The following is a family tree of China emperors (420-1279), from the Northern and Southern dynasties period, of first half of the fifth century AD, until the conquest of China by the Mongols under Kublai Khan, and the end of the Southern Song dynasty in 1279.
Chinese emperors family tree (ancient) → Chinese emperors family tree (early) → Chinese emperors family tree (middle) → Chinese emperors family tree (late)
The following is a simplified family tree for the Sui dynasty (隋朝), which ruled China between AD 581 and 618. The dynasty was named for the family title: the Yang (楊) family were the Dukes of Sui.
Those who became emperor are listed in bold, with their years of reign large. The names given for emperors are posthumous names, the form by which Sui emperors were most commonly known.
Sui dynasty
Dugu Xin 獨孤信
SUI DYNASTY
Yang Jian 楊坚 541–604 Wendi 文帝 581–604
Dugu Qieluo 獨孤伽羅 544–602 Empress Xian 獻皇后
Duchess Dugu
Li Bing 李昺 d. 572 Duke of Tang 唐國公
1
2
3
4
5
TANG DYNASTY
Yang Yong 楊勇 d. 604 Prince of Fangling 房陵王
Yang Guang 楊廣 569–618 Yangdi 煬帝 604–617
Yang Jun 楊俊 571–600 Prince of Qin 秦孝王
Yang Xiu 楊秀 573–618
Yang Liang 楊諒 575–605
Li Yuan 李淵 566–635 Gaozu 高祖 618–626
1
2
3
Yang Zhao 楊昭 584–606 Cr.Prince Yuande 元德太子
Yang Jian 楊暕 585–618 Prince of Qi 齊王
Yang Gao 楊杲 607–618 Prince of Zhao 趙王
Yang Hao 楊浩 d. 618 Prince of Qin 秦王 618?
1
2
3
Yang Tan 楊倓 603–618 Prince of Yan 燕王
Yang Tong 楊侗 605–619 Gongdi 恭帝 618–619
Yang You 楊侑 605–619 Gongdi 恭帝 617–618
Tang and Second Zhou dynasties
The following is a simplified family tree for the Tang dynasty (唐朝), which ruled China between AD 618 and 907. The Tang dynasty was interrupted by the reign of Empress Wu Zetian (AD 690–705), who after deposing her sons, declared herself the founder of a second Zhou (周) dynasty; the Tang dynasty was resumed by her sons following her abdication. The dynasty was named for the family title: the Li (李) family were the Dukes of Tang.
The names given in bold for emperors are temple names, the form by which Tang emperors were most commonly known (with the exception of Shangdi/Shaodi (殤帝 / 少帝), whose posthumous titles mean simply "died young" and "the young emperor", and Aidi (哀帝), also known as Zhaoxuan (昭宣), neither of whom were awarded temple names). It should be noted that the names of Xuanzong I (玄宗) and Xuanzong II (宣宗) are originally different in Mandarin Chinese, but are rendered the same in Pinyin English transliteration (once the tones have been removed).
Tang and Second Zhou dynasties
The Tang emperors claimed descent from people such as Li Guang and Laozi
Li Yuan 李淵 566–635 Gaozu 高祖 618–6261
1
2
4
Li Jiancheng 李建成 589–626 Cr. Prince Yin 隱太子
Li Shimin 李世民 598–649 Taizong 太宗 626–6492
Li Yuanji 李元吉 603–626 Prince of Qi 齊王
Wu Shihuo 武士彠 559–635 King Zhongxiao 忠孝王
1
3
4
8
9
ZHOU DYNASTY
Li Chengqian 李承乾 619–645 Prince Min of Hengshan 恆山愍王
Li Ke 李恪 d. 653 Prince of Yulin 鬱林王
Li Tai 李泰 618–652 Prince Gong of Pu 濮恭王
Li Zhen 李貞 d. 688 Prince Jing of Yue 越敬王
Li Zhi 李治 628–683 Gaozong 高宗 649–6833
