List of The Tang Dynasty Rulers

Complete list of Tang Dynasty rulers' name, temple name, era name, reign, born and died year with Pinyin and playable Chinese pronunciation audio. Click here to view full China dynasties list.

About Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was one of the most prosperous and influential periods in Chinese history that ruled from 618 to 907 AD. It was founded by Li Yuan, a general of the Sui dynasty who rebelled against the tyrannical rule of Emperor Yang. The second emperor, Li Shimin, also known as Emperor Taizong, expanded the empire through military campaigns. He also promoted Confucianism as the state ideology and reformed the civil service system.

One of the most remarkable figures of the Tang dynasty was Wu Zhao, also known as Wu Zetian, she was mother of Li Xian and Li Dan, the Tang dynasty 4th and 5th emperor. After Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi's death, she ruled as regent for her aforementioned sons and then proclaimed herself emperor of a new Zhou dynasty in 690 AD. She was the only woman in Chinese history to rule as emperor in her own right.

Another notable emperor of the Tang dynasty was Emperor Xuanzong, Li Longji. The Tang dynasty reached its peak under Emperor Xuanzong in the 8th century. He also had a famous romance with his concubine Yang Guifei, who was blamed for the An Lushan Rebellion that broke out in 755 AD. The rebellion weakened the Tang dynasty and led to its decline in the later years.

The Tang dynasty was a cosmopolitan and prosperous era that fostered trade, cultural exchange and innovation. It produced many famous poets, such as Li Bai, Du Fu and Wang Wei, who are still admired today. It also witnessed the flourishing of Buddhism, Taoism and other religions and philosophies. The Tang dynasty influenced many neighboring countries, such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam, in terms of politics, culture and religion. The Tang dynasty is regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in Chinese history.