List of Chinese monarchs

The Chin 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 and Zhou dynasties, rulers were referred to as Wang 王, meaning king. China was fully united for the first time by Qin Shi Huang, who established the [Qin dynasty|first Imperial dynasty], adopting the title Huangdi, 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. 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, giving them the right to rule "all under heaven". 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 philosophical scheme was also central to justify dynastic succession.
Most Chinese monarchs had many names. They were given a personal name at birth, but later referred to by a posthumous name —which memorialized their accomplishments or character—due to a cultural naming taboo. Most emperors of the Imperial period also received a temple name, used to venerate them in ancestor worship. From the rule of Wu of Han">Yang Wu">Wu of Han onwards, emperors also adopted one or several era names, or "reign mottos", to divide their rule by important events or accomplishments. Ming and Qing 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 are 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 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, 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.

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, during the reign of Wu Ding, putting the exact details of earlier rulers into doubt.

Early Shang

Late Shang

! colspan="7" |
! colspan="7" |
----Kang Ding
康丁
----Wen Ding
文丁

Early imperial China

Han and Xin dynasties (202 BCE – 220 CE)

Western Han (202 BCE – 9 CE)

----Among the most revered Chinese emperors. Died from an arrow injury in a campaign against Ying Bu
----His reign was largely dominated by his mother Empress Lü. Died from an unknown illness
! colspan="5" |
----An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Deposed and put under house arrest; unknown date of death after 184
! colspan="5" |
----An infant emperor whose reign was completely dominated by Empress Lü. Put to death by the House of Lü
! colspan="5" |
----Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----Among the longest reigning and highly regarded Chinese emperors. Expanded the Han dynasty considerably. Died from an unknown illness
----Died from natural causes
! colspan="5" |
----Briefly installed by Huo Guang and not often considered legitimate. Died from natural causes
! colspan="5" |
----His reign is sometimes considered a cultural and political 'renaissance'. Died from natural causes
----Died from an unknown illness
----Died from a stroke or possibly complications from an aphrodisiac overdose
----Died from an unknown illness
----His reign was dominated by Wang Zhengjun and Wang Mang. He was murdered, possibly by orders from the latter.
! colspan="5" |
----A child puppet of Wang Mang; often not considered legitimate. He later attempted to succeed the Gengshi Emperor, but was killed by him
! colspan="5" |

Xin dynasty (9–23 CE)

----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)

----Strangled on the orders of, a leader of the Red Eyebrows. Sometimes considered a pretender and illegitimate

Eastern Han (25–220 CE)

----Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----His reign marked the beginning of the Han's decline. Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
! colspan="5" |
----Briefly reigned, probably as a child; often not considered legitimate. Died of natural causes
! colspan="5" |
----Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----His reign was dominated by Liang Ji, who may have poisoned him. Otherwise he died from food poisoning
----Died of natural causes
----Died of an unknown illness
! colspan="5" |
----Briefly reigned as a child; often not considered legitimate. Poisoned by Dong Zhuo
! colspan="5" |
----A puppet of Dong Zhuo and later Cao Cao. Forced to abdicate by Cao Pi, but spared. Died of natural causes

Six Dynasties

Three Kingdoms (220–280)

Cao Wei (220–266)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Cao Pi 曹丕	Emperor Wen 文帝	11 December 220 – 29 June 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 ----Died of natural causes
Cao Rui 曹叡	Emperor Ming 明帝	29 June 226 – 22 January 239	Son of Cao Pi and grandson of Cao Cao	– 22 January 239 ----Died of natural causes
Cao Fang 曹芳	Emperor Shao 少帝 Emperor Fei 廢帝	22 January 239 – 16 October 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 ----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	The cousin of Cao Fang and grandson of Cao Pi. Put on the throne by Sima Shi	– 9 July 260 ----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	Grandson of Cao Cao and the first cousin once-removed of Cao Mao	245–302 ----His reign was completely dominated by Sima Zhao and Sima Yan. Died of natural causes

Shu Han (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	Claimed to descend from Emperor Jing of Han. Conquered the Yi Province to found the Shu Han state	161 – 10 June 223 ----Died of natural causes
Liu Shan 劉禪	Emperor Xiaohuai 孝懷皇帝	June 223 – December 263	The son of Liu Bei	207–271 ----Abdicated after the fall on the Shu capital of Chengdu in 263.