Wu Zhao 武曌 624–705 Wu Zetian 武則天 690–7051(6)
1
4
5 (1)
6 (2)
7 (3)
8 (4)
(6)
Li Zhong 李忠 643–665 Prince of Yan 燕王
Li Sujie 李素節 646–690 Prince of Xu 許王
Li Hong 李弘 652–675 Xiaojing 孝敬
Li Xian 李賢 653–684 Cr. Prince Zhanghuai 章懷太子
Li Xian 李顯 656–710 Zhongzong 中宗 684, 705–7104
Li Dan 李旦 662–716 Ruizong 睿宗 684–690, 710–7125
Princess Taiping 太平公主 665(?)–713
2
1
2
3
4
1
3
Li Shouli 李守礼 672–741 Cr. Prince Xima
Li Chongrun 李重潤 682–701 Cr. Prince Yide 懿德太子
Li Chongfu 李重福 680–710 Prince Qiao 譙王
Li Chongjun 李重俊 d. 707 Cr. Prince Jiemin 節愍太子
Li Chongmao 李重茂 695/698–714 Shangdi 殤帝 7107
Li Guo'er 李裹兒 684(?)–710 Princess Anle 安樂公主
Li Chengqi 李成器 679–742 Rangdi 讓帝
Li Longji 李隆基 685–762 Xuanzong 玄宗 712–7568
1
1
2
3
16
Li Chenghong 李承宏 Pr. of Guangwu 廣武王 Emperor in Chang'an 763
Li Cong 李琮 d. 752 Fengtian 奉天
Li Ying 李瑛 d. 737 Crown Prince
Li Heng 李亨 711–762 Suzong 肅宗 756–7629
Li Lin 李璘 d. 757 Prince of Yong 永王
1
3
9
Li Yu 李豫 727–779 Daizong 代宗 762–77910
Li Tan 李倓 d. 757 Chengtian 承天
Li Guang 李僙 d. 791 Prince of Xiang
1
1
Li Gua 李适 742–805 Dezong 德宗 779–80511
Li Xuan 李宣 Prince of Yiwu 伊吾郡王
1
Li Song 李誦 761–806 Shunzong 順宗 80512
□
1
Li Chun 李純 778–820 Xianzong 憲宗 805–82013
Li Yun 李熅 d. 887 Prince of Xiang 襄王 Emperor in Chang'an 886–887
1
3
6
13
Li Ning 李寧 793–812 Cr. Prince Huizhao
Li Heng 李恆 795–824 Muzong 穆宗 820–82414
Li Wu 李悟 d. 826 Prince of Jiàng 絳王
Li Chen 李忱 810–859 Xuānzong 宣宗 846–85918
1
2
3
4
5
1
5
Li Zhan 李湛 809–827 Jingzong 敬宗 824–82715
Li Ang 李昂 809–840 Wenzong 文宗 827–84016
Li Cou 李湊 d. 835 Cr. Prince Huaiyi
Li Rong 李溶 812–840 Prince of An 安王
Li Yan 李炎 814–846 Wuzong 武宗 840–84617
Li Cui 李漼 833–873 Yizong 懿宗 859–87319
Li Zi 李滋 d. 897 Prince of Tong 通王
1
1
5
7
Li Pu 李普 824–828 Cr. Prince Daohuai 悼懷太子
Li Chengmei 李成美 d. 840 Prince of Chen 陳王
Li Yong 李永 d. 838 Cr. Prince Zhuangke 莊恪太子
Li Xuan 李儇 862–888 Xizong 僖宗 873–88820
Li Yue 李曄 867–904 Zhaozong 昭宗 888–90421
1
9
Li Yu 李裕 d. 905 Prince of De 德王
Li Zhu 李柷 892–908 Aidi 哀帝 or Zhaoxuan 昭宣 904–90722
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period
The fifty years between the fall of the Tang dynasty and the establishment of the Song dynasty were a time of upheaval known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. During this period, five short-lived imperial dynasties ruled the heart of China, while a series of small independent kingdoms were established in the south.
Later Liang
The Later Liang ruled between 907 and 923.
Later Liang
Zhu Wen 朱溫 852–912 Taizu 太祖 907–912
3
8
Zhu Yougui 朱友圭 d. 913 912–913
Zhu Zhen 朱瑱 888–923 Modi 末帝 913–923
Later Tang
The Later Tang ruled between 923 and 937.
Later Tang rulers
Adopted
Marriage
Li Keyong 李克用 856–908
Li Ni 李霓
Li Cunxu 李存勖 885–926 Zhuangzong 莊宗 923–926
Li Siyuan 李嗣源 867–933 Mingzong 明宗 926–933
Li Congke 李從珂 885–937 Modi 末帝 934–937
Li Congyi 李從益 931–947 Prince of Xu 許王
Li Congrong 李從榮d. 933 Prince of Qin 秦王
Li Conghou 李從厚 914–934 Mindi 愍帝 933–934
Empress Li d. 950
Shi Jingtang 石敬瑭 Gaozu of Later Jin 高祖 892–936–942
Li Chongmei 李重美 d. 937 Prince of Yong 雍王
Later Jin
The Later Jin ruled between 936 and 947.
