 楊孟孫 |
before 502–511 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Yang Ding 楊定 |
511- ? | Did not exist |
Chieftains of Tuoba Tribe 索頭部鮮卑族首領 219–377 (as Kings of Dai 代王 305?–377) | |||
The Tuoba clan was the ruling family of Northern Wei dynasty, founded by Tuoba Gui. Hence the 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 王(wáng) which was inherited by all successors of Tuoba Yi Lu. | |||
King Shényuán 神元王 |
Tuoba Liwei 拓拔力微 |
219–277 | Did not exist |
Note: His temple name was Shi Zu 始祖. He was the only chieftain before Tuoba Gui revered with a temple name | |||
King Zhāng 章王 |
Tuoba Xilu 拓拔悉鹿 |
277–286 | Did not exist |
King Píng 平王 |
Tuoba Chuo 拓拔綽 |
286–293 | Did not exist |
King Sī 思王 |
Tuoba Fu 拓拔弗 |
293–294 | Did not exist |
King Zhāo 昭王 |
Tuoba Luguan 拓拔祿官 |
294–307 | Did not exist |
Emperor Huán 桓帝 |
Tuoba Yituo 拓拔猗㐌 |
295–305 | Did not exist |
King Mù 穆王 |
Tuoba Yilu 拓拔猗盧 |
295–316 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Tuoba Pugen 拓拔普根 |
316 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | ?
拓拔? |
316 | Did not exist |
King Píngwén 平文王 |
Tuoba Yulü 拓拔鬱律 |
316–321 | Did not exist |
King Huì 惠王 |
Tuoba Heru 拓拔賀傉 |
321–325 | Did not exist |
King Yáng 煬王 |
Tuoba Hena 拓拔紇那 |
325–329 and 335–337 | Did not exist |
King Liè 烈王 |
Tuoba Yihuai 拓拔翳槐 |
329–335 and 337–338 | Did not exist |
King Zhāochéng 昭成王 |
Tuoba Shiyijian 拓拔什翼健 |
338–377 | Jianguo (建國) 338–377 |
Northern and Southern Dynasties
Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|
Northern dynasties 北朝 | |||
Bei (Northern) Wei dynasty 北魏 386–535 | |||
Convention: Bei (Northern) Wei + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Northern Wei in English | |||
The Tuoba family changed their family name to 元 (yuán) during the reign of Xiaowen Di in 496 so that is reflected in the table as well. | |||
Emperor Daowu 道武帝 |
Tuoba Gui 拓拔珪 |
386–409 | Dengguo (登國) 386–396 Huangshi (皇始) 396–398 Tianxing (天興) 398–404 Tianci (天賜) 404–409 |
Emperor Mingyuan 明元帝 |
Tuoba Si 拓拔嗣 |
409–423 | Yongxing (永興) 409–413 Shenrui (神瑞) 414–416 Taichang (泰常) 416–423 |
Emperor Taiwu 太武帝 |
Tuoba Tao 拓拔燾 |
424–452 | 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 |
Prince Nan'an 南安王 |
Tuoba Yu 拓拔余 |
452 | Chengping (承平) 452 |
Emperor Wencheng 文成帝 |
Tuoba Jun 拓拔濬 |
452–465 | Xingan (興安) 452–454 Xingguang (興光) 454–455 Tai'an (太安) 455–459 Heping (和平) 460–465 |
Emperor Xianwen 獻文帝 |
Tuoba Hong 拓拔弘 |
466–471 | Tian'an (天安) 466–467 Huangxing (皇興) 467–471 |
Emperor Xiaowen 孝文帝 |
Yuan Hong (Tuoba Hong) 元宏 (拓跋宏) |
471–499 | Yanxing (延興) 471–476 Chengming (承明) 476 Taihe (太和) 477–499 |
Emperor Xuanwu 宣武帝 |
Yuan Ke 元恪 |
499–515 | Jingming (景明) 500–503 Zhengshi (正始) 504–508 Yongping (永平) 508–512 Yanchang (延昌) 512–515 |
Emperor Xiaoming 孝明帝 |
Yuan Xu 元詡 |
516–528 | Xiping (熙平) 516–518 Shengui (神龜) 518–520 Zhengguang (正光) 520–525 Xiaochang (孝昌) 525–527 Wutai (武泰) 528 |
The Young Emperor 幼主 |
Yuan Zhao 元釗 |
528 | None |
Emperor Xiaozhuang 孝莊帝 |
Yuan Ziyou 元子攸 |
528–530 | Jianyi (建義) 528 Yong'an (永安) 528–530 |
Prince Changguang 長廣王 |
Yuan Ye 元曄 |
530–531 | Jianming (建明) 530–531 |
Emperor Jianmin 節閔帝 |
Yuan Gong 元恭 |
531–532 | Putai (普泰) 531–532 |
Prince Anding 安定王 |
Yuan Lang 元朗 |
531–532 | Zhongxing (中興) 531–532 |
Emperor Xiaowu 孝武帝 or Emperor Chu 出帝 |
Yuan Xiu 元脩 |
532–535 | Taichang (太昌) 532 Yongxing (永興) 532 Yongxi (永熙) 532–535 |
Dong (Eastern) Wei dynasty 東魏 534–550 | |||
Convention: Dong (Eastern) Wei + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Eastern Wei in English | |||
Emperor Xiaojing 孝靜帝 |
Yuan Shanjian 元善見 |
534–550 | Tianping (天平) 534–537 Yuanxiang (元象) 538–539 Xinghe (興和) 539–542 Wuding (武定) 543–550 |
Bei (Northern) Qi dynasty 北齊 550–577 | |||
Convention: Bei (Northern) Qi + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Northern Qi in English | |||
Emperor Wenxuan 文宣帝 |
Gao Yang 高洋 |
550–559 | Tianbao (天保) 550–559 |
Emperor Fei 廢帝 |
Gao Yin 高殷 |
559–560 | Qianming (乾明) 560 |
Emperor Xiaozhao 孝昭帝 |
Gao Yan 高演 |
560–561 | Huangjian (皇建) 560–561 |
Emperor Wucheng 武成帝 |
Gao Zhan 高湛 |
561–565 | Taining (太寧) 561–562 Heqing (河清) 562–565 |
Last Emperor 後主 |
Gao Wei 高緯 |
565–577 | Tiantong (天統) 565–569 Wuping (武平) 570–576 Longhua (隆化) 576 |
The Young Emperor 幼主 |
Gao Heng 高恆 |
577 | Chengguang (承光) 577 |
Prince Fanyang 范陽王 |
Gao Shaoyi 高紹義 |
577–579? | Did not exist |
Xi (Western) Wei dynasty 西魏 535–556 | |||
Convention: Xi (Western) Wei + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Western Wei in English | |||
Emperor Wen 文帝 |
Yuan Baoju 元寶炬 |
535–551 | Datong (大統) 535–551 |
Emperor Fei 廢帝 |
Yuan Qin 元欽 |
552–554 | Did not exist |
Emperor Gong 恭帝 |
Tuoba Kuo 拓拔廓 |
554–556 | Did not exist |
Bei (Northern) Zhou dynasty 北周 557–581 | |||
