# List of Chinese monarchs

The Chinese monarchs were the rulers of China during Ancient and Imperial periods. The earliest rulers in traditional Chinese historiography are of mythological origin, and followed by the Xia dynasty of highly uncertain and contested historicity. During the subsequent Shang (c. 1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (1046–256 BCE) dynasties, rulers were referred to as Wang 王, meaning king. China was fully united for the first time by Qin Shi Huang (r. 259–210 BCE), who established the first Imperial dynasty, adopting the title Huangdi (皇帝), meaning Emperor, which remained in use until the Imperial system's fall in 1912.
At no point during Ancient or Imperial China was there a formalized means to confer legitimate succession between rulers. From the Zhou dynasty onwards, monarchs justified their reigns by claiming the Mandate of Heaven (天命; Tiānmìng). The mandate held that a ruler and their successors had permission from the heavens to rule as long as they did so effectively. It also declared a ruler the Son of Heaven (天子; Tiānzǐ), giving them the right to rule "all under heaven" (天下; Tiānxià). Given the Mandate's subjective nature, rulers also utilized a variety of methods to retain support and justify their accession. This ranged from military enforcement, political patronage, establishing peace and solidity, institutional reform, and historical revisionism to legitimize the dissolution of previous dynasties and their own succession. For most of Imperial China, the wuxing (五行; "Five Elements") philosophical scheme was also central to justify dynastic succession.
Most Chinese monarchs had many names. They were given a personal name (名字; 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. Most emperors of the Imperial period also received a temple name (廟號; Miàohào), used to venerate them in ancestor worship. From the rule of Emperor Wu of Han (r. 141–87 BCE) onwards, emperors also adopted one or several era names (年號; Niánhào), or "reign mottos", to divide their rule by important events or accomplishments. Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) rulers are referred to solely by their era names, of which they only had one.
Apart from ethnic Han rulers, China was also ruled by various non-Han monarchs, including Jurchen, Khitan, Manchu, Mongol and Tangut and many others. To justify their reign, non-Han rulers sometimes aligned themselves with the Confucian sages or the Chakravarti of Chinese Buddhism. There are numerous lengthy periods where many competing kingdoms claimed the throne, many of whose legitimacy is still debated by scholars.

## Ancient China
### Mythological rulers

In traditional Chinese historiography, various models of mythological founding rulers exist. The relevancy of these figures to the earliest Chinese people is unknown, since most accounts of them were written from the Warring States period (c. 475–221 BCE) onwards. The sinologist Kwang-chih Chang has generalized the typical stages: "the first period was populated by gods, the second by demigods/culture hero, and the third by the legendary kings." The primordial god Pangu is given by many texts as the earliest figure and is credited with forming the world by separating heaven and earth. Other gods include Nüwa, who repaired heaven; Hou Yi, a mythical archer; and Gonggong, a serpent-like water deity.
Demigod and hero rulers from hero myths—the largest group Chinese myths—are attributed the invention of specific items, practices or traditions. Among the more important of them are Fuxi, the inventor of hunting; Suiren, who invented fire; and Shennong, who invented both agriculture and medicine. The subsequent legendary kings began with the Yellow Emperor (黃帝), known as Huangdi, a major culture hero of Chinese civilization whose reign was considered exemplary. Succeeding rulers include some combination of Shaohao, Zhuanxu, Emperor Ku, Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. Since the late Warring States onwards, early Chinese monarchs have traditionally been ground into the concept of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors; however, the chosen figures of this grouping varies considerably between sources. Generally, most accounts include at least Fuxi and Shennong among the Three Sovereigns as well as the Yellow Emperor, Yao and Shun among the Five Emperors.

### Xia dynasty

The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period was followed by the Xia dynasty in traditional historiography. Founded by Yu the Great, both the dynasty and its rulers are of highly uncertain and controversial historicity.
Xia dynasty (夏朝) :
| Name | Speculative reign length | Speculative reign length | Traditional succession | Capital | Purported life details |
| Name | ZTW | Trad | Traditional succession | Capital | Purported life details |
| Yu 禹 | 45 | 7 | Chosen by the mythical Emperor Shun | Ji | Awarded the throne after his institution of flood control. He is often known as "Yu the Great" and his passing of the throne to his son marked the beginning of China's hereditary succession |
| Qi 啟 | 10 | 8 | Son of Yu | Xiayi | Prevented a rebellion led by his son Wuguan |
| (Tai) Kang （太）康 | 29 | 28 | Son of Qi | Zhenxun | Traditionally considered an ineffective king, either due to tyranny or incompetence. May have been briefly dethroned by the mythical hero Han Zhuo and later murdered by Han's son Ao |
| (Zhong) Kang (#) （仲）康 | 13 | 13 | Son of Qi | Zhenxun | May not have ruled as his existence is sometimes absent from Xia king lists |
| Xiang 相 | 28 | 28 | Son of (Zhong) Kang | Shang, then Zhenxun | Killed by a son of Han Zhuo |
| Interregnum, ruled by Han Zhuo ||||||
| (Shao) Kang （少）康 | 21 | 21 | Son of Xiang | Yuan | Restored the dynasty after killing Han Zhuo and his sons |
| Zhu 杼 | 17 | 16 | Son of (Shao) Kang | Yuan, then Laoqiu | Little is known of his reign |
| Huai 槐 | 26 | 25 | Son of Zhu | – | Little is known of his reign; may have ruled up to 40 years |
| Mang 芒 | 18 | 17 | Son of Huai | – | Little is known of his reign |
| Xie 泄 | 16 | 15 | Son of Mang | – | Little is known of his reign |
| (Bu) Jiang （不）降 | 59 | 58 | Son of Xie | – | Little is known of his reign; campaigned against the northwestern Jiuyuan [zh] peoples |
| Jiong 扃 | 21 | 20 | Son of Xie | – | Little is known of his reign |
| Jin 廑 | 21 | 20 | Son of Jiong | Xihe | Little is known of his reign |
| Kong Jia 孔甲 | 31 | 30 | Son of (Bu) Jiang | Xihe | His reign inaugurated the Xia's gradual decline |
| Gao 皋 | 11 | 10 | Son of Kong Jia | – | Little is known of his reign |
| Fa 發 | 11 | 20? | Son of Gao | – | May have only reigned 7 years. His reign saw the earliest recorded earthquake, identified with the Mount Tai earthquake. |
| Jie 桀 | 52 | 52 | Son of Fa | Zhenxun, then Henan | Traditionally considered a cruel and oppressive ruler. Fled the empire after losing the Battle of Mingtiao to the state of Shang |

### Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE)

