1872 in China

Incumbents

• Tongzhi Emperor
• * Regent: Empress Dowager Cixi

Viceroys

• Viceroy of Zhili — Li Hongzhang
• Viceroy of Min-Zhe — Li Henian
• Viceroy of Huguang — Li Hanzhang
• Viceroy of Shaan-Gan — Zuo Zongtang
• Viceroy of Liangguang — Ruilin
• Viceroy of Yun-Gui — Liu Yuezhao
• Viceroy of Sichuan — Wu Tang
• Viceroy of Liangjiang — Zeng Guofan then He Jing then Zhang Shusheng

Events

• Miao Rebellion (1854–73)
• Dungan Revolt (1862–77)
• Panthay Rebellion
• Tongzhi Restoration

Establishments

• Yusan Hall
• Dongquan Lighthouse
• Shen Bao

Births

• Fok Hing-tong, businesswoman
• Li Shouxin

Deaths

• Du Wenxiu
• Zeng Guofan, mysteriously dies in Hong Xiuquan's former mansion