Eastern Wu (222–280)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Sun Quan 孫權	Emperor Da 大皇帝	23 May 229 – May 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 ----Died of natural causes
Sun Liang 孫亮	Emperor Fei 吳廢帝	May 252 – 9 November 258	Son of Sun Quan	243–260 ----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	Son of Sun Quan	235–264 ----Died of natural causes
Sun Hao 孫皓	Emperor Mo 末帝	3 September 264 – 1 May 280	Son of Sun He, former heir apparent to Sun Quan	241–283 ----Eastern Wu was conquered by Sima Yan in 280. Died of natural causes

Jin dynasty (266–420)

Western Jin (266–316)

----Died of natural causes
----Possibly mentally unstable, his reign was marked by the disastrous War of the Eight Princes. He was poisoned by Sima Yue
----His reign, dominated by Sima Yue, saw widespread ethnic rebellions. He was deposed and killed by the Han-Zhao
----Killed by Liu Cong of Han-Zhao

Eastern Jin (318–420)

----Died of natural causes
----His reign was dominated by Wang Dao and antagonized by Wang Dun. Died of natural causes
----Dominated by Yu Liang, he was briefly deposed in 328 by rebel Su Jun. Died of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----The youngest Chinese emperor. Died of natural causes
----Died of drug poisoning
----Deposed by Huan Wen, later dying of natural causes
----Died of natural causes
----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
----Dominated by Sima Daozi, Huan Xuan and Liu Yu, he was killed by the latter
----Abdicated in favor of Liu Yu, later assassinated

Sixteen Kingdoms (304–439)

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Xiong 李雄	Emperor Wu 武皇帝	304–334	Son of rebel Li Te, proclaimed himself King in 304 and then Emperor in 306	274–334 ----Died of disease
Li Ban 李班	Emperor Ai 哀皇帝	334	Nephew of Li Xiong	274–334 ----Killed by Li Qi
Li Qi 李期	Duke You 幽公	334–338	Son of Li Xiong	314–338 ----Committed suicide
Li Shou 李壽	Emperor Xiaowen 昭文皇帝	338–343	Nephew of Li Te, usurped power from Li Qi and renamed the state from "Cheng” to “Han”	300–343 ----Died of natural causes
Li Shi 李勢	Marquess of Guiyi 歸義侯	343–347	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

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Yuan 劉淵	Emperor Guangwen 光文皇帝	304–310	Rebelled against the Jin dynasty. Proclaimed himself King of Han in 304 and Emperor in 308	250–310 ----Died of natural causes
Liu He 劉和	–	310	Son of Liu Yuan	Killed by his brother Liu Cong
Liu Cong 劉聰	Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝	310–318	Son of Liu Yuan	Died of natural causes in 318
Liu Can 劉粲	Emperor Yin 隱皇帝	318	Son of Liu Cong	Killed by officer Jin Zhun in 318
Liu Yao 劉曜	–	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

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Shi Le 石勒	Emperor Ming 明皇帝	319–333	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 ----Ended the Former Zhao in 329. Died of natural causes
Shi Hong 石弘	–	333–334	Son of Shi Le	313–334 ----Deposed and killed by Shi Hu
Shi Hu 石虎	Emperor Wu 武皇帝	334–349	Nephew of Shi Le, usurped power from Shi Hong in 334. Ruled as Heavenly King until 349	295–349 ----Died of natural causes
Shi Shi 石世	–	349	Son of Shi Hu	339–349 ----Murdered
Shi Zun 石遵	–	349	Son of Shi Hu	Killed by Ran Min
Shi Jian 石鑒	–	349–350	Son of Shi Hu, enthroned by Ran Min	Killed by Ran Min
Shi Zhi 石祇	–	350–351	Son of Shi Hu	Gave up the imperial title in 351, later killed by a subordinate officer