Unlike the Xia, the Shang dynasty's historicity is firmly established, due to written records on divination objects known as Oracle bones. The oldest such oracle bones date to the Late Shang (c. 1250—1046 BCE), during the reign of Wu Ding (1250–1192), putting the exact details of earlier rulers into doubt.
Shang dynasty (商朝; c. 1600–1046/c. 1570—1045 BCE) :
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Tentative reign (BCE) | Tentative reign (BCE) | Traditional succession | Residence | Purported life details |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | XSZ Project | CHAC | Traditional succession | Residence | Purported life details |
| Early Shang |||||||
| Tang 汤 Da Yi 大乙 | Zi Lü 子履 | fl. c. 1600 | fl. c. 1570 | Defeated the purportedly tyrannous Jie of Xia at the Battle of Mingtiao and established the Shang dynasty | Bo, then Shangyi | Traditionally considered a noble and virtuous ruler |
| Da Ding (#) 大丁 Tai Ding (#) 太丁 | unknown | – | – | Son of Tang | – | Uncertain whether he was ever enthroned; may have died before succeeding his father |
| Wai Bing 外丙 | Zi Sheng 子勝 | — | — | Son of Tang | Bo | — |
| Zhong Ren (#) 中壬 | Zi Yong 子庸 | — | — | Son of Tang | Bo | Not listed in the oracle bones inscriptions |
| Tai Jia 太甲 | Zi Zhi 子至 | — | — | Son of Da Ding | Bo | Traditionally considered an autocratic and cruel ruler |
| Wo Ding (#) 沃丁 Qiang Ding 羌丁 | Zi Xuan 子絢 | — | — | Son of Tai Jia | Bo | His name is not found in oracle bone inscriptions, making his certainty as a ruler less secure. |
| Tai Geng 太庚 Da Geng 大庚 | Zi Bian 子辯 | — | — | Son of Tai Jia | Bo | – |
| Xiao Jia 小甲 | Zi Gao 子高 | — | — | Son of Tai Geng | Bo | – |
| Yong Ji 雍己 | Zi Zhou 子伷 | — | — | Son of Tai Geng | Bo | May have reigned after Tai Wu |
| Tai Wu 太戊 Da Wu 大戊 | Zi Mi 子密 | — | — | Son of Tai Geng | Bo | Said to have had a particularly long reign; one source records 75 years. The astronomer Wuxian was active under him |
| Zhong Ding 仲丁 | Zi Zhung 子莊 | — | — | Son of Tai Wu | Ao | May have succeeded Yong Ji |
| Wai Ren 外壬 | Zi Fā 子發 | — | — | Son of Tai Wu | Ao | – |
| He Dan Jia 河亶甲 | Zi Zheng 子整 | — | — | Son of Tai Wu | Xiang | Moved the capital to Xiang (相) and engaged in military campaigns |
| Zu Yi 祖己 | Zi Teng 子滕 | — | — | Son of Zhong Ding | Geng | The dynasty flourished particularly during his reign |
| Zu Xin 祖辛 | Zi Dan 子旦 | — | — | Son of Zu Yi | Bi | – |
| Wo Jia 沃甲 Qiang Jia 羌甲 | Zi Yu 子踰 | — | — | Son of Zu Yi | Bi | – |
| Zu Ding 祖丁 | Zi Xin 子新 | — | — | Son of Zu Xin | Bi | – |
| Nan Geng 南庚 | Zi Geng 子更 | — | — | Son of Wo Jia | Bi, then Yan | Moved the capital from Bi (庇) to Yan (奄) |
| Yang Jia 陽甲 | Zi He 子和 | — | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yan | His reign marked the decline of the Shang |
| Pan Geng 盤庚 | Zi Xun 子旬 | 1300–1251 (48–49 years) | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yan, then Yin | Traditionally said to have moved the dynasty's capital from Yan (奄) to Yin (殷) Led a prosperous reign |
| Xiao Xin 小辛 | Zi Song 子颂 | 1300–1251 (48–49 years) | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yin | His reign saw the continuation of the Shang's decline |
| Xiao Yi 小乙 | Zi Lian 子敛 | 1300–1251 (48–49 years) | — | Son of Zu Ding | Yin | – |
| Late Shang 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. The first ruler whose name is included in oracle bones which date to his reign. |
| Zu Geng 祖庚 | Zi Yue 子躍 | 1191–1148 (42–43 years) | 1188–1178 (9–10 years) | Son of Wu Ding | Yin | Possibly commissioned the Houmuwu ding in memory of his mother Fu Jing |
| Zu Jia 祖甲 | Zi Zai 子載 | 1191–1148 (42–43 years) | 1177–1158 (18–19 years) | Son of Wu Ding | Yin | Reformed the ritual and calendar systems, as recording in the Book of Documents |
| Lin Xin (#) 廩辛 | Zi Xian 子先 | 1191–1148 (42–43 years) | 1157–1149 (7–8 years) | Son of Zu Jia | Yin | Due to inconsistencies in the oracle bone inscriptions, it is possible he did not reign. |
| Geng Ding 庚丁 Kang Ding 康丁 | Zi Xiao 子囂 | 1191–1148 (42–43 years) | 1148–1132 (15–16 years) | Son of Zu Jia | Yin | His reign accelerated the dynasty's decline |
| Wu Yi 武乙 | Zi Qu 子瞿 | 1147–1131 (15–16 years) | 1131–1117 (13–14 years) | Son of Geng Ding | Yin, Hebei, then Mo | Engaged in numerous military campaigns, including against the state of Yiqu. Traditionally held to have been killed by a lightning strike, considered a bad omen |
| Wen Wu Ding 文武丁 Wen Ding 文丁 | Zi Tuo 子托 | 1112–1102 (9–10 years) | 1116–1106 (9–10 years) | Son of Wu Yi | Yin | The Predynastic Zhou rose in power during his reign, led by Ji, King of Zhou |
| Di Yi 帝乙 | Zi Xian 子羡 | 1101–1076 (24–25 years) | 1105–1087 (17–18 years) | Son of Wen Wu Ding | Yin | Supposedly married his daughter to King Wen of Zhou, or married his sister to Ji, King of Zhou |
| Di Xin 帝辛 (紂) | Zi Shou 子受 | 1075–1046 (28–29 years) | 1086–1045 (40–41 years) | Son of Di Yi | Yin | Killed by Ji Fa during the Battle of Muye |

### Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE)