Convention: Bei (Northern) Zhou + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Northern Zhou in English | |||
Emperor Xiaomin 孝閔帝 |
Yuwen Jue 宇文覺 |
557 | Did not exist |
Emperor Ming 明帝 or Emperor Xiaoming 孝明帝 |
Yuwen Yu 宇文毓 |
557–560 | Wucheng (武成) 559–560 |
Emperor Wu 武帝 |
Yuwen Yong 宇文邕 |
561–578 | Baoding (保定) 560–565 Tianhe (天和) 566–572 Jiande (建德) 572–578 Xuanzheng (宣政) 578 |
Emperor Xuan 宣帝 |
Yuwen Yun 宇文贇 |
578–579 | Dacheng (大成 dà chéng) 579 |
Emperor Jing 靜帝 |
Yuwen Chan 宇文闡 |
579–581 | Daxiang (大象) 579–581 Dading (大定) 581 |
Southern dynasties 南朝 420–589 | |||
Liu Song dynasty 劉宋 (420–479) | |||
Convention: Song + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Liu Song in English. Liu Yu is sometimes referred using personal name. | |||
Emperor Wu 武帝 |
Liu Yu 劉裕 |
420–422 | Yongchu (永初) 420–422 |
Emperor Shao 少帝 |
Liu Yifu 劉義符 |
423–424 | Jingping (景平) 423–424 |
Emperor Wen 文帝 |
Liu Yilong 劉義隆 |
424–453 | Yuanjia (元嘉) 424–453 |
Emperor Xiaowu 孝武帝 |
Liu Jun 劉駿 |
454–464 | Xiaojian (元嘉) 454–456 Daming (大明) 457–464 |
Emperor Qian Fei 前廢帝 |
Liu Ziye 劉子業 |
465 | Yongguang (永光) 465 Jinghe (景和) 465 |
Emperor Ming 明帝 |
Liu Yu 劉彧 |
465–472 | Taishi (泰始) 465–471 Taiyu (泰豫) 472 |
Emperor Hou Fei 後廢帝 orPrince Cangwu 蒼梧王 |
Liu Yu 劉昱 |
473–477 | Yuanhui (元徽) 473–477 |
Emperor Shun 順帝 |
Liu Zhun 劉準 |
477–479 | Shengming (昇明) 477–479 |
Southern Qi dynasty 南齊 479–502 | |||
Convention: Qi + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Southern Qi in English | |||
Emperor Gao of Southern Qi
|
Xiao Daocheng
|
479–482 | Jianyuan (建元) 479–482 |
Emperor Wu of Southern Qi
|
Xiao Ze 蕭賾 |
482–493 | Yongming (永明) 483–493 |
Prince of Yulin
|
Xiao Zhaoye 蕭昭業 |
493–494 | Longchang (隆昌) 494 |
Prince of Hailing
|
Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文 |
494 | Yanxing (延興) 494 |
Emperor Ming of Southern Qi
|
Xiao Luan 蕭鸞 |
494–498 | Jianwu (建武) 494–498 Yongtai (永泰) 498 |
Marquess of Donghun
|
Xiao Baojuan 蕭寶卷 |
499–501 | Yongyuan (永元) 499–501 |
Emperor He of Southern Qi
|
Xiao Baorong 蕭寶融 |
501–502 | Zhongxing (中興) 501–502 |
Liang dynasty 梁 (502–557) | |||
Convention: Liang + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Liang in English | |||
Emperor Wu of Liang
|
Xiao Yan 蕭衍 |
502–549 | 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 |
Emperor Jianwen of Liang
|
Xiao Gang 蕭綱 |
549–551 | Dabao (大寶) 550–551 |
Prince of Yuzhang
|
Xiao Dong 蕭棟 |
551–552 | Tianzheng (天正) 551–552 |
Emperor Yuan of Liang
|
Xiao Yi 蕭繹 |
552–555 | Chengsheng (承聖) 552–555 |
Marquess of Zhenyang
|
Xiao Yuanming 蕭淵明 |
555 | Tiancheng (天成) 555 |
Emperor Jing of Liang
|
Xiao Fangzhi
|
555–557 | Shaotai (紹泰) 555–556 Taiping (太平) 556–557 |
Chen dynasty 陳 557–589 | |||
Convention: Chen + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Chen in English | |||
Emperor Wu of Chen Wu Di 武帝 |
Chen Baxian 陳霸先 |
557–559 | Yongding (永定) 557–559 |
Emperor Wen of Chen Wen Di 文帝 |
Chen Qian 陳蒨 |
559–566 | Tianjia (天嘉) 560–566 Tiankang (天康) 566 |
Emperor Fei of Chen Fei Di 廢帝 |
Chen Bozong 陳伯宗 |
566–568 | Guangda (光大) 566–568 |
Emperor Xuan of Chen Xuan Di 宣帝 |
Chen Xu 陳頊 |
569–582 | Taijian (太建) 569–582 |
Houzhu 後主 |
Chen Shubao 陳叔寶 |
583–589 | Zhide (至德) 583–586 Zhenming (禎明) 587–589 |
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號) | Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: Nan (Southern)/Xi (Western) Liang + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Western Liang in English | ||||
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 中宗 |
Emperor Xuan 宣帝 |
Xiao Cha 蕭詧 |
555–562 | Dading (大定) 555–562 |
Shi Zong 世宗 |
Emperor Xiaoming 孝明帝 |
Xiao Kui 蕭巋 |
562–585 | Tianbao (天保) 562–585 |
Did not exist | Emperor XIaojing 孝靖帝 or Duke Ju |
Xiao Cong 蕭琮 |
585–587 | Guangyun (廣運) 562–585 |
Sui dynasty
Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) | Range of years | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: "Sui" + posthumous name in Chinese, or posthumous name of Sui Dynasty in English | |||||||
Emperor Wen | 文帝(Wén Dì) | 楊堅 | Yáng Jiān | 581–604 | Kāihuáng | 開皇 | 581–600 |
Rénshòu | 仁壽 | 601–604 | |||||
Emperor Yang | 煬帝 (Yáng Dì) | 楊廣 | Yáng Guǎng | 605–617 | Dàyè | 大業 | 605–617 |
Emperor Gong1 | 恭帝 | 楊侑 | Yáng Yòu | 617–618 | Yìníng | 義寧 | 617–618 |
Prince Qin2 | 楊浩 | Yáng Hào | 618 | ||||
Huangtai Lord3 | 恭帝 (皇泰主) | 楊侗 | Yáng Tóng | 618–619 | Huángtài | 皇泰 | 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 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 (許) state. As Yang Hao was completely under Yuwen's control and only "reigned" briefly, he is not usually regarded as a legitimate emperor. | |||||||
3 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. |
Tang dynasty