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Zhang Mao 張茂	Duke Cheng 成公	320–324	Son of governor Zhang Gui	377–324 ----Made vassal of Former Zhao in 323. Died of natural causes
Zhang Jun 張駿	Duke Zhongcheng 忠成公	324–346	Son of governor Zhang Shi	307–346 ----Died of natural causes
Zhang Chonghua 張重華	Duke Huan 桓公	346–353	Son of Zhang Jun, didn't assume the dynastic title until 349	327–353 ----Died of natural causes
Zhang Yaoling 張曜靈	Duke Ai 哀公	353	Son of Zhang Chonghua	344–355 ----Killed by Zhang Zuo
Zhang Zuo 張祚	King Wei 威王	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	Son of Zhang Chonghua	350–363 ----Killed by Zhang Tianxi
Zhang Tianxi 張天錫	Duke Dao 悼公	363–376	Son of Zhang Jun	346–406 ----Surrendered to the Former Qin, later dying of natural causes in Eastern Jin

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Murong Huang 慕容皝	Emperor Wenming 文明皇帝	337–348	Son of governor Murong Hui, proclaimed himself Prince of Yan in 337. Remained loyal to the Jin	297–348 ----Died of natural causes
Murong Jun 慕容儁	Emperor Jingzhao 景昭皇帝	348–360	Son of Murong Huang, proclaimed himself Emperor in 352	319–360 ----Died of natural causes
Murong Wei 慕容暐	Emperor You 幽皇帝	360–370	Son of Murong Jun, ruled under the regency of Murong Ping	350–384 ----Captured by Former Qin in 370, executed by Fu Jiān in 384 after a failed coup

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Fu Jiàn 苻健	Emperor Jingming 景明皇帝	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 ----Died of natural causes
Fu Sheng 苻生	Prince Li 厲王	355–357	Son of Fu Jiàn	335–357 ----Killed by his cousin
Fu Jiān 苻堅	Emperor Xuanzhao 宣昭皇帝	357–385	Grandson of Fu Hong, ruled as Heavenly King	338–385 ----Conquered Former Yan, Former Liang, and Dai. Killed by Yao Chang.
Fu Pi 苻丕	Emperor Aiping 哀平皇帝	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	Grandnephew of Fu Jiān	343–394 ----Killed by Yao Xing of Later Qin
Fu Chong 苻崇	–	394	Son of Fu Deng	Killed by Qifu Qiangui of Western Qin

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Murong Chui 慕容垂	Emperor Wucheng 成武皇帝	384–396	Son of Prince Murong Huang of Former Yan, reestablished his kingdom after the Battle of Fei River	326–396 ----Conquered Western Yan in 394
Murong Bao 慕容寶	Emperor Huimin 惠愍皇帝	396–398	Son of Murong Chui	355–398 ----Killed by the usurper Lan Han
Murong Sheng 慕容盛	Emperor Zhaowu 昭武皇帝	398–401	Son of Murong Bao, came to power after killing Lan Han	373–401 ----Killed by general Duan Ji
Murong Xi 慕容熙	Emperor Zhaowen 昭文皇帝	401–407	Son of Murong Chui	385–407 ----Killed by Feng Ba

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Yao Chang 姚萇	Emperor Wuzhao 武昭皇帝	384–393	Proclaimed King after the Battle of Fei River, then Emperor after killing Fu Jiān of Former Qin	343–394 ----Died of natural causes
Yao Xing 姚興	Emperor Wenhuan 文桓皇帝	394–416	Son of Yao Chang	366–416 ----Conquered Former Qin and Liang (Sixteen Kingdoms)\|Later Liang]. Favored Buddhism and Taoism.
Yao Hong 姚泓	–	416–417	Son of Yao Xing	388–417 ----Executed by the Eastern Jin

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Qifu Guoren 乞伏國仁	Prince Xuanlie 宣烈王	385–388	Former general of Former Qin	Died of natural causes
Qifu Gangui 乞伏乾歸	Prince Wuyuan 武元王	388–412	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	Son of Qifu Gangui	Conquered Southern Liang in 414
Qifu Mumo 乞伏暮末	–	428–431	Son of Qifu Chipan	Killed by the Xia