Later Jin rulers family tree
adopted
Marriage
Li Siyuan 李嗣源 Mingzong 明宗 of (Later) Tang 867–926–933
Shi Shaoyong 石紹雍
Empress Li d. 950
Shi Jingtang 石敬瑭 892–942 Gaozu 高祖 936–942
Shi Jingru 石敬儒
Shi Chonggui 石重貴 914–974 Chudi 出帝 942–947
Later Han and Northern Han
The Later Han ruled between 947 and 951. Liu Min, brother of Emperor Gaozu the founder of the Later Han, established the Northern Han kingdom, which ruled the area north of the Chinese heartland until it was overrun by Emperor Taizong of Song in 979.
The family tree of the Later Han and Northern Han rulers
– Later Han emperors; – Northern Han emperors
adopted
Marriage
Liu Tian 劉琠 Xianzu 显祖
Liu Zhiyuan 劉知遠 895–948 Gaozu 高祖 947–948
Liu Min 劉旻 895–954 Shizu 世祖 951–954
Liu Chengyou 劉承祐 931–951 Yindi 隱帝 948–951
Liu Yun 劉贇 d.951; r.950
Liu Jun 劉钧 926–968 Ruizong 睿宗 954–968
Xue Zhao 薛钊
Lady Liu 劉氏
Mr. He 何某
Liu Jien 劉继恩 d. 968 Shaozhu 少主 968
Liu Jiyuan 劉继元 d. 992 Yingwudi 英武帝 968–979
Later Zhou
The Later Zhou ruled between 951 and 960.
Later Zhou
Mr. Chai 柴翁
Chai Shouli 柴守礼 896–967
Empress Shengmu 圣穆皇后
Guo Wei 郭威 904–954 Taizu 太祖 951–954
Chai Rong 柴榮 921–959 Shizong 世宗 954–959
Chai Zongxun 柴宗训 953–973 Gongdi 恭帝 959–960
Former Shu
Former Shu
Wang Jian 王建 847–918 Gaozu 高祖 907–918
Wang Yan 王衍 899–925 Houzhu 后主 918–925
Later Shu
The Later Shu kingdom gained independence from the Later Tang in 934, remaining an independent state until conquered by the Song dynasty in 965.
Later Shu
Li Keyong 李克用 856–908
Lady Li d. 932
Meng Zhixiang 孟知祥 874–934 Gaozu 高祖 934
Empress Dowager Li 李太后d. 965
Meng Chang 孟昶 919–965 Houzhu 后主 934–965
Consort Xu 徐惠妃 c. 940–976 Madame Huarui 花蕊夫人
Meng Xuanzhe 孟玄喆 937–991 Duke of Teng 滕國公
Wu and Southern Tang
The Wu kingdom existed as an independent state 907–937. In 937 Li Bian (also known as Xu Zhigao), at one point an adopted son of Yang Xingmi and later the adopted son of the paramount general Xu Wen, usurped power and established the Southern Tang kingdom, which remained an independent state until conquered by the Song dynasty in 975.