Temple Names (Miao Hao 庙号) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年号) and their corresponding range of years | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: "Tang" + temple name in Chinese, or temple name + of Tang Dynasty in English, except for Emperor Shang and Emperor Ai; Emperor Xuanzong (唐玄宗) is sometimes referred as Emperor Ming of Tang Dynasty (唐明皇) | |||||||
Emperor Gaozu (高祖) | Lǐ Yuān
李渊 |
618–626 | Wude (武德) 618–626 | ||||
Emperor Taizong (太宗) | Lǐ Shìmín
李世民 |
627–649 | Zhenguan (貞觀) 627–649 | ||||
Emperor Gaozong (高宗) | Lǐ Zhì
李治 |
650–683 | Yonghui (永徽) 650–655 Xianqing (顯慶) 656–661 | ||||
Emperor Zhongzong (中宗) | Li Xian
李显 or Li Zhe 李哲 |
684, 705–710 | Sisheng (嗣聖) 684 Shenlong (神龍) 705–707 | ||||
Emperor Ruizong (睿宗) | Li Dan
李旦 |
684–690, 710–712 | Wenming (文明) 684–690 Jingyun (景雲) 710–711 | ||||
Wu Zhou Period (690 - 705) 周 | |||||||
Convention: family name + posthumous name | |||||||
Wu Zetian (武则天)
(no official temple name) |
Wǔ Zhào
武曌 |
690–705 | Tianshou (天授) 690–692 Ruyi (如意) 692 | ||||
Continuation of Tang dynasty 唐 | |||||||
Emperor Shang (殤帝)1 | Li Chongmao
李重茂 |
710 | Tanglong (唐隆) 710 | ||||
Emperor Xuanzong (玄宗) | Li Longji
李隆基 |
712–756 | Xiantian (先天) 712–713 Kaiyuan (開元) 713–741 | ||||
Emperor Suzong (肅宗) | Li Heng
李亨 |
756–762 | Jide (至德) 756–758 Qianyuan (乾元) 758–760 | ||||
Emperor Daizong (代宗) | Li Yu
李豫 |
762–779 | Baoying (寶應) 762–763 Guangde (廣德) 763–764 | ||||
Emperor Dezong (德宗) | Li Gua
李适 |
780–805 | Jianzhong (建中) 780–783 Xingyuan (興元) 784 | ||||
Emperor Shunzong (順宗) | Li Song
李誦 |
805 | Yongzhen (永貞) 805 | ||||
Emperor Xianzong (憲宗) | Li Chun
李純 |
806–820 | Yuanhe (元和) 806–820 | ||||
Emperor Muzong (穆宗) | Li Heng
李恆 |
821–824 | Changqing (長慶) 821–824 | ||||
Emperor Jingzong (敬宗) | Li Zhan
李湛 |
824–826 | Baoli (寶曆) 824–826 | ||||
Emperor Wenzong (文宗) | Li Ang
李昂 |
826–840 | Baoli (寶曆) 826 Dahe (大和) or Taihe (太和) 827–835 | ||||
Emperor Wuzong (武宗) | Li Yan
李炎 |
840–846 | Huichang (會昌) 841–846 | ||||
Emperor Xuanzong (宣宗) | Li Chen
李忱 |
846–859 | Dachong (大中) 847–859 | ||||
Emperor Yizong (懿宗) | Li Cui
李漼 |
859–873 | Dachong (大中) 859 Xiantong (咸通) 860–873 | ||||
Emperor Xizong (僖宗) | Li Xuan
李儇 |
873–888 | Xiantong (咸通) 873–874 Qianfu (乾符) 874–879 | ||||
Emperor Zhaozong (昭宗) | Li Ye
李曄 |
888–904 | Longji (龍紀) 889 Dashun (大順) 890–891 | ||||
Emperor Ai (哀帝)1 or Emperor Zhaoxuan (昭宣帝)1 |
Li Zhu
李柷 |
904–907 | Tianyou (天佑) 904–907 | ||||
1 Shao Di 少帝, Ai Di >哀帝 and Zhaoxuan Di 昭宣帝 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
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號) | Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Personal Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|
the Five Dynasties 五代 | ||||
Convention: name of dynasty + temple name or posthumous name | ||||
Hou (Later) Liang dynasty 后梁 907–923 | ||||
Taizu
太祖 |
Emperor Xianwu (獻武) | Zhū Wēn (朱溫) | 907–912 | Kaīpíng (開平) 907–911 Qiánhuà (乾化) 911–912 |
Zhu Yougui 朱友珪 | 912–913 | Qiánhuà (乾化) 912–913 Fengli 913 | ||
Did not exist | Final Emperor (末帝) | Zhū Zhèn (朱瑱) | 913–923 | Qiánhuà (乾化) 913–915 Zhēnmíng (貞明) 915–921 Lóngdé (龍德) 921–923 |
Hou (Later) Tang dynasty 后唐 923–936 | ||||
Emperor Zhuangzong 莊宗 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Lǐ Cúnxù (李存勗) | 923–926 | Tongguang (同光) 923–926 |
Emperor Mingzong 明宗 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Lǐ Sìyuán (李嗣源) or Lǐ Dǎn (李亶) | 926–933 | Tiancheng (天成) 926–930 Changxing (長興) 930–933 |
Did not exist | Emperor Min 閔帝 |
Lǐ Cónghòu (李從厚) | 933–934 | Yingshun (應順) 913–915 |
Did not exist | Final Emperor 末帝 |
Lǐ Cóngkē (李從珂) | 934–936 | Qingtai (清泰) 934–936 |
Hou (Later) Jin dynasty 后晋 936–947 | ||||
Emperor Gaozu 高祖 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Shi Jingtang (石敬瑭) | 936–942 | Tianfu (天福) 936–942 |
Did not exist | Emperor Chu 出帝 |
Shi Chonggui (石重貴) | 942–947 | Tianfu (天福) 942–944 Kaiyun (開運) 944–947 |
Hou (Later) Han dynasty 后汉 947–950 | ||||
Emperor Gaozu 高祖 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Liu Zhiyuan (劉知遠) | 947–948 | Tianfu (天福) 947 Qianyou (乾祐) 948 |
Did not exist | Emperor Yin (隱帝) | Liu Chengyou (劉承祐) | 948–950 | Qianyou (乾祐) 948–950 |
Hou (Later) Zhou dynasty 后周 951–960 | ||||
Emperor Taizu 太祖 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Guo Wei (郭威) | 951–954 | Guangshun (廣順) 951–954 Xiande (顯德) 954 |
Emperor Shizong 世宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Chai Rong (柴榮) | 954–959 | Xiande (顯德) 954–959 |
Did not exist | Emperor Gong (恭帝 | Chai Zongxun (柴宗訓) | 959–960 | Xiande (顯德) 959–960 |
the Ten Kingdoms 十国 | ||||
Convention: use personal names, noticed otherwise | ||||
Wu Yue Kingdom 吳越 904–978 | ||||
Emperor Tai Zu
太祖 |
King Wusu