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Lü Guang 呂光	Emperor Yiwu 懿武皇帝	386–399	Former general of Former Qin, proclaimed himself Duke of Jiuquan in 386 and Heavenly King in 396	337–399 ----Abdicated in favor of his son
Lü Shao 呂紹	Prince Yin 隱王	399	Son of Lü Guang	Forced to commit suicide by his brother
Lü Zuan 呂纂	Emperor Ling 靈皇帝	399–401	Son of Lü Guang	Killed by Lü Chao, Guang's nephew
Lü Long 呂隆	–	401–403	Nephew of Lü Guang	Killed by Yao Hong of Later Qin

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Tufa Wugu 禿髮烏孤	Prince Wu 武王	397–399	Proclaimed himself Great Chanyu	Died of natural causes
Tufa Lilugu 禿髮利鹿孤	Prince Kang 康王	399–402	Elder brother of Tufa Wugu	Died of natural causes
Tufa Rutan 禿髮傉檀	Prince Jing 景王	402–414	Elder brother Tufa Lilugu	364–415 ----Captured and killed by Western Qin

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Duan Ye 段業	–	397–401	Governor of Later Liang, proclaimed himself Prince of Liang in 397	Killed by Juqu Mengxun
Juqu Mengxun 沮渠蒙遜	–	401–433	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	Son of Juqu Mengxun	Defeated by Northern Wei, later forced to commit suicide in 449 for sedition

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Murong De 慕容德	Emperor Xianwu 獻武皇帝	398–405	Younger brother of Murong Chui of Later Yan, declared himself Prince in 398 and then Emperor in 400	336–405 ----Captured and killed by Western Qin
Murong Chao 慕容超	–	405–410	Uncertain succession	385–410 ----Captured and killed by Eastern Jin

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Gao 李暠	Prince Wuzhao 武昭王	400–417	Governor of Dunhuang under Duan Ye of Northern Liang, declared himself Duke	351–417 ----Died of natural causes
Li Xin 李歆	–	417–420	Son of Li Gao	Killed by Juqu Mengxun of Northern Liang
Li Xun 李恂	–	420–421	Son of Li Gao	Committed suicide after the fall of Dunhuang

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Helian Bobo 赫連勃勃	Emperor Wulie 武烈皇帝	407–425	Subordinate of Yao Xing of Later Qin, declared himself Heavenly King in 407 and then Emperor at Chang'an in 418	381–425 ----Died of natural causes
Helian Chang 赫連昌	–	425–428	Son of Helian Bobo	Executed by Northern Wei in 434
Helian Ding 赫連定	–	428–431	Son of Helian Bobo	Executed by Tuyuhun in 432

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Gao Yun 高雲	Emperor Huiyi 惠懿皇帝	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	Seized power after Yun's death	Died of natural causes
Feng Hong 馮弘	Emperor Zhaocheng 昭成皇帝	430–436	Younger brother of Feng Ba	Defeated by Northern Wei, later murdered in Goguryeo

Northern and Southern Dynasties (420–589)

Northern Dynasties (420–581)