Zhou dynasty (周; c. 1046–256 BCE) :
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Tentative reign (BCE) | Tentative reign (BCE) | Traditional succession | Purported life details |
| Posthumous name | Personal name | XSZ Project | CHAC | Traditional succession | Purported life details |
| Western Zhou 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 |
| Cheng 成 | Ji Song 姬誦 | 1042–1021 (20–21 years) | 1042–1006 (35–36 years) | Son of Wu | Most of his reign was controlled by the Duke of Zhou, who suppressed the Rebellion of the Three Guards |
| Kang 康 | Ji Zhao 姬釗 | 1020–996 (23–24 years) | 1005–978 (26–27 years) | Son of Cheng | His accession established Zhou primogeniture. A largely peaceful reign |
| Zhao 昭 | Ji Xia 姬瑕 | 995–977 (17–18 years) | 977–957 (19–20 years) | Son of Kang | Lost the Zhou–Chu War, during which he died. His reign marked the Zhou's gradual decline |
| Mu 穆 | Ji Man 姬滿 | 976–922 (53–54 years) | 956–918 (39–40 years) | Son of Zhao | Engaged in many destabilizing territory conflicts |
| Gong 共 | Ji Yihu 姬繄扈 | 922–900 (21–22 years) | 917–900 (16–17 years) | Son of Mu | Little is known of his reign |
| Yih 懿 | Ji Jian 姬囏 | 899–892 (6–7 years) | 899–873 (25–26 years) | Son of Gong | Little is known of his reign; may have been removed from power by Xiao |
| Xiao 孝 | Ji Pifang 姬辟方 | 891–886 (4–5 years) | 872–866 (5–6 years) | Son of Mu | Little is known of his reign |
| Yí 夷 | Ji Xie 姬燮 | 885–878 (6–7 years) | 865–858 (6–7 years) | Son of Yih | Continued decline of the Zhou |
| Li 厲 | Ji Hu 姬胡 | 877–841 (35–36 years) | 857–842 (14–15 years) | Son of Yí | Traditionally considered a corrupt and cruel ruler. Exiled amid a peasant rebellion |
| Gonghe Regency (共和; 841–828) ||||||
| Xuan 宣 | Ji Jing 姬靜 | 827–782 | 827–782 | Son of Li | Had military successes, aiming to restore Zhou authority |
| You 幽 | Ji Gongnie 姬宮涅 | 781–771 (9–10 years) | 782–771 (10–11 years) | Son of Xuan | Numerous natural disasters occurred, after which Quanrong him and overran the capital |
| Eastern Zhou 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) | 770–720 (49–50 years) | Son of You | Moved the capital to Luoyang |
| Huan 桓 | Ji Lin 姬林 | 719–697 (21–22 years) | 719–697 (21–22 years) | Grandson of Ping | Defeated by the Duke of Zheng at the Battle of Xuge, accelerating the Zhou dynasty's decline in power |
| Zhuang 莊 | Ji Tuo 姬佗 | 696–682 (13–14 years) | 696–682 (13–14 years) | Son of Huan | Royal court's authority began declining |
| Xi 釐 | Ji Huqi 姬胡齊 | 681–677 (3–4 years) | 681–677 (3–4 years) | Son of Zhuang | Briefly reigned as the Duke Huan led the Qi to surpass the Zhou in power |
| Hui 惠 | Ji Lang 姬閬 | 676–652 (23–24 years) | 676–652 (23–24 years) | Son of Xi | Slowed the Chu state's rise |
| Xiang 襄 | Ji Zheng 姬鄭 | 651–619 (31–32 years) | 651–619 (31–32 years) | Son of Hui | Briefly deposed by his brother, but reinstated by Duke Wen |
| Qing 頃 | Ji Renchen 姬壬臣 | 618–613 (4–5 years) | 618–613 (4–5 years) | Son of Xiang | Briefly reigned |
| Kuang 匡 | Ji Ban 姬班 | 612–607 (4–5 years) | 612–607 (4–5 years) | Son of Qing | Increasing fighting between surrounding kingdoms |
| Ding 定 | Ji Yu 姬瑜 | 606–586 (19–20 years) | 606–586 (19–20 years) | Son of Qing | Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms |
| Jian 簡 | Ji Yi 姬夷 | 585–572 (12–13 years) | 585–572 (12–13 years) | Son of Ding | Continued fighting of surrounding kingdoms |
| Ling 靈 | Ji Xiexin 姬泄心 | 571–545 (25–26 years) | 571–545 (25–26 years) | Son of Jian | Weakened relations with surrounding kingdoms |
| Jing 景 | Ji Gui 姬貴 | 544–521 (22–23 years) | 544–521 (22–23 years) | Son of Ling | Died without an heir, causing a power struggle and rebellion |
| Dao 悼 | Ji Meng 姬猛 | 520 (less than a year) | 520 (less than a year) | Son of Jing (544–521) | Briefly ruled before being murdered by his brother |
| Jing 敬 | Ji Gai 姬丐 | 519–476 (42–43 years) | 519–476 (42–43 years) | Son of Jing (544–521) | Briefly exiled during a revolt. Ruled during the lifetime of Confucius |
| Warring States period (戰國時代; 475–221 BCE) ||||||
| Yuan 元 | Ji Ren 姬仁 | 475–469 (5–6 years) | 475–469 (5–6 years) | Son of Jing (519–476) | Decline in Zhou's power |
| Zhending 貞定 | Ji Jie 姬介 | 468–442 (25–26 years) | 468–442 (25–26 years) | Son of Yuan | Continued decline of Zhou |
| Ai 哀 | Ji Quji 姬去疾 | 441 (less than a year) | 441 (less than a year) | Son of Zhending | Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Si |
| Si 思 | Ji Shu 姬叔 | 441 (less than a year) | 441 (less than a year) | Son of Zhending | Continued decline of Zhou. Killed by Kao |
| Kao 考 | Ji Wei 姬嵬 | 440–426 (13–14 years) | 440–426 (13–14 years) | Son of Zhending | – |
| Weilie 威烈 | Ji Wu 姬午 | 425–402 (22–23 years) | 425–402 (22–23 years) | Son of Kao | – |
| An 安 | Ji Jiao 姬驕 | 401–376 (24–25 years) | 401–376 (24–25 years) | Son of Weilie | Wei increased in power |
| Lie 烈 | Ji Xi 姬喜 | 375–369 (5–6 years) | 375–369 (5–6 years) | Son of An | – |
| Xian 顯 | Ji Bian 姬扁 | 368–321 (46–47 years) | 368–321 (46–47 years) | Son of An | Qin began to rise in power |
| Shenjing 慎靚 | Ji Ding 姬定 | 320–315 (5–6 years) | 320–315 (5–6 years) | Son of Xian | Qin's power grew significantly during his reign |
| Nan 赧 | Ji Yan 姬延 | 314–256 (57–58 years) | 314–256 (57–58 years) | Son of Shenjing | Longest reigning Zhou ruler, though held little power amid the divided kingdom. Conquered and deposed by King Zhaoxiang of Qin |