Southern Tang and Wu
– Wu emperors; – Southern Tang emperors
Yang Xingmi 杨行密 874–905 Taizu 太祖 902–905
Xu Wen 徐溫 862–927 Yizu 義祖
Yang Wo 杨渥 886–908 Liezu 烈祖 (905–)907–908
Yang Longyan 897–920 Gaozu 高祖 908–920
Yang Pu 杨溥 900–938 Ruidi 睿帝 920–937
Li Bian 李昪 888–943 Liezu 烈祖 937–943
Xú Zhīxùn (elder) 徐知訓 d. 918
Xú Zhīxùn 徐知詢 d. 934 Kang of Donghai 東海康王
Yang Lian 杨琏 d. 940 Jing of Hongnong 弘農靖王
Princess Yongxing 永兴公主 917–940
Princess Shangrao 上饶公主 d. 937
Xu Jingqian 徐景遷 919–937 Ding of Chu 楚定王
Li Jing 李璟 916–961 Yuanzong 元宗 943–961
Li Jingsui 李景遂 920–958 Cr. Prince Wencheng 文成太弟
Li Jingda 李景達 924–971 Cr. Prince Zhaoxiao 昭孝太弟
Li Yu 李煜 937–978 Houzhu 后主 961–975
Wuyue
Rulers family tree
Qian Liu 錢鏐 850–932 Taìzǔ (太祖) r. 907–9321
Qian Yuanguan 錢元瓘 887–941 Shìzōng (世宗) r. 932–9412
Qian Hongzun 錢弘僔 925–940
Qian Hongzuo 錢弘佐 928–947 Chéngzōng (成宗) r. 941–9473
Qián Zōng 錢倧 928–971 r. 9474
Qian Chu 錢俶 929–988 Zhongyi (忠懿王) r. 947–9785
Min
Min
Wang Nin 王恁
Wang Chao 王潮 b. 846–d. 898
Wang Shenzhi 王審知 b. 862–d. 925 Tàizǔ 太祖 r. 909–925
Wang Shengui 王審邽 b. 858–d. 904
Wang Yanhan 王延翰 r. 925–926; d. 927
Wang Yanjun 王延鈞 d. 935 Huìzōng 惠宗 r. 927–935
Wang Yanxi 王延羲 d. 944 Jǐngzōng (景宗) r. 939–944
Wang Yanzheng 王延政 d. 951 Tiande (天德帝) r. 943–945
Wang Jipeng 王繼鵬 d. 939 Kāngzōng (康宗) r. 935–939
Chu
Chu
Ma Yin 馬殷 (b. 853–d. 930) Wumu 楚武穆王 r. 907–930
Ma Xizhen 馬希振
Ma Xisheng 馬希聲 899–932 r. 930–932
Ma Xifan 馬希範 (899–947) Wénzhāo 文昭 r. 932–947
Ma Xiwang 馬希旺 d. ~933
Ma Xigao 馬希杲 d. 945
Mǎ Xī'è 馬希萼 r. 950–951
Mǎ Xīchóng 馬希崇 b.912 r. 950–951
Mǎ Xīguǎng 馬希廣 d.950 r. 947–950
Mǎ Guānghuì 马光惠
Southern Han
Southern Han
Liu Zhiqian 劉知謙 (d. 894)
Liu Yin 劉隱 b. 874–d. 911
Liu Yan 劉龑 889–942 Gaozu 高祖 r. 917–942
Liu Tai 劉台
Emperor Huizong of Min
Liu Hua 劉華 b. 896–d. 930
Liu Hongchang 劉弘昌 d. 944 Prince of Yue 越王
Liu Bin 劉玢 920–943 Shāng 殤皇 r. 942–943
Liu Sheng 劉晟 920–958 Zhongzong r. 943–958
Liu Honggao 劉弘杲 d. 943 Prince of Xun 循王
Liu Chang 劉鋹 942–980 r. 958–971
Jingnan
Rulers family tree
Gao Jixing 高季興 b. 858–d. 929 Wǔxìng 武信 r. 924–928
Gao Conghui 高從誨 891–948 Wénxiàn 文獻 r. 928–948
Gao Baoxu 高保勗 924–962 Zhenan 貞安王 r. 960–962
Gao Baorong 高保融 920–960 Zhenyi 貞懿王 r. 948–960
Gao Jichong 高繼沖 943–973 Deren 德仁王 r. 962–963
Song dynasty
The following is a simplified family tree for the Song dynasty, which ruled China between 960 and 1279. The names given are temple names, the form by which Song Emperors are most commonly known (with the exception of the last emperor, Bing, who is simply known by his given name). The Song dynasty is often divided into the Northern Song (960–1127), which ended when the Song lost control of Northern China to the Jin dynasty, and the Southern Song (1127–1279).
Song dynasty
– Northern Song emperors – Southern Song emperors
adoption
Zhao Hongyin 趙弘殷 899–956 Xuanzu 宣祖
2
3
Zhao Kuangyin 趙匡胤 927–976 Taizu 太祖 960–976
Zhao Guangyi 趙光義 939–997 Taizong 太宗 976–997
2
4
3
4
Zhao Dezhao 趙德昭 951–979 Prince Yi of Yan 燕懿王
Zhao Defang 趙德芳 959–981 Prince Kanghui of Qin 秦康惠王
Zhao Heng 趙恆 968–1022 Zhenzong 真宗 997–1022
Zhao Yuanfen 趙元份 969–1005 Prince Gongjing of Shang 商恭靖王
The following is a simplified family tree for the Liao dynasty, which ruled much of northern China between 907 and 1125. The names given are temple names, the form by which Liao Emperors are most commonly known (with the exception of the last emperor, Tianzuodi, who was not awarded a temple name).
