Emperor Zhaozong of Tang
Gao Conghui was born in 891, during the reign of Emperor Zhaozong of Tang. At that time, or shortly after his birth, he might have been known by the surname of Zhu — because his father Gao Jichang had become an adoptive son of Zhu Yourang (), who in turn was an adoptive son of the major warlord Zhu Quanzhong the military governor of Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng, Henan). (It was not until later in Gao Jichang's career that his name was changed back to Gao — sometime after 903.) Gao Conghui's mother was a Lady Zhang; it was not clearly stated in the historical accounts whether she was Gao Jichang's wife or concubine, although it was said that Gao Jichang favored her. He was Gao Jichang's oldest son.