## Early imperial China
### Qin dynasty (221–207 BCE)

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

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

Han (漢朝; 202 BCE – 9 CE; 25–220 CE) and Xin (新; 9–23 CE) dynasties :
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Western Han (202 BCE – 9 CE) See also: Han dynasty § Western Han |||||
| Gaozu 高祖Gao 高帝 | Liu Bang 劉邦 | 28 February 202– 1 June 195 BCE (7 years, 3 months and 4 days) | Unified China and proclaimed himself Emperor after victory in the Chu–Han Contention | 256 – 1 June 195 BCE (aged 61) Among the most revered Chinese emperors. Died from an arrow injury in a campaign against Ying Bu |
| Hui 惠帝 | Liu Ying 劉盈 | 23 June 195 – 26 September 188 BCE (7 years, 3 months and 3 days) | Son of Gao | 210 – 26 September 188 BCE (aged 22) His reign was largely dominated by his mother Empress Lü. Died from an unknown illness |
| Qianshao (#) 前少帝 | Liu Gong 劉恭 | 19 October 188 – 15 June 184 BCE (3 years, 7 months and 27 days) | Purportedly a son of Hui | ? – after 184 BCE An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Deposed and put under house arrest; unknown date of death after 184 |
| Houshao (#) 後少帝 | Liu Yi 劉盈Liu Hong 劉弘 | 15 June 184 – 15 August 180 BCE (4 years and 2 months) | Purportedly a son of Hui | ? – 14 November 180 An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Put to death by the House of Lü |
| Wen 文帝 | Liu Heng 劉恆 | 14 November 180 – 6 July 157 BCE (22 years, 5 months and 23 days) Era(s) 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 |
| 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 |
| Wu 武帝 | Liu Che 劉徹 | 10 March 141 – 29 March 87 BCE (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 (aged 69) Among the longest reigning and highly regarded Chinese emperors. Expanded the Han dynasty considerably. Died from an unknown illness |
| Zhao 昭帝 | Liu Fuling 劉弗陵 | 30 March 87 – 5 June 74 BCE (13 years, 2 months and 6 days) Era(s) 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 |
| None, known as Marquis of Haihun (#) 海昏侯 | Liu He 劉賀 | 18 July – 14 August 74 BCE (27 days) | Grandson of Wu | 92–59 BCE (aged 32–33) Briefly installed by Huo Guang and not often considered legitimate. Died from natural causes |
| Xuan 宣帝 | Liu Bingyi 劉病已Liu Xun 劉詢 | 10 September 74 – 10 January 48 BCE (25 years and 4 months) Era(s) 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Xin dynasty (9–23 CE) 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. |
| Gengshi Emperor (23–25 CE) |||||
| None, known by his era: Gengshi (#) 更始帝 | Liu Xuan 劉玄 | 11 March 23 – November 25 CE (2 years and 8 months) Era(s) 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 |
| Eastern Han (25–220 CE) 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| None, known as Marquess of Beixiang (#) 北鄉侯 | Liu Yi 劉懿 | 18 May – 10 December 125 CE (6 months and 22 days) | Grandson of Emperor Zhang | ?–125 CE Briefly reigned, probably as a child; often not considered legitimate. Died of natural causes |
| Shun 順帝 | Liu Bao 劉保 | 16 December 125 – 20 September 144 (18 years, 9 months and 4 days) Era(s) 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Xian 獻帝 | Liu Xie 劉協 | 28 September 189 – 11 December 220 (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 |
| Cao Cao is defeated at the Battle of Red Cliffs by Sun Quan and Liu Bei, preventing him from uniting seceded southern Han territory. The region becomes split into three competing powers: Cao Wei, Eastern Wu, and Shu Han. |||||

## Six Dynasties
### Three Kingdoms (220–280)
#### Cao Wei (220–266)

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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |

#### Shu Han (221–263)

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 |
| 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. |

#### Eastern Wu (222–280)

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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |

### Jin dynasty (266–420)

Jin dynasty (晉朝; 266–420) :
| Posthumous name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Western Jin (266–316) 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 |
| 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 |
| — | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Eastern Jin (318–420) 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. Died of natural causes |
| Emperor Ai 晉哀帝 | Sima Pi 司馬丕 | 13 July 361 – 30 March 365 (3 years, 8 months and 17 days) Era(s) 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 |
| none, known as: Emperor Fei 晉廢帝 | Sima Yi 司馬奕 | 31 March 365 – 6 January 372 (6 years, 9 months and 6 days) Era(s) Taihe (太和) 366–372 | Son of Emperor Cheng | 342 – 386 (aged 44) Deposed by Huan Wen, later dying of natural causes |
| Emperor Jianwen 晉簡文帝 | Sima Yu 司馬昱 | 6 January – 19 August 372 (7 months and 13 days) Era(s) 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |

### Sixteen Kingdoms (304–439)

Cheng Han (成漢; 304–347) :
| 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 |
| Li Ban 李班 | Emperor Ai 哀皇帝 | 334 (less than a year) | Nephew of Li Xiong | 274–334 (aged 59–60) Killed by Li Qi |
| Li Qi 李期 | Duke You 幽公 | 334–338 (3–4 years) Era(s) Yuheng (玉恆) 335–338 | Son of Li Xiong | 314–338 (aged 23–24) Committed suicide |
| Li Shou 李壽 | Emperor Xiaowen 昭文皇帝 | 338–343 (4–5 years) Era(s) 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 |
| 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 |
Han-Zhao (漢趙; 304–319) / Former Zhao (前趙; 319–329) :
| 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 |
| Liu He 劉和 | – | 310 (less than a year) | Son of Liu Yuan | Killed by his brother Liu Cong |
| Liu Cong 劉聰 | Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝 | 310–318 (7–8 years) Era(s) 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 |
| Liu Can 劉粲 | Emperor Yin 隱皇帝 | 318 (less than a year) | Son of Liu Cong | Killed by officer Jin Zhun in 318 |
| Liu Yao 劉曜 | – | 318–329 (10–11 years) Era(s) 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 |
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Shi Shi 石世 | – | 349 (less than a year) | Son of Shi Hu | 339–349 (aged 9–10) Murdered |
| Shi Zun 石遵 | – | 349 (less than a year) | Son of Shi Hu | Killed by Ran Min |
| Shi Jian 石鑒 | – | 349–350 (0–1 years) Era(s) Qinglong (青龍) 350 | Son of Shi Hu, enthroned by Ran Min | Killed by Ran Min |
| 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 |
Former Liang (前涼; 320–376) :
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Zhang Mao 張茂 | Duke Cheng 成公 | 320–324 (3–4 years) | Son of governor Zhang Gui | 377–324 (aged 52–53) Made vassal of Former Zhao in 323. Died of natural causes |
| Zhang Jun 張駿 | Duke Zhongcheng 忠成公 | 324–346 (21–22 years) | Son of governor Zhang Shi | 307–346 (aged 38–39) Died of natural causes |
| Zhang Chonghua 張重華 | Duke Huan 桓公 | 346–353 (6–7 years) | Son of Zhang Jun, didn't assume the dynastic title until 349 | 327–353 (aged 25–26) Died of natural causes |
| Zhang Yaoling 張曜靈 | Duke Ai 哀公 | 353 (less than a year) | Son of Zhang Chonghua | 344–355 (aged 25–26) Killed by Zhang Zuo |
| Zhang Zuo 張祚 | King Wei 威王 | 354–355 (0–1 years) Era(s) Heping (和平) 354–355 | Son of Zhang Jun | Discontinued the use of Western Jin era names before being killed in 355 |
| Zhang Xuanjing 張玄靚 | Duke Chong 沖公 | 355–363 (7–8 years) Era(s) Taishi (太始) 355–356 | Son of Zhang Chonghua | 350–363 (aged 12–13) Killed by Zhang Tianxi |
| Zhang Tianxi 張天錫 | Duke Dao 沖公 | 363–376 (12–13 years) Era(s) 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 |
Former Yan (前燕; 337–370) :
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Murong Huang 慕容皝 | Emperor Wenming 文明皇帝 | 337–348 (10–11 years) | Son of governor Murong Hui, proclaimed himself Prince of Yan in 337. Remained loyal to the Jin | 297–348 (aged 50–51) Died of natural causes |
| Murong Jun 慕容儁 | Emperor Jingzhao 景昭皇帝 | 348–360 (11–12 years) Era(s) 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 |
| 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 |
Former Qin (前秦; 351–394) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Later Yan (後燕; 384–409) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Later Qin (後秦; 384–417) :
| Personal name | Posthumous name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Yao Chang 姚萇 | Emperor Wuzhao 武昭皇帝 | 384–393 (8–9 years) Era(s) Baique (白雀) 384–386 Jianchu (建初) 386–393 | Proclaimed King after the Battle of Fei River, then Emperor after killing Fu Jiān of Former Qin | 343–394 (aged 51) Died of natural causes |
| 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. |
| 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 |
Western Qin (西秦; 385–400, 409–431) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Later Liang (後涼; 386–403) :
| 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 |
| Lü Shao 呂紹 | Prince Yin 隱王 | 399 (less than a year) | Son of Lü Guang | Forced to commit suicide by his brother |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Southern Liang (南涼; 397–414) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Northern Liang (北涼; 397–439) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Southern Yan (南燕; 398–410) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
Western Liang (西涼; 400–421) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Helian Xia (胡夏; 407–431) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Northern Yan (北燕; 407–436) :
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |

### Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589)
#### Southern Dynasties (420–589)
## Mid-imperial China
### Sui dynasty (581–619)

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 |
| | 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 |
| Gong 恭 | Gong 恭 | Yang You 楊侑 | 18 December 617 – 12 June 618 (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 |

### Tang and Zhou dynasties (618–907)

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) ||||||
| | 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 |
| | 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 |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| | 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 |
| Wu Zhou (690–705) See also: Wu Zhou ||||||
| | none, known as Wu Zetian 武則天 Other names Dynastic name: Emperor Jinlun (金輪皇帝) Posthumous name (706): Emperor Zetian Dasheng (則天大聖皇帝) Posthumous name (710): Holy Empress (大聖天后) Posthumous name (716): Empress Zetian (則天皇后) Posthumous name (749): Holy Empress Zetianshun (則天順聖皇后) | Wu Zhao 武曌 | 16 October 690 – 21 February 705 (14 years, 4 months and 5 days) Era(s) Tianshou (天授) 16 October 690 – 21 April 692 Ruyi (如意) 22 April – 22 October 692 Changshou (長壽) 23 October 692 – 8 June 694 Yanzai (延載) 9 June 694 – 21 January 695 Zhengsheng (證聖) 22 January – 21 October 695 Tiancewansui (天冊萬歲) 22 October 695 – 19 January 696 Wansuidengfeng (萬歲登封) 20 January – 21 April 696 Wansuitongtian (萬歲通天) 22 April 696 – 28 September 697 Shengong (神功) 29 September – 19 December 697 Shengli (聖曆) 20 December 697 – 26 May 700 Jiushi (久視) 27 May 700 – 14 February 701 Dazu (大足) 15 February – 25 November 701 Chang'an (長安) 26 November 701 – 21 February 705 | Former consort of emperors Taizong and Gaozong; regent since November 660, de facto ruler since January 683 | 623/625 – 16 December 705 (aged 81–83) Only female sovereign in Chinese history. Notable for her contribution to the Imperial examination system and her support for Buddhism, but also for her violent methods of enforcement. Deposed by Zhang Jianzhi; died of natural causes |
| Tang restoration (705–907) ||||||
| (non-contemporary) | Zhongzong (second reign) | Li Xian 李顯 | 23 February 705 – 3 July 710 (5 years, 4 months and 10 days) Era(s) Shenlong (神龍) 21 February 705 – 4 October 707 Jinglong (景龍) 5 October 707 – 4 July 710 | Restored to the throne by Tang loyalists | 26 November 656 – 3 July 710 (aged 53) A weak ruler; he died after eating a poisoned cake delivered by his wife, Empress Wei |
| none, known as Emperor Shang 唐殤帝 | none, known as Emperor Shang 唐殤帝 | 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 |
| (non-contemporary) | Ruizong (second reign) | Li Dan 李旦 | 25 July 710 – 8 September 712 (2 years, 1 month and 14 days) Era(s) Jingyun (景雲) 19 August 710 – 28 February 712 Taiji (太極) 1 March – 20 June 712 Yanhe (延和) 21 June – 11 September 712 | Restored to the throne by detractors of Empress Wei | 22 June 662 – 13 July 716 (aged 54) Spent his reign in a constant power struggle with his sister, Princess Taiping. Abdicated in favor of his son to undermine her influence |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| | 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. |
| | 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 |
| | 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 |
| Shunzong 順宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhide Dasheng Da'an Xiao (至德大聖大安孝皇帝) | 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 |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| | 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. |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| | 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 |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| | 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 |
| | 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 |
| (non-contemporary) | 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 |
| None, known by his personal name | 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 |
| | 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) 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 |
| better known as Emperor Ai 唐哀帝 Other names Temple name: Jǐngzōng (景宗) Alternate posthumous name: Emperor Zhaoxuan (昭宣帝) | 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) | Son of Zhaozong, proclaimed emperor in Luoyang | 27 October 892 – 25 March 908 (aged 15) Installed, deposed, and later killed by Zhu Wen |

### Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms
#### Ten Kingdoms (907–979)
## Late imperial China
### Northern regimes (916–1234)
#### Liao dynasty (916–1125)