The following is a simplified family tree for the Jin dynasty. Arising from a family of Jurchen chieftains (whose years of rule are given in brackets), the dynasty was declared by Aguda in 1115; in 1125 his successor Wuqimai conquered the Liao dynasty. The Jin ruled much of northern China until their conquest by the Mongol Empire 1234. They were the ancestors of the Qing dynasty, which was initially named the Later Jin in recognition of this heritage. The names given are temple names, the form by which Jin emperors are most commonly known (with the exceptions of the Prince of Hailing, Prince Shao of Wei and Emperor Mo; these are posthumous names, as temple names were not awarded).
Emperors family tree
Hanpu 函普 Shizu 始祖
Wulu 烏魯 Emperor De 德皇帝
Bahai 跋海 Emperor An 安皇帝
Suike 綏可 Xianzu 獻祖
Shilu 石魯 Zhaozu 昭祖
Wugunai 烏骨迺 Jingzu 景祖 ~1050–1021–1074
Helibo 劾里缽 Shizu 世祖 1039–1074–1092
Polashu 頗刺淑 Suzong 肅宗 1042–1092–1094
Yingge 盈歌 Muzong 穆宗 1053–1094–1103
Hezhe 劾者 d. 1121
Wuyashu 烏雅束 Kangzong 康宗 1061–1103–1113
Aguda 阿骨打 Taizu 太祖 1068–(1113)1115–1123
Wuqimai 吳乞買 Taizong 太宗 1075–1123–1135
□
Sagai 撒改
Wanyan Zongjun 完顏宗峻 d. 1124 Huizong 徽宗
Wanyan Zonggan 完顏宗幹 d. 1141 Dezong 德宗
Wanyan Zongfu 完顏宗輔 1096–1135 Ruizong 睿宗
Nianhan 粘罕 1080–1136
Hela 合剌 Xizong 熙宗 1119–1135–1149
Wanyan Liang 完顏亮 Pr. of Hailing 海陵王 1122–1149–1161
Wanyan Yong 完顏雍 Shizong 世宗 1123–1161–1189
Wanyan Yungong 完顏允恭 1146–1185 Xianzong 顯宗
Wanyan Yongji 完顏永濟 Pr. Shao of Wei 衛紹王 1168–1209–1213
Wanyan Jing 完顏璟 Zhangzong 章宗 1168–1190–1208
Wanyan Xun 完顏珣 Xuanzong 宣宗 1163–1213–1223
Wanyan Shouxu 完顏守緒 1234 Aizong 哀宗 1198–1224–1234
Wanyan Chenglin 完顏承麟 Emperor Mo 末帝 r. 1234; d. 1234
Western Xia and Dingnan Jiedushi
The following is a family tree of the military governor (Jiedushi) of Dingnan Circuit, the region that eventually evolved into the independent state of Western Xia, that existed between 1038 and 1227, followed by the family tree of the Western Xia emperors.
The Tuoba clan of the Xianbei of Tuyuhun founded the Western Xia. After the Tibetans destroyed the Tuyuhun in 670, its famous prince, Tuoba Chici, who controlled the Dangxiang Qiang submitted to the Tang, which "bestowed" upon him the royal name of Li (李). Towards the end of the Tang, the Tuoba brought troops to suppress the Huang Chao Rebellion (874–884) on behalf of the Tang court and took control of the Xia State, or Xia Zhou, in northern Shaanxi in 881. After the Tang fell in 907, the Tuoba descendants formally declared resistance against the expanding Northern Song in 982 and proclaimed independence to establish the Western Xia in 1038.
The foundation of Western Xia goes back to the year 982 under Li Jiqian. However, only in 1038 did the Tangut chieftain Li Yuanhao (son of Li Deming, named himself emperor of Da Xia and demanded the Song emperor recognise him as an equal. The Song court recognised Li Yuanhao as governor but not as "emperor", a title it regarded as exclusive to the Song emperor. After intense diplomatic contacts, in 1043 the Tangut state accepted the recognition of the Song emperor as emperor in exchange for annual gifts, which implied tacit recognition on the part of the Song of the military power of the Tanguts.
Family tree of the Western Xia emperors and the rulers of Dingnan