武肅王 |
Qian Liu 錢鏐 |
904–932 | Tianbao (天寶) 908–923 Baoda (寶大) 923–925 |
Emperor Shi Zong
世宗 |
King Wenmu
文穆王 |
Qian Yuanguan 錢元瓘 |
932–941 | Did not exist |
Cheng Zong
成宗 |
King Zhongxian
忠獻王 |
Qian Zuo 錢佐 |
941–947 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Zhongxun
忠遜王 |
Qian Zong 錢倧 |
947 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Zhongyi
忠懿王 |
Qian Chu 錢俶 |
947–978 | Did not exist |
Min Kingdom 閩 909–945 including Yin Kingdom 殷 943–945 | ||||
Emperor Taizu
太祖 |
King Zhongyi
忠懿王 |
Wang Shenzhi 王審知 |
909–925 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Did not exist | Wang Yanhan 王延翰 |
925–926 | Did not exist |
Emperor Tai Zong
太宗 |
Emperor Hui
惠帝 |
Wang Yanjun 王延鈞 |
926–935 | Longqi (龍啟) 933–935 Yonghe (永和) 935 |
Emperor Kang Zong 康宗 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Wang Jipeng 王繼鵬 |
935–939 | Tongwen (通文) 936–939 |
Emperor Jing Zong 景宗 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Wang Yanxi 王延羲 |
939–944 | Yonglong (永隆) 939–944 |
Did not exist | Emperor Tiande 天德帝 (as Emperor of Yin) |
Wang Yanzheng 王延政 |
943–945 | Tiande (天德) 943–945 |
Jingnan 荆南 or Nanping Kingdom 南平 906–963 | ||||
Did not exist | King Wuxin
武信王 |
Gao Jixing 高季興 |
909–928 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Wenxian
文獻王 |
Gao Conghui 高從誨 |
928–948 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Zhenyi
貞懿王 |
Gao Baorong 高寶融 |
948–960 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Emperor Shizhong
侍中 |
Gao Baoxu 高寶勗 |
960–962 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Did not exist | Gao Jichong 高繼沖 |
962–963 | Did not exist |
Chu Kingdom 楚 897–951 | ||||
Did not exist | King Wumu
武穆王 |
Ma Yin 馬殷 |
897–930 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Hengyang
衡陽王 |
Ma Xisheng 馬希聲 |
930–932 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Wenzhao
文昭王 |
Ma Xifan 馬希範 |
932–947 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Fei
廢王 |
Ma Xiguang 馬希廣 |
947–950 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | King Gongxiao
恭孝王 |
Ma Xi'e 馬希萼 |
950 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Did not exist | Ma Xichong 馬希崇 |
950–951 | Did not exist |
Wu Kingdom 吳 904–937 | ||||
Emperor Taizu
太祖 |
Emperor Xiaowu
孝武帝 |
Yang Xingmi 楊行密 |
904–905 | Tianyou (天祐) 904–905 |
Liezong
烈宗 |
Emperor Jing
景帝 |
Yang Wo 楊渥 |
905–908 | Tianyou (天祐) 905–908 |
Gaozu
高祖 |
Emperor Xuan
宣帝 |
Yang Longyan 楊隆演 |
908–921 | Tianyou (天祐) 908–919 Wuyi (武義) 919–921 |
Did not exist | Emperor Rui
睿帝 |
Yang Pu 楊溥 |
921–937 | Shunyi (順義) 921–927 Qianzhen (乾貞) 927–929 |
Nan (Southern) Tang Kingdom 南唐 937–975 | ||||
Convention for this kingdom only : Nan (Southern) Tang + posthumous names. Hou Zhu was referred to as Li Houzhu (李後主). | ||||
Emperor Xianzhu 先主 or
Emperor Lie Zu 烈祖 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Li Bian 李昪 |
937–943 | Shengyuan (昇元) 937–943 |
Emperor Zhongzhu 中主 or
Emperor Yuanzong 元宗 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Li Jing 李璟 |
943–961 | Baoda (保大) 943–958 Jiaotai (交泰) 958 |
Emperor Houzhu of Southern Tang 後主 | King Wu
武王 |
Li Yu
李煜 |
961–975 | Did not exist |
Nan (Southern) Han Kingdom 南漢 917–971 | ||||
Gaozu
高祖 |
Tianhuang Dadi
天皇大帝 |
Liú Yán 劉巖 or Liú Yǎn 劉龑 |
917–925 | Qiánhēng (乾亨) 917–925 Báilóng (白龍) 925–928 |
Did not exist | Emperor Shang
殤帝 |
Liú Bīn 劉玢 |
941–943 | Guāngtiān (光天) 941–943 |
Zhongzong
中宗 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Liú Shèng 劉晟 |
943–958 | Yìngqián (應乾) 943 Qiánhé (乾和) 943–958 |
Hou Zhu
後主 |
Did not exist | Liú Chǎng 劉鋹 |
958–971 | Dàbǎo (大寶) 958–971 |
Bei (Northern) Han Kingdom 北漢 951–979 | ||||
Emperor Shizu
世祖 |
Emperor Shenwu
神武帝 |
Liu Min 劉旻 |
951–954 | Qianyou (乾祐) 951–954 |
Emperor Ruizong
睿宗 |
Xiaohe Di
孝和帝 |
Liu Chengjun 劉承鈞 |
954–970 | Qianyou (乾祐) 954–957 Tianhui (天會) 957–970 |
Emperor Shaozhu
少主 |
Did not exist | Liu Jien 劉繼恩 |
970 | Did not exist |
Did not exist | Emperor Yingwu
英武帝 |
Liu Jiyuan 劉繼元 |
970–982 | Guangyun (廣運) 970–982 |
Qian (Former) Shu Kingdom 前蜀 907–925 | ||||
Emperor Gaozu
高祖 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Wang Jian 王建 |
907–918 | Tianfu (天復) 907 Wucheng (武成) 908–910 |
Last Emperor
後主 |
Did not exist | Wang Yan 王衍 |
918–925 | Qiande (乾德) 918–925 Xiankang (咸康) 925 |
Hou (Later) Shu Kingdom 后蜀 934–965 | ||||
Emperor Gaozu
高祖 |
Not used when referring to this sovereign | Meng Zhixiang 孟知祥 |
934 | Mingde (明德) 934 |
Last Emperor
後主 |
Did not exist | Meng Chang 孟昶 |
938–965 | Mingde (明德) 934–938 Guangzheng (廣政) 938–965 |
Independent Regimes during Ten Kingdoms
Name of Posts | Personal Names | Period on post | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Military Commissioner of Wuping/Hunan (武平/湖南節度使) | ||||