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Daowu 道武皇帝	Tuoba Gui 拓拔珪	20 February 386 – 409	Leader of the Tuoba, refounded the Dai State as Wei	371–409 ----Killed by his son Tuoba Shao
Emperor Mingyuan 明元皇帝	Tuoba Si 拓拔嗣	409–423	Son of Emperor Daowu	392–423 ----Died of disease
Emperor Taiwu 太武皇帝	Tuoba Tao 拓拔燾	423–452	Son of Emperor Mingyuan	408–452 ----Conquered Xia, Northern Yan and Liang. Killed by eunuch Zong Ai
Tuoba Yu 拓拔余	Tuoba Yu 拓拔余	452	Son of Taiwu. Put on the throne by eunuch Zong Ai	Killed by Zong Ai
Emperor Wencheng 文成皇帝	Tuoba Jun 拓拔濬	452–465	Grandson of Taiwu. Ascended to the throne after the murder of Zong.	440–465 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Xianwen 獻文皇帝	Tuoba Hong 拓拔弘	465–471	Son of Wencheng	454–476 ----Abdicated in favor of his son Yuan Hong, later dying of natural causes
Emperor Xiaowen 孝文皇帝	Tuoba Hong 拓拔宏 ----Yuan Hong 元宏	471–499	Son of Xianwen, ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Feng until 470.	467–499 ----One of the most significant reformers in medieval China. Died of natural causes
Emperor Xuanwu 宣武皇帝	Yuan Ke 元恪	499–515	Son of Xiaowen	483–515 ----His reign marked the decline of Wei
Emperor Xiaoming 孝明皇帝	Yuan Xu 元詡	515–528	Son of Xuanwu	510–528 ----Killed in a power struggle against Empress Dowager Hu
None, known as Youzhu of Northern Wei 北魏幼主	Yuan Zhao 元釗	528	Enthroned by Empress Dowager Hu	526–528 ----Killed by general Erzhu Rong
Emperor Xiaozhuang 孝莊皇帝	Yuan Ziyou 元子攸	528–530	Enthroned by Erzhu Rong	507–early 531 ----Killed by general Erzhu Zhao
Yuan Ye 元曄	Yuan Ye 元曄	530–531	Enthroned by the Erzhu Clan in opposition to Xiaozhuang	Executed in 532
Emperor Jiemin 節閔皇帝	Yuan Gong 元恭	531–532	Enthroned by Erzhu Shilong	498–532 ----Deposed and executed by Gao Huan
Yuan Lang 元朗	Yuan Lang 元朗	531–532	Enthroned by Gao Huan	513–532 ----Deposed and executed by Gao Huan
Emperor Xiaowu 孝武皇帝	Yuan Xiu 元脩	532–535	Enthroned by Gao Huan	510–early 535 ----Fled to Chang’an, where he was poisoned by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Xiaojing 孝靜皇帝	Yuan Shanjian 元善見	534–550	Enthroned by Gao Huan	524–552 ----Forced to abdicate and later poisoned by Gao Yang

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wenxuan 文宣皇帝	Gao Yang 高洋	550–559	Regent of Eastern Wei, proclaimed himself emperor after deposing Emperor Xiaojing	529–559 ----Supposedly suffered insanity in his late reign. Died of natural causes
Emperor Fei 廢皇帝	Gao Yin 高殷	559–560	Son of Emperor Wenxuan, enthroned by official Yang Yin	545–561 ----Forced to abdicate by his uncles Gao Yan and Gao Zhan, later executed
Emperor Xiaozhao 孝昭皇帝	Gao Yan 高演	560–561	Son of Gao Huan, seized power through a palace coup	535–559 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Wucheng 武成皇帝	Gao Zhan 高湛	561–565	Brother of Xiaozhao	537–569 ----Abdicated in favor of his son, later dying of natural causes
Gao Wei 高緯	Gao Wei 高緯	565–577	Son of Wucheng, ruled under his father's regency until 569	557–577 ----Abdicated in favor of his son, later killed by Northern Zhou
Gao Heng 高恆	Gao Heng 高恆	577	Son of Gao Wei	557–577 ----Abdicated in favor of his uncle Gao Jie, but was soon killed alongside him

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wen 文皇帝	Yuan Baoyu 元寶炬	535–551	Grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei	507–551 ----Killed by Yuwen Tai of Northern Zhou
Emperor Fei 廢帝	Yuan Qin 元欽	551–554	Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai	Poisoned to death by Yuwen Tai
Emperor Gong 恭皇帝	Yuan Kuo 元廓	554–556	Son of Emperor Wen, enthroned by Yuwen Tai	537–557 ----Abdicated in favor of Yuwen Jue, Tai's son. Killed shortly after