Liao dynasty (大遼; 916–1125) :
| Temple name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Taizu 太祖 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Tian (天皇帝) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Dasheng Daming Shenlie Tian (大聖大明神烈天皇帝) | Yelü Abaoji 耶律阿保机 | 27 February 907 – 6 September 926 (19 years, 6 months and 10 days) Era(s) Shence (神冊) 17 March 916 – 22 March 922 Tianzan (天贊) 23 March 922 – 20 March 926 Tianxian (天顯) 21 March 926 – 6 September 926 | Led the Yelü clan as Khagan to unite the Khitan people | 872 – 6 September 926 (aged 53–54) Died of natural causes |
| Taizong 太宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Xiaowu Huiwen (孝武惠文皇帝) | Yelü Deguang 耶律德光 | 11 December 927 – 15 May 947 (19 years, 4 months and 23 days) Era(s) Tianxian (天顯) 927 – 16 December 938 Huitong (會同) 17 December 938 – 23 February 946 Datong (大同) 24 February 947 – 18 May 947 | Son of Taizu | 902 – 15 May 947 (aged 44–45) Died from a sudden illness |
| Shizong 世宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Xiaohe Zhuangxian (孝和莊憲皇帝) | Yelü Ruan 耶律阮 | 16 May 947 – 7 October 951 (4 years, 4 months and 21 days) Era(s) Tianlu (天祿) 1 November 947 – 7 October 951 | Grandson of Taizu | 918 – 7 October 951 (aged 32–33) Murdered by his cousin in a coup d'état |
| Muzong 穆宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Xiao'an Jingzheng (孝安敬正皇帝) | Yelü Jing 耶律璟 | 11 October 951 – 12 March 969 (17 years, 5 months and 1 day) Era(s) Yingli (應曆) 11 October 951 – 12 March 969 | Son of Taizong | 931 – 12 March 969 (aged 37–38) Killed by his personal attendants |
| Jingzong 景宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Xiaocheng Kangjing (孝成康靖皇帝) | Yelü Xian 耶律贤 | 13 May 969 – 13 October 982 (13 years and 5 months) Era(s) Baoning (保寧) 13 March 969 – 16 December 979 Qianheng (乾亨) 17 December 979 – 13 October 982 | Son of Shizong | 948 – 13 October 982 (aged 33–34) Died of illness on a hunting trip |
| Shengzong 聖宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Wenwu Daxiao Xuan (文武大孝宣皇帝) | Yelü Longxu 耶律隆绪 | 14 October 982 – 25 June 1031 (48 years, 8 months and 11 days) Era(s) Qianheng (乾亨) 982 – 21 July 983 Tonghe (統和) 22 July 983 – 15 December 1012 Kaitai (開泰) 16 December 1012 – 1021 Taiping (太平) 1021 – 25 June 1031 | Son of Jingzong | 971 – 25 June 1031 (aged 59–60) Longest reigning Liao ruler, though he was controlled by his mother Xiao Yanyan until 1009. Died of natural causes |
| Xingzong 興宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Shensheng Xiaozhang (神聖孝章皇帝) | Yelü Zongzhen 耶律宗真 | 25 June 1031 – 28 August 1055 (24 years, 2 months and 3 days) Era(s) Jingfu (景福) 7 July 1031 – 15 December 1302 Chongxi (重熙) 16 December 1302 – 28 August 1055 | Son of Shengzong | 1016 – 28 August 1055 (aged 38–39) Died of natural causes |
| Daozong 道宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Xiaowen (孝文皇帝) | Yelü Hongji 耶律洪基 | 28 August 1055 – 12 February 1101 (45 years, 5 months and 15 days) Era(s) Qingning (清寧) 9 September 1055 – 7 February 1065 Xianyong (咸雍) 8 February 1065 – 6 January 1075 Dakang (大康) 7 January 1075 – 1084 Da'an (大安) 1085 – 1094 Shouchang (壽昌) 1095 – 1101 | Son of Xingzong | 1032 – 12 February 1101 (aged 68–69) Died of natural causes |
| None, known by his posthumous name: Tianzuo 天祚帝 | Yelü Yanxi 耶律延禧 | 12 February 1101 – 6 September 1125 (24 years, 6 months and 25 days) Era(s) Qiantong (乾統) 2 March 1101 – 25 January 1111 Tianqing (天慶) 26 January 1111 – 1120 Baoda (保大) 1121 – 26 March 1125 | Grandson of Daozong | 1075 – after 6 September 1125 (aged 49–50) Died in captivity from natural causes |

#### Western Xia (1038–1227)

Western Xia (西夏; 1038–1227) :
| Temple name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Jingzong 景宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Wulie (武烈皇帝) | Li Yuanhao 李元昊 | 1038 – 1048 (9–10 years) Era(s) Tianshoulifayanzuo (天授禮法延祚) 7 February 1038 – 1048 | Son of the Tangut leader Li Deming | 1003–1048 (aged 44–45) Assassinated by his son, Ningling Ge |
| Yizong 毅宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhaoying (昭英皇帝) | Li Liangzuo 李諒祚 | 1048 – January 1068 (19–20 years) Era(s) Yansiningguo (延嗣寧國) 18 January 1048 – 4 February 1049 Tianyouchuisheng (天祐垂聖) 5 February 1049 – 3 February 1052 Fushengchengdao (福聖承道) 4 February 1052 – 19 January 1056 Duodu (奲都) 20 January 1056 – 11 February 1062 Gonghua (拱化) 12 February 1062 – January 1068 | Son of Jingzong | 1047 – January 1068 (aged 20–21) Infant emperor whose reign was controlled by Lady Mozang and later Mozang Epang. Died of natural causes |
| Huizong 惠宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Kangjing (康靖皇帝) | Li Bingchang 李秉常 | January 1068 – 21 August 1086 (17–18 years) Era(s) Qiandao (乾道) 18 January 1067 – 25 January 1069 Tiancilishengguoqing (天賜禮盛國慶) 26 January 1069 – 29 January 1074 Da'an (大安) 30 January 1074 – 28 January 1085 Tian'anliding (天安禮定) 29 January 1085 – 21 August 1086 | Son of Yizong | 1061 – 21 August 1086 (aged 24–25) Struggled with his mother for power throughout his reign. Died of natural causes |
| Chongzong 崇宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Shengwen (聖文皇帝) | Li Qianshun 李乾順 | 11 November 1086 – 1 July 1139 (52–53 years) Era(s) Tianyizhiping (天儀治平) 18 January 1086 – 2 February 1090 Tianyoumin'an (天祐民安) 3 February 1090 – 3 February 1098 Yong'an (永安) 4 February 1098 – 30 January 1101 Zhenguan (貞觀) 31 January 1101 – 7 February 1114 Yongning (雍寧) 8 February 1114 – 11 February 1119 Yuande (元德) 12 February 1119 – 12 February 1127 Zhengde (正德) 13 February 1127 – 15 January 1135 Dade (大德) 16 January 1135 – 1 July 1139 | Son of Huizong | 1084 – 1 July 1139 (aged 54–55) Died of natural causes |
| Renzong 仁宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Shengde (聖德皇帝) | Li Renxiao 李仁孝 | July 1139 – 16 October 1193 (53–54 years) Era(s) Daqing (大慶) 22 January 1140 – 17 January 1143 Renqing (人慶) 18 January 1143 – 1 February 1147 Tiansheng (天盛) 2 February 1147 – 10 February 1168 Qianyou (乾祐) 11 February 1168 – 16 October 1193 | Son of Chongzong | 1124 – 16 October 1193 (aged 68–69) Longest ruling ruler of the dynasty. Died of natural causes |
| Huanzong 桓宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Zhaojian (昭簡皇帝) | Li Chunyou 李純佑 | 1193 – 1 March 1206 (12–13 years) Era(s) Tianqing (天慶) 24 January 1194 – 1 March 1206 | Son of Renzong | 1177 – 1 March 1206 (aged 28–29) Overthrown in a coup d'état led by Xiangzong. Died of natural causes |
| Xiangzong 襄宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Jingmu (敬慕皇帝) | Li Anquan 李安全 | March 1206 – 13 September 1211 (4–5 years) Era(s) Yingtian (應天) 30 January 1207 – 26 January 1210 Huangjian (皇建) 27 January 1210 – 13 September 1211 | Grandson of Renzong | 1170 – 13 September 1211 (aged 40–41) Suffered many losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causes |
| Shenzong 神宗 Other names Posthumous name: Emperor Yingwen (英文皇帝) | Li Zunxu 李遵頊 | 12 August 1211 – 1223 (14–15 years) Era(s) Guangding (光定) 17 January 1211 – 1226 | Descendant of Jingzong | 1163 – 1226 (aged 62–63) Abdicated amid Mongol invasions. Died of natural causes |
| Xianzong 獻宗 | Li Dewang 李德旺 | 1223 – August 1226 (2–3 years) Era(s) Qianding (乾定) 2 February 1223 – August 1226 | Son of Shenzong | 1181 – August 1226 (aged 44–45) Died of natural causes |
| None, known by his personal name | Li Xian 李晛 | 1226 – 1227 (1 year or less) Era(s) Baoyi (寶義) 30 January 1226 – 1227 | Grandson of Shenzong | ? – 1227 (aged ?) Killed by the Mongols |

#### Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

Jin dynasty (金朝; 1115–1234) :
| Temple name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Taizu 太祖 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Wuyuan (武元) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Yingqian Xingyun Zhaode Dinggong Renming Zhuangxiao Dasheng Wuyuan (應乾興運昭德定功仁明莊孝大聖武元皇帝) | Wanyan Min 完顏旻 | 28 January 1115 – 19 September 1123 (8 years, 7 months and 22 days) Era(s) Shouguo (收國) 28 January 1115 – 4 January 1117 Tianfu (天輔) 5 January 1117 – 19 September 1123 | Son of Helibo from the Wanyan tribe | 1 August 1068 – 19 September 1123 (aged 55) Conquered the Liao dynasty |
| Taizong 太宗 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Wenlie (文烈皇帝) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Tiyuan Yingyun Shide Zhaogong Zhehui Rensheng Wenlie (體元應運世德昭功哲惠仁聖文烈皇帝) | Wanyan Sheng 完顏晟 | 27 September 1123 – 7 February 1135 (11 years, 4 months and 11 days) Era(s) Tianhui (天會) 7 October 1123 – 7 February 1135 | Brother of Taizu | 1075 – 7 February 1135 (aged 59–60) Sacked the North Song dynasty's capital. Died of natural causes |
| Xizong 熙宗 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Xiaocheng (孝成皇帝) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Hongji Zuanwu Zhuangjing Xiaocheng (弘基纘武莊靖孝成皇帝) | Wanyan Dan 完顏亶 | 8 February 1135 – 9 January 1150 (14 years, 11 months and 1 day) Era(s) Tianhui (天會) 1135 – 6 February 1138 Tianjuan (天眷) 7 February 1138 – 20 February 1141 Huangtong (皇統) 21 February 1141 – 9 January 1150 | Grandson of Taizu | 1119 – 9 January 1150 (aged 30–31) Assassinated by his chancellor and successor Wanyan Liang |
| None, informally known as Prince of Hailing 海陵王 | Wanyan Liang 完顏亮 | 9 January 1150 – 15 December 1161 (11 years, 11 months and 6 days) Era(s) Tiande (天德) 11 January 1150 – 20 April 1153 Zhenyuan (貞元) 21 April 1153 – 22 February 1156 Zhenglong (正隆) 23 February 1156 – 15 December 1161 | Grandson of Taizu | 1122 – 15 December 1161 (aged 38–39) Assassinated by his military commanders after losing the Battle of Caishi |
| Shizong 世宗 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Renxiao (仁孝皇帝) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Guangtian Yuyun Wende Wugong Shengming Renxiao (光天興運文德武功聖明仁孝皇帝) | Wanyan Yong 完顏雍 | 27 October 1161 – 20 January 1189 (27 years, 2 months and 24 days) Era(s) Dading (大定) 28 October 1161 – 20 January 1189 | Grandson of Taizu | 1123 – 20 January 1189 (aged 65–66) Had the longest and most stable reign of the dynasty |
| Zhangzong 章宗 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Yingxiao (英孝皇帝) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Xiantian Guangyun Renwen Yiwu Shensheng Yingxiao (憲天光運仁文義武神聖英孝皇帝) | Wanyan Jing 完顏璟 | 20 January 1189 – 29 December 1208 (19 years, 11 months and 9 days) Era(s) Mingchang (明昌) 7 February 1190 – 13 December 1196 Cheng'an (承安) 14 December 1196 – 6 January 1201 Taihe (泰和) 7 January 1201 – 29 December 1208 | Grandson of Shizong | 31 August 1168 – 29 December 1208 (aged 40) Died of natural causes |
| None, informally known as Prince Shao of Wei 衛紹王 | Wanyan Yongji 完顏永濟 | 29 December 1208 – 11 September 1213 (4 years, 8 months and 13 days) Era(s) Da'an (大安) 5 March 1209 – 4 February 1212 Chongqing (崇慶) 5 February 1212 – ? 1213 Zhining (至寧) ? 1213 – 11 September 1213 | Son of Shizong | ? – 11 September 1213 (aged ?) Assassinated under the orders of the general Hushahu [zh] |
| Xuanzong 宣宗 Other names Posthumous name (short): Emperor Shengxiao (聖孝皇帝) Posthumous name (long): Emperor Jitian Xingtong Shudao Qinren Yingwu Shengxiao (繼天興統述道勤仁英武聖孝皇帝) | Wanyan Xun 完顏珣 | 22 September 1213 – 14 January 1224 (10 years, 3 months and 23 days) Era(s) Zhenyou (貞祐) 30 September 1213 – 8 October 1217 Xingding (興定) 9 October 1217 – 15 September 1222 Yuanguang (元光) 15 September 1222 – 14 January 1224 | Grandson of Shizong | 1163 – 14 January 1224 (aged 60–61) Suffered heavy losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causes |
| Aizong 哀宗 | Wanyan Shouxu 完顏守緒 | 15 January 1224 – 8 February 1234 (10 years and 24 days) Era(s) Zhengda (正大) 22 January 1224 – 10 February 1232 Kaixing (開興) 11 February 1232 – 4 May 1232 Tianxing (天興) 5 May 1232 – 8 February 1234 | Son of Xuanzong | 25 September 1198 – 9 February 1234 (aged 35) Committed suicide amid Mongol invasions |
| Mo 末 | Wanyan Chenglin 完顏承麟 | 9 February 1234 (less than a day) | Descendant of Helibo | ? – 9 February 1234 (aged ?) The shortest reigning Chinese monarch, ruled for less than a day. Died during the Mongol conquest of the Jin |

### Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

Yuan dynasty (大元; 1271–1368) :
| Khan name | Personal name | Reign | Succession | Life details |
| Setsen Khan 薛禪汗better known as Kublai Khan Other names Temple name: Shizu (世祖) Posthumous name: Emperor Shengde Shengong Wenwu (聖德神功文武皇帝) | Borjigin Kublai 孛兒只斤忽必烈 | 18 December 1271 – 18 February 1294 (22 years and 2 months) Era(s) Zhongtong (中統) 26 June 1260 – 6 September 1264 Zhiyuan (至元) 7 September 1264 – 18 February 1294 | Grandson of Genghis Khan; declared emperor after defeating the Song in the Battle of Yamen | 23 September 1215 – 18 February 1294 (aged 78) Fully conquered the Song dynasty, won the Toluid Civil War, moved the capital to Khanbaliq and employed Marco Polo |
| Öljeytü Khan 完澤篤汗 Other names Temple name: Chengzong (成宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Qinming Guangxiao (欽明廣孝皇帝) | Borjigin Temür 孛兒只斤鐵穆耳 | 10 May 1294 – 10 February 1307 (12 years and 9 months) Era(s) Yuanzhen (元貞) 17 January 1295 – 20 March 1297 Dade (大德) 21 March 1297 – 10 February 1307 | Grandson of Kublai | 15 October 1265 – 10 February 1307 (aged 41) Died of natural causes |
| Külüg Khan 曲律汗 Other names Temple name: Wuzong (武宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Renhui Xuanxiao (仁惠宣孝皇帝) | Borjigin Haishan 孛兒只斤海山 | 21 June 1307 – 27 January 1311 (3 years, 7 months and 6 days) Era(s) Zhida (至大) 23 January 1308 – 27 January 1311 | Great-grandson of Kublai | 4 August 1281 – 27 January 1311 (aged 29) Died of natural causes |
| Buyantu Khan 普顏篤汗 Other names Temple name: Renzong (仁宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Shengwen Qinxiao (聖文欽孝皇帝) | Borjigin Ayurbarwada 孛兒只斤愛育黎拔力八達 | 7 April 1311 – 1 March 1320 (8 years, 10 months and 23 days) Era(s) Huangqing (皇慶) 7 April 1311 – 6 February 1314 Yanyou (延祐) 7 February 1314 – 1 March 1320 | Great-grandson of Kublai | 9 April 1285 – 1 March 1320 (aged 34) Died of natural causes |
| Gegeen Khan 格堅汗 Other names Temple name: Yingzong (英宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Ruisheng Wenxiao (睿聖文孝皇帝) | Borjigin Shidibala 孛兒只斤硕德八剌 | 19 April 1320 – 4 September 1323 (3 years, 4 months and 16 days) Era(s) Zhizhi (至治) 30 December 1320 – 4 September 1323 | Son of Ayurbarwada | 22 February 1302 – 4 September 1323 (aged 21) Killed in a coup led by Temuder [zh] |
| None, known either by his personal or era name | Borjigin Yesün Temür 孛兒只斤也孫鐵木兒 | 4 October 1323 – 15 August 1328 (4 years, 10 months and 11 days) Era(s) Taiding (泰定) 3 January 1324 – 6 May 1328 Zhihe (致和) 7 May 1328 – 15 August 1328 | Great-Grandson of Kublai | 28 November 1293 – 15 August 1328 (aged 34) Died of natural causes |
| None, known either by his personal or era name | Borjigin Ragibagh 孛兒只斤阿剌吉八 | October 1328 – 14 November 1328 (1 month) Era(s) Tianshun (天順) October 1328 – 14 November 1328 | Son of Yesün | 1320 – 14 November 1328 (aged 8) Child emperor; probably murdered amid the War of the Two Capitals |
| Jayaatu Khan 札牙篤汗 Other names Temple name: Wenzong (文宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Shengming Yuanxiao (聖明元孝皇帝) | Borjigin Tugh Temür 孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾 | 16 October 1328 – 26 February 1329 (4 months and 10 days) Era(s) Tianli (天曆) 16 October 1328 – 26 February 1329 | Son of Külüg | 16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332 (aged 28) Abdicated in favor of his brother Khutughtu Khan |
| Khutughtu Khan 忽都篤汗 Other names Temple name: Mingzong (明宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Yixian Jingxiao (翼獻景孝皇帝) | Borjigin Kusala 孛兒只斤和世剌 | 27 February 1329 – 30 August 1329 (6 months and 3 days) Era(s) Tianli (天曆) 27 February 1329 – 30 August 1329 | Son of Külüg | 22 December 1300 – 30 August 1329 (aged 28) Briefly ruled before killed by El Temür |
| Jayaatu Khan 札牙篤汗 (second reign) | Borjigin Tugh Temür 孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾 | 8 September 1329 – 2 September 1332 (2 years, 11 months and 25 days) Era(s) Zhishun (至順) 25 May 1330 – 2 September 1332 | Son of Külüg | 16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332 (aged 28) A patron of the arts and scholarship, his reign was dominated by the ministers El Temür and Bayan of the Merkid. Died of natural causes |
| None, known by his personal name Other names Temple name: Ningzong (寧宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Chongsheng Sixiao (沖聖嗣孝皇帝) | Borjigin Rinchinbal 孛兒只斤懿璘質班 | 23 October 1332 – 14 December 1332 (1 month and 21 days) Era(s) Zhishun (至順) 23 October 1332 – 14 December 1332 | Son of Khutughtu | 1 May 1326 – 14 December 1332 (aged 6) Child emperor; died of sudden illness |
| Ukhaghatu Khan 烏哈噶圖汗 Other names Temple name: Huizong (惠宗) Posthumous name: Emperor Shun (順皇帝) | Borjigin Toghon Temür 孛兒只斤妥懽帖睦爾 | 19 July 1333 – 10 September 1368 (35 years, 2 months and 22 days) Era(s) Yuantong (元統) 15 November 1333 – 7 December 1335 Zhiyuan (至元) 8 December 1335 – 17 January 1341 Zhizheng (至正) 18 January 1341 – 10 September 1368 | Son of Khutughtu | 25 May 1320 – 23 May 1370 (aged 49) Died of natural causes |