Military Commissioner of Wuping
武平節度使 |
Liu Yan 劉言 |
950–953 | ||
Military Commissioner of Wuping
武平節度使 |
Wang Kui 王逵 or Wang Jinkui 王進逵 |
953–956 | ||
Military Commissioner of Hunan
湖南節度使 |
Zhou Xingfeng 周行逢 |
956–962 | ||
Military Commissioner of Hunan
湖南節度使 |
Zhou Baoquan 周保權 |
962–963 | ||
Military Commissioner of Quanzhang (泉漳節度使) | ||||
Commader-in-Chief of Quanzhang
泉漳都指揮使 |
Liu Congxiao 留從效 |
945–962 | ||
Regent of Quanzhang
泉漳留守 |
Liu Shaozi 留紹鎡 |
962 | ||
Military Commissioner of Quanzhang
泉漳節度使 |
Zhang Hansi 張漢思 |
962–963 | ||
Military Commissioner of Quanzhang
泉漳節度使 |
Chen Hongjin 陳洪進 |
963–978 |
Liao dynasty
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號) | Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Born Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: "Liao" + temple name except Liao Tianzuodi who is referred using "Liao" + posthumous name | ||||
Emperor Taizu太祖 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Ābǎojī
耶律阿保機 |
907–926 | Shence (神冊) 916–922 Tianzan (天贊) 922–926 |
Emperor Taizong太宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Déguāng
耶律德光 |
926–947 | Tianxian (天顯) 927–938 Huitong (會同) 938–947 |
Emperor Shizong世宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Ruǎn
耶律阮 |
947–951 | Tianlu (天祿) 947–951 |
Emperor Muzong穆宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Jǐng
耶律璟 |
951–969 | Yingli (應曆) 951–969 |
Emperor Jingzong景宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Xián
耶律賢 |
969–982 | Baoning (保寧) 969–979 Qianheng (乾亨) 979–982 |
Emperor Shengzong聖宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Lóngxù
耶律隆緒 |
982–1031 | Qianheng (乾亨) 982 Tonghe (統和) 983–1012 |
Emperor Xingzong興宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Zōngzhēn
耶律宗真 |
1031–1055 | Jingfu (景福) 1031–1032 Chongxi (重熙) 1032–1055 |
Emperor Daozong道宗 | Not used when referring to this sovereign | Yēlǜ Hóngjī
耶律洪基 |
1055–1101 | Qingning (清寧) 1055–1064 Xianyong (咸雍) 1065–1074 |
Did not exist | Emperor Tianzuo天祚帝 | Yēlǜ Yánxǐ
耶律延禧 |
1101–1125 | Qiantong (乾統) 1101–1110 Tianqing (天慶) 1111–1120 |
(Continued as Western Liao in Central Asia)
Song dynasty
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號) | Posthumous Names (short form)(Shi Hao 諡號) | Born Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: "Song" + temple name or posthumous name except last emperor who was revered as Song Di Bing (宋帝昺 Sòng Dì Bǐng) | ||||
Bei (Northern) Song dynasty 北宋, 960- 1127 | ||||
Emperor Taizu 太祖 |
Xiao Di
孝帝 |
Zhao Kuangyin
趙匡胤 |
960–976 | Jianlong (建隆) 960–963 Qiande (乾德) 963–968 |
Emperor Taizong 太宗 |
De Di
德帝 |
Zhao Kuangyi 趙匡義 or
Zhao Guangyi 趙光義 or Zhao Jiong 趙炅 |
976–997 | Taipingxingguo (太平興國) 976–984 Yongxi (雍熙) 984–987 |
Emperor Zhenzong 真宗 |
Zhang Di
章帝 |
Zhao Heng
趙恆 |
997–1022 | Xianping (咸平) 998–1003 Jingde (景德) 1004–1007 |
Emperor Renzong 仁宗 |
Wen Di
文帝 |
Zhao Zhen
趙禎 |
1022–1063 | Tiansheng (天聖) 1023–1032 Mingdao (明道) 1032–1033 |
Emperor Yingzong 英宗 |
Xuan Di
宣帝 |
Zhao Shu
趙曙 |
1063–1067 | Zhiping (治平) 1064–1067 |
Emperor Shenzong 神宗 |
Qin Di
欽帝 |
Zhao Xu
趙頊 |
1067–1085 | Xining (熙寧) 1068–1077 Yuanfeng (元豐) 1078–1085 |
Emperor Zhezong 哲宗 |
Zhao Di
昭帝 |
Zhao Xu
趙煦 |
1085–1100 | Yuanyou (元祐) 1086–1094 Shaosheng (紹聖) 1094–1098 |
Emperor Huizong 徽宗 |
Xian Di
顯帝 |
Zhao Ji
趙佶 |
1100–1125 | Jianzhongjingguo (建中靖國) 1101 Chongning (崇寧) 1102–1106 |
Emperor Qinzong 欽宗 |
Ren Di
仁帝 |
Zhao Huan
趙桓 |
1126–1127 | Jingkang (靖康) 1125–1127 |
Nan (Southern) Song dynasty 南宋, 1127–1279 | ||||
Emperor Gaozong 高宗 |
Xian Di
憲帝 |
Zhao Gou
趙構 |
1127–1162 | Jianyan (建炎) 1127–1130 Shaoxing (紹興) 1131–1162 |
Emperor Xiaozong 孝宗 |
Cheng Di
成帝 |
Zhao Shen
趙昚 |
1162–1189 | Longxing (隆興) 1163–1164 Qiandao (乾道) 1165–1173 |
Emperor Guangzong 光宗 |
Ci Di
慈帝 |
Zhao Dun
趙惇 |
1189–1194 | Shaoxi (紹熙) 1190–1194 |
Emperor Ningzong 寧宗 |
Gong Di
恭帝 |
Zhao Kuo
趙擴 |
1194–1224 | Qingyuan (慶元) 1195–1200 Jiatai (嘉泰) 1201–1204 |
Emperor Lizong 理宗 |
An Di
安帝 |
Zhao Yun
趙昀 |
1224–1264 | Baoqing (寶慶) 1225–1227 Shaoding (紹定) 1228–1233 |
Emperor Duzong 度宗 |
Jing Di
景帝 |
Zhao Qi
趙禥 |
1264–1274 | Xianchun (咸淳) 1265–1274 |
Emperor Gongzong 恭宗 |
Gong Di
恭帝 |
Zhao Xian
趙顯 |
1274–1276 | Deyou (德祐) 1275–1276 |
Emperor Duanzong 端宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Zhao Shi
趙昰 |
1276–1278 | Jingyan (景炎) 1276–1278 |
did not exist | Di 帝 (The Emperor) or Prince Wei 衛王 |
Zhao Bing
趙昺 |
1278–1279 | Xiangxing (祥興) 1278–1279 |
Western Xia
Temple names | Posthumous names | Chinese family name and first names | Reigns | Era names and their according durations |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chinese convention: "Western Xia" + temple name or "family name + first names" | ||||
Emperor Jǐngzōng 景宗 |
Wǔlièdì 武烈帝 |
Lǐ Yuánhào