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Xiaomin 孝閔皇帝	Yuwen Jue 宇文覺	557	Son of Yuwen Tai, proclaimed himself Heavenly King under Yuwen Hu's patronage and refounded the Northern Wei State as Zhou	542–557 ----Poisoned to death after a failed coup against Yuwen Hu
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Yuwen Yu 宇文毓	557–560	Son of Yuwen Tai, ruled alongside Yuwen Hu	534–560 ----Poisoned to death by Yuwen Hu
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Yuwen Yong 宇文邕	561–578	Son of Yuwen Tai, sole ruler after deposing Yuwen Hu in 572	543–578 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝	Yuwen Yun 宇文贇	578–579	Son of Yuwen Yong	559–580 ----He neglected government and abdicated in favor of his son
Emperor Jing 靜皇帝	Yuwen Yan 宇文衍 ----Yuwen Chan 宇文闡	579–581	Son of Yuwen Yun	573–581 ----Killed by officer Yang Jian, the future Emperor Wen of Sui

Southern Dynasties (420–589)

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Liu Yu 劉裕	420–422	Proclaimed himself emperor after defeating Huan Xuan of Jin in 404, conquering Southern Yan in 410 and taking Later Qin in 417.	363–422 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Shao 少帝	Liu Yifu 劉義符	422–424	Son of Emperor Wu	406–424 ----Killed by officer Xu Xianzhi
Emperor Wen 文皇帝	Liu Yilong 劉義隆	424–453	Son of Emperor Wu	407–453 ----Killed by his son
Liu Shao 劉劭	Liu Shao 劉劭	453	Son of Emperor Wen	426–453 ----Killed by his brother
Emperor Xiaowu 孝武皇帝	Liu Jun 劉駿	453–464	Son of Emperor Wen	430–464 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Qianfei 前廢帝	Liu Ziye 劉子業	464–465	Son of Emperor Xiaowu	449–465 ----Killed in a conspiracy
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Liu Yu 劉彧	466–472	Son of Emperor Wen	439–472 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Houfei 後廢帝	Liu Yu 劉昱	472–477	Son of Emperor Ming	463–477 ----Killed by Xiao Daocheng
Emperor Shun 順皇帝	Liu Zhun 劉準	477–479	Son of Emperor Ming, enthroned by Xiao Daocheng, the future Emperor Gao of Southern Qi	467–479 ----Killed by Xiao Daocheng

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Gao 高皇帝	Xiao Daocheng 蕭道成	479–482	Proclaimed himself emperor after overthrowing the Song dynasty">Song dynasty">Song dynasty	427–482 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Xiao Ze 蕭賾	482–493	Son of Emperor Gao	440–493 ----Died of natural causes
Prince of Yulin 鬱林王	Xiao Zhaoye 蕭昭業	493–494	Grandson of Emperor Wu	473–494 ----Killed by Xiao Luan
Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文	Xiao Zhaowen 蕭昭文	494	Younger brother of Xiao Zhaoye	480–494 ----Killed by Xiao Luan
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Xiao Luan 蕭鸞	494–498	Nephew of Emperor Gao	452–498 ----Died of natural causes
Marquess of Donghun 東昏侯	Xiao Baojuan 蕭寶卷	498–501	Son of Xiao Luan	483–501 ----Killed by his underlings
Emperor He 和皇帝	Xiao Baorong 蕭寶融	501–502	Son of Xiao Luan, set up in Jiangling in opposition to his brother	488–502 ----Deposed and killed by Xiao Yan

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Xiao Yan 蕭衍	502–549	Overthrew the Southern Qi	464–549 ----Imprisoned during the rebellion of Hou Jing, died of hunger
Emperor Jianwen 簡文皇帝	Xiao Gang 蕭綱	549–551	Son of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing	503–551 ----Deposed and killed by Hou Jing
None, known by his personal name	Xiao Dong 蕭棟	551	Grandson of Xiao Tong and great-grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Hou Jing	503–551 ----Deposed by Hou Jing and killed by Xiao Yi
Emperor Yuan 元皇帝	Xiao Yi 蕭繹	552–555	Son of Wu. Sole ruler after defeating Hou Jing in 552 and Xiao Ji in 553.	508–555 ----Captured and killed by Western Wei
Emperor Min 閔皇帝	Xiao Yuanming 蕭淵明	555	Nephew of Wu, enthroned by official Wang Sengbian	Deposed by Chen Baxian, died of natural causes in 556
Emperor Jin 敬皇帝	Xiao Fangzhi 蕭方智	555–557	Son of Yuan, enthroned by Chen Baxian	543–558 ----Deposed and killed by Chen Baxian

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝	Xiao Cha 蕭詧	555–562	Son of Xiao Tong and grandson of Emperor Wu, enthroned by Western Wei	519–562 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Ming 明皇帝	Xiao Kui 蕭巋	562–585	Son of Xiao Cha	542–585 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Jing 靖皇帝	Xiao Cong 蕭琮	585–587	Son of Xiao Kui	Deposed by Emperor Wen of Sui in 587, died of natural causes 607

Posthumous name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Emperor Wu 武皇帝	Chen Baxian 陳霸先	557–559	Overthrew the Liang Dynasty	503–559 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Wen 文皇帝	Chen Qian 陳蒨	559–566	Nephew of Chen Baxian	522–566 ----Died of natural causes
Emperor Fei 廢帝	Chen Bozong 陳伯宗	566–568	Son of Emperor Wen	554–570 ----Deposed by his uncle
Emperor Xuan 宣皇帝	Chen Xu 陳頊	569–582	Younger brother of Emperor Wen	528–582 ----Died of natural causes
Chen Houzhu 陳後主	Chen Shubao 陳叔寶	582–589	Son of Emperor Xuan	553–604 ----Neglect of government, he was captured by the Sui army. Died of natural causes

Mid-imperial China

Tang and Zhou dynasties (618–907)

Early Tang (618–690)

----
----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
----
----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
----
----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
----
----Deposed by his mother after challenging her authority
----
----A complete puppet of his mother; forced to abdicate

(Wu) Zhou (690–705)

----
----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)

----A weak ruler; he died after eating a poisoned cake delivered by his wife, Empress Wei
----Second shortest-reigning emperor; deposed in a palace coup
----Spent his reign in a constant power struggle with his sister, Princess Taiping. Abdicated in favor of his son to undermine her influence
----
----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
----
----Recaptured Chang'an in November 757. During his reign the eunuchs grew increasingly powerful.
----
----Ended the An–Shi Rebellion, but failed to maintain control over the far provinces
----
----Notable for his tax reforms, he also attempted to control regional jiedushi, but this backfired and caused a military mutiny in 783
----
----Aphasic, weak and ill, he was urged to abdicate by the court eunuchs
----
----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
----
----Suffered a serious stroke in 822, whereafter the government was run by eunuchs Wang Shoucheng and Li Fengji.
----
----A reckless player of football; he was killed by eunuchs
----
----Attempted to eradicate the eunuchs in the Sweet Dew incident, but ended up making them stronger. Died of natural causes
----
----Notable for his persecution of Buddhism. Died of drug overdose
----
----Arguably the last capable Tang emperor. Notable for his campaigns against the Tibetan Empire. Died of drug overdose
----
----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
----
----A puppet of Tian Lingzi, had to flee Chang'an twice due to internal strife
----Killed by Xizong's forces; often seen as an usurper
----
----His reign saw the final collapse of imperial authority and the rise of new powerful warlords. He was killed by rebel Zhu Wen
----
----Installed, deposed, and later killed by Zhu Wen

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

Five Dynasties (907–912)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Zhu Wen 朱溫	Taizu 太祖	907–912	Former ally of rebel Huang Chao, defected to the Imperial army in 882 but later betrayed the Tang and proclaimed himself Emperor in Kaifeng	852–912 ----Killed by his son
Zhu Yougui 朱友珪	—	912–913	Son of Zhu Wen, usurped power after learning of his father's intentions of adopting Zhu Youwen as heir	Died in 913 ----Described as murderous and lustful, he was killed by his brother
Zhu Youzhen 朱瑱	—	913–923	Son of Zhu Wen	888–923 ----Killed by the forces of Li Cunxu

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Cunxu 李存勗	Zhuangzong 莊