李元昊 |
1032–1048 | Xiǎndào (顯道) 1032–1034 Kāiyùn (開運) 1034 |
Emperor Yìzōng 毅宗 |
Zhāoyīngdì
昭英帝 |
Lǐ Liàngzuò
李諒祚 |
1048–1067 | Yánsìníngguó (延嗣寧國) 1048–1049 Tiānyòuchuíshèng (天祐垂聖) 1050–1052 |
Emperor Huìzōng 惠宗 |
Kāngjìngdì 康靖帝 |
Lǐ Bǐngcháng
李秉常 |
1067–1086 | Qiándào (乾道) 1067–1069 Tiāncìlǐshèngguóqìng (天賜禮盛國慶) 1070–1074 |
Emperor Chóngzōng 崇宗 |
Shèngwéndì 聖文帝 |
Lǐ Qiánshùn 李乾順 |
1086–1139 | Tiānyízhìpíng (天儀治平) 1086–1089 Tiānyòumín'ān (天祐民安) 1090–1097 |
Emperor Rénzōng 仁宗 |
Shèngzhēndì
聖禎帝 |
Lǐ Rénxiào
李仁孝 |
1139–1193 | Dàqìng (大慶) 1139–1143 Rénqìng (人慶) 1144–1148 |
Emperor Huánzōng 桓宗 |
Zhāojiǎnjì
昭簡帝 |
Lǐ Chúnyòu 李純佑 |
1193–1206 | Tiānqìng (天慶) 1193–1206 |
Emperor Xiāngzōng 襄宗 |
Jǐngwǔdì
景武帝 |
Lǐ Ānquán
李安全 |
1206–1211 | Qìngtiān (慶天) 1206–1209 Huángjiàn (皇建) 1210–1211 |
Emperor Shénzōng 神宗 |
Yīngwéndì
英文帝 |
Lǐ Zūnxū
李遵頊 |
1211–1223 | Guāngdìng (光定) 1211–1223 |
Emperor Xiànzōng 獻宗 |
Did not exist | Lǐ Déwàng
李德旺 |
1223–1226 | Qiándìng (乾定) 1223–1226 |
Emperor Mòzhǔ 末主 |
Did not exist | Lǐ Xiàn
李晛 |
1226–1227 | Bǎoyì (寶義) 1226–1227 |
Jin dynasty
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號 Miào Hào) | Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Born Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: "Jin" + temple name or posthumous name in Chinese, or "temple name or posthumous name of Jurchen Jin Dynasty | |||||
Emperor Tàizǔ 太祖 |
(1) | Āgǔdǎ 阿骨打 or Wányán Mǐn 完顏旻 |
1115–1123 | Shōuguó 收國 1115–1116 Tiānfǔ 天輔 1117–1123 | |
Emperor Tàizōng 太宗 |
(1) | Wúqǐmǎi 吳乞買 or Wányán Shèng 完顏晟 |
1123–1134 | Tiānhuì 天會 1123–1134 | |
Emperor Xīzōng 熙宗 |
(1) | Hélá 合剌 or Wányán Dǎn 完顏亶 |
1135–1149 | Tiānhuì 天會 1135–1138 Tiānjuàn 天眷 1138–1141 Huángtǒng 皇統 1141–1149 | |
(2) | Prince Yáng of Hǎilíng 海陵煬王 or Prince of Hǎilíng 海陵王 |
迪古乃 Dígǔnǎi or Wányán Liàng 完顏亮 |
1149–1161 | Tiāndé 天德 1149–1153 Zhènyuán 貞元 1153–1156 Zhènglóng 正隆 1156–1161 | |
Emperor Shìzōng 世宗 |
(1) | Wūlù 烏祿 or Wányán Yōng 完顏雍 |
1161–1189 | Dàdìng 大定 1161–1189 | |
Emperor Zhāngzōng 章宗 |
(1) | Mádágě 麻達葛 or Wányán Jǐng 完顏璟 |
1190–1208 | Míngchāng 明昌 1190–1196 Chéng'ān 承安 1196–1200 Tàihé 泰和 1200–1208 | |
(2) | Prince Shào of Weì 衛紹王 or Prince of Weì 衛王 |
Wányán Yǒngjì 完顏永濟 |
1209–1213 | Dà'ān 大安 1209–1212 Chóngqìng 崇慶 1212–1213 Zhìníng 至寧 1213 | |
Emperor Xuānzōng 宣宗 |
(1) | Wúdúbǔ 吾睹補 or Wányán Xún 完顏珣 |
1213–1223 | Zhēnyòu 貞祐 1213–1217 Xīngdìng 興定 1217–1222 Yuánguāng 元光 1222–1223 | |
Emperor Āizōng 哀宗 |
(1) | Níngjiǎsù 寧甲速 or Wányán Shǒuxù 完顏守緒 |
1224–1234 | Zhèngdà 正大 1224–1232 Kāixīng 開興 1232 Tiānxīng 天興 1232–1234 | |
(2) | Emperor Mò (Last Emperor) 末帝 |
Hūdūn 呼敦 or Wányán Chénglín 完顏承麟 |
1234 | (2) | |
(1) Quite long and thus not used when referring to this sovereign. (2) Did not exist. |
Yuan dynasty
Temple names | Posthumous names | Khan Names | Given names | Period of Reigns | Era names and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: use first name (e.g. Temüjin) or Khan names for khans before Kublai Khan. Use "Yuan" + temple name or posthumous name after. A mix of the three for Kublai Khan. | |||||
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 Temür means the same Mongolian words but Temür will be used for avoiding confusion with Timur the lame, or Tamerlane. | |||||
Emperor Tàizǔ
太祖 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Genghis Khan | Borjigin Temüjin
孛兒只斤鐵木真 (Bóérzhījīn Tiěmùzhēn) |
1206–1227 | did not exist |
Emperor Ruìzōng
睿宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Tolui | Borjigin Tolui
孛兒只斤拖雷 (Bóérzhījīn Tuōléi) |
1228 | did not exist |
Emperor Tàizōng
太宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Ögedei Khan | Borjigin Ögedei
孛兒只斤窩闊台 (Bóérzhījīn Wōkuòtái) |
1229–1241 | did not exist |
Emperor Dìngzōng
定宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Güyük Khan | Borjigin Güyük
孛兒只斤貴由 (Bóérzhījīn Guìyóu) |
1246–1248 | did not exist |
Emperor Xiànzōng
憲宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Möngke Khan | Borjigin Möngke
孛兒只斤蒙哥 (Bóérzhījīn Ménggē) |
1251–1259 | did not exist |
Emperor Shìzǔ
世祖 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Kublai Khan | Borjigin Kublai
孛兒只斤忽必烈 (Bóérzhījīn Hūbìliè) |
1260–1294 | Zhōngtǒng (中統) 1260–1264 Zhìyuán (至元) 1264–1294 |
Emperor Chéngzōng
成宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Temür Khan | Borjigin Temür
孛兒只斤鐵穆耳 (Bóérzhījīn Tiěmù'ěr) |
1294–1307 | Yuánzhēn (元貞) 1295–1297 Dàdé (大德) 1297–1307 |
Emperor Wǔzōng
武宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Külüg Khan | Borjigin Qayshan
孛兒只斤海山 (Bóérzhījīn Hǎishān) |
1308–1311 | Zhìdà (至大) 1308–1311 |
Emperor Rénzōng
仁宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Ayurbarwada Buyantu Khan | Borjigin Ayurparibhadra
孛兒只斤愛育黎拔力八達 (Bóérzhījīn Àiyùlíbálìbādá) |
1311–1320 | Huángqìng (皇慶) 1312–1313 Yányòu (延祐) 1314–1320 |
Emperor Yīngzōng
英宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Gegeen Khan | Borjigin Suddhipala
孛兒只斤碩德八剌 (Bóérzhījīn Shuòdébālá) |
1321–1323 | Zhìzhì (至治) 1321–1323 |
did not exist (1) | Tàidìng Emperor
泰定帝 (2) |
Yesün Temür | Borjigin Yesün-Temür
孛兒只斤也孫鐵木兒 (Bóérzhījīn Yěsūntiěmùér) |
1323–1328 | Tàidìng (泰定) 1321–1328 Zhìhé (致和) 1328 |
did not exist (1) | Tiānshùn Emperor
天順帝 (2) |
Ragibagh Khan | Borjigin Arigaba
孛兒只斤阿速吉八 (Bóérzhījīn Āsùjíbā) |
1328 | Tiānshùn (天順) 1328 |
Emperor Wénzōng
文宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Jayaatu Khan Tugh Temür | Borjigin Toq-Temür
孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾 (Bóérzhījīn Tútiěmùér) |
1328–1329 and 1329–1332 | Tiānlì (天曆) 1328–1330 Zhìshùn (至順) 1330–1332 |
Emperor Míngzōng
明宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Khutughtu Khan Kusala | Borjigin Qoshila
孛兒只斤和世剌 (Bóérzhījīn Héshìlà) |
1329 | did not exist |
Emperor Níngzōng
寧宗 |
not used when referring to this sovereign | Rinchinbal Khan | Borjigin Irinchibal
孛兒只斤懿璘質班 (Bóérzhījīn Yìlínzhìbān) |
1332 | Emperor Zhìshùn (至順) 1332 |
Emperor Huìzōng
惠宗 (1) |
Emperor Shun
順帝 |
Toghon Temür | Borjigin Toghan-Temür
孛兒只斤妥懽帖睦爾 (Bóérzhījīn Tuǒhuān Tiěmùér) |
1333–1370 | Zhìshùn (至順) 1333 Yuántǒng (元統) 1333–1335 |
(1) Convention: for these sovereigns only, use "yuan" + posthumous name, i.e. 元泰定帝 Yuán Tàidìng Dì.
(2) Not actually a posthumous name, but adopted from era name. |
Temple Names (Miao Hao 廟號 Miào Hào) | Posthumous Names (Shi Hao 諡號) | Khan Names | Born Names | Period of Reigns | Era Names (Nian Hao 年號) and their corresponding range of years |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Convention: use khan names or born names. | |||||
Note: 1) To non-Chinese readers, usually the khan names are the most familiar names. 2) Timur or Temür means the same Mongolian words but Temür 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. | |||||
Emperor Huìzōng
惠宗 (same person as the last Yuan emperor in China) |
Emperor Shundi
順帝 |
Toghon Temür | Borjigin Toghan-Temür
孛兒只斤妥懽帖睦爾 (Bóérzhījīn Tuǒhuān Tiěmùér) |
1333–1370 | Zhìshùn (至順) 1333 Yuántǒng (元統) 1333–1335 |
Emperor Zhàozōng
昭宗 |
did not exist | Biligtü Khan Ayushiridara | Ayushiridara of the Borjigin clan
孛兒只斤愛猷識里達臘 (Bóérzhījīn Àiyùshílǐdálà) |
1370–1378 | Xuānguāng (宣光) 1371–1378 |
did not exist | did not exist | Uskhal Khan Tögüs Temür | Tögüs Temür of the Borjigin clan
孛兒只斤脫古思鐵木兒 (Bóérzhījīn Tuōgǔsī Tiěmùér) |
1378–1387 | Tiānguāng (天光) 1378–1387 |
(1) Convention: for these souvereigns only, use "yuan" + posthumous name, i.e. 元泰定帝 Yuán Tài Dìng Dì.
For the later Mongol rulers, see List of Mongol rulers |
Ming dynasty
Personal Name | Posthumous name1 (short form) |
Temple name1 | Era name | Reign years | Name by which most commonly known |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zhū Yuánzhāng 朱元璋 |
Emperor Gāodì 高帝 |
Tàizǔ 太祖 |
Hóngwǔ 洪武 |
1368–1398 | Hongwu Emperor |
Zhū Yǔnwén 朱允炆 |
Emperor Huìdì 惠帝 |
Huizong² | Jiànwén 建文 |
1398–1402 | Jianwen Emperor |
Zhū Dì 朱棣 |
Wēndì 文帝 |
Chéngzǔ, 成祖 or Tàizōng, 太宗 |
Yǒnglè 永樂 |
1402–1424 | Yongle Emperor |
Zhū Gāochì 朱高熾 |
Zhāodì 昭帝 |
Rénzōng 仁宗 |
Hóngxī 洪熙 |
1424–1425 | Hongxi Emperor |
Zhū Zhānjī 朱瞻基 |
Zhāngdì 章帝 |
Xuānzōng 宣宗 |
Xuāndé 宣德 |
1425–1435 | Xuande Emperor |
Zhū Qízhèn 朱祁鎮 |
Ruìdì 睿帝 |
Yīngzōng 英宗 |
Zhèngtǒng, 正統 1436–1449; |
1435–1449; 1457–1464³ |
Zhengtong Emperor |
Zhū Qíyù 朱祁鈺 |
Jǐngdì 景帝 |
Dàizōng 代宗 |
Jǐngtài 景泰 |
1449–1457 | Jingtai Emperor |
Zhū Jiànshēn 朱見深 |
Chúndì 純帝 |
Xiànzōng 憲宗 |
Chénghuà 成化 |
1464–1487 | Chenghua Emperor |
Zhū Yòutáng 朱祐樘 |
Jìngdì 敬帝 |
Xiàozōng 孝宗 |
Hóngzhì 弘治 |
1487–1505 | Hongzhi Emperor |
Zhū Hòuzhào 朱厚照 |
Yìdì 毅帝 |
Wǔzōng 武宗 |
Zhèngdé 正德 |
1505–1521 | Zhengde Emperor |
Zhū Hòucōng 朱厚熜 |
Sùdì 肅帝 |
Shìzōng 世宗 |
Jiājìng 嘉靖 |
1521–1566 | Jiajing Emperor |
Zhū Zǎihòu 朱載垕 |
Zhuāngdì 莊帝 |
Mùzōng 穆宗 |
Lóngqìng 隆慶 |
1566–1572 | Longqing Emperor |
Zhū Yìjūn 朱翊鈞 |
Xiǎndì 顯帝 |
Shénzōng 神宗 |
Wànlì 萬曆 |
1572–1620 | Wanli Emperor |
Zhū Chángluò 朱常洛 |
Zhēndì 貞帝 |
Guāngzōng 光宗 |
Tàichāng 泰昌 |
1620 | Taichang Emperor |
Zhū Yóujiào 朱由校 |
Zhédì 悊帝 |
Xīzōng 熹宗 |
Tiānqǐ 天啓 |
1620–1627 | Tianqi Emperor |
Zhū Yóujiǎn 朱由檢 |
Zhuānglièmǐnhuángdì 莊烈愍皇帝 |
Sīzōng, 思宗 or Yìzōng, 毅宗 |
Chóngzhēn 崇禎 |
1627–1644 | Chongzhen Emperor |
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 (福王), 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, 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 | Temple name | Era name | Reign years |
---|---|---|---|
Li Zicheng 李自成 |
Chuǎng Wáng (The Daring King)
闖王 |
Yongchang
永昌 |
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.
Personal Name | Temple name | Era name | Reign years | Name by which most commonly known |
---|---|---|---|---|
Zhū Yóusōng 朱由崧 |
Ānzōng 安宗 |
Hóngguāng 弘光 |
1644–1645 | Prince of Fu 福王 Fú Wáng |
Zhū Yùjiàn 朱聿鍵 |
Shàozōng 紹宗 |
Lóngwǔ 隆武 |
1645–1646 | Prince of Tang 唐王 Táng Wáng |
Zhū Chángfāng 朱常淓 |
None given | None given, but sometimes referred to as the |
1645 | Prince of Lu (Luh*) 潞王 Lù Wáng |
Zhū Yǐhǎi 朱以海 |
None given | None given, but sometimes referred to as the |
1645–1653 | Prince of Lu (Lou*) 魯王 Lǔ Wáng |
Zhū Yùyuè 朱聿𨮁 |
Wénzōng 文宗 |
Shàowǔ 紹武 |
1646 | Prince of Tang (Shaowu) 唐王 Táng Wáng |
Zhū Yóuláng 朱由榔 |
Zhāozōng 昭宗 |
Yǒnglì 永曆 |
1646–1662 | Prince of Gui 桂王 Guì Wáng |
- 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
Given name1 | Posthumous name² (short form) |
Temple name² | Reign name Chinese, Manchu |
Reign years | Name by which most commonly known |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nurhaci 努爾哈赤 |
Gāodì 高帝 |
Tàizǔ 太祖 |
Tiānmìng 天命 |
1616–1626³ | Nurhaci |
Hong Taiji4 皇太極 |
Wéndì 文帝 |
Tàizōng 太宗 |
Tiāncōng 天聰 |
1626–1643 | Huang Taiji |
Fúlín 福臨 |
Zhāngdì 章帝 |
Shìzǔ 世祖 |
Shùnzhì 順治 |
1643–16615 | Shunzhi Emperor |
Xuányè 玄燁 |
Réndì 仁帝 |
Shèngzǔ 聖祖 |
Kāngxī 康熙 |
1661–1722 | Kangxi Emperor |
Yìnzhēn 胤禛 |
Xiàndì 憲帝 |
Shìzōng 世宗 |
Yōngzhèng 雍正 |
1722–1735 | Yongzheng Emperor |
Hónglì 弘曆 |
Chúndì 純帝 |
Gāozōng 高宗 |
Qiánlóng 乾隆 |
1735–1796 (died 1799)6 |
Qianlong Emperor |
Yóngyǎn 顒琰 |
Ruìdì 睿帝 |
Rénzōng 仁宗 |
Jiāqìng 嘉慶 |
1796–1820 | Jiaqing Emperor |
Mínníng 旻寧 |
Chéngdì 成帝 |
Xuānzōng 宣宗 |
Dàoguāng 道光 |
1820–1850 | Daoguang Emperor |
Yìzhǔ 奕詝 |
Xiǎndì 顯帝 |
Wénzōng 文宗 |
Xiánfēng 咸豐 |
1850–1861 | Xianfeng Emperor |
Zǎichún 載淳 |
Yìdì 毅帝 |
Mùzōng 穆宗 |
Tóngzhì 同治 |
1861–18757 | Tongzhi Emperor |
Zǎitián 載湉 |
Jǐngdì 景帝 |
Dézōng 德宗 |
Guāngxù 光緒 |
1875–19087 | Guangxu Emperor |
Pǔyí 溥儀 |
Xùndì 8 遜帝 |
Gongzōng 9
恭宗 |
Xuāntǒng 宣統 |
1908–191110 (died 1967) |
Xuantong Emperor |
1 The Qing imperial family name was Aisin Gioro (愛新覺羅 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 (金) or Later Jin (後金) 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 (阿巴海). | |||||
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 (太上皇帝). 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 Puyi. Posthumous name: Mindi (愍帝). Temple name: Gongzong (恭宗). 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, Puyi, 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" (清帝退位優待條件) which allowed Puyi 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 Puyi was losing his imperial title and henceforth becoming a regular citizen of the Republic of China. Puyi was expelled from the Forbidden City that same day. Thus, Puyi 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. Puyi also later became the puppet leader of Japanese-controlled Manchukuo under the reign name Datong (大同) (1932–1934), then the puppet emperor of the same under the reign name Kangde (康德) (1934–1945). |
Taiping Heavenly Kingdom
Personal name | Reign name 年號 |
Reign years | Name by which most commonly known |
---|---|---|---|
Hong Xiuquan 洪秀全 |
Yuánnián 元年 |
11 January 1851 – 1 June 1864 | Hong Xiuquan |
Hong Tianguifu 洪天貴福 |
None given | 6 June 1864 – 18 November 1864 | Hong Tianguifu |
Empire of China
A short-lived attempt by statesman and general Yuan Shikai who attempted to establish himself as emperor in 1915, but his rule is universally accepted as inauthentic. After 83 days, the reign collapsed.
Personal name | Reign name 年號 |
Reign years | Name by which most commonly known |
---|---|---|---|
Yuan Shikai 袁世凱 |
Hóngxiàn 洪憲 |
22 December 1915 – 22 March 1916 (10 March 1912 – 22 December 1915 as the President of the Republic of China) |
Yuan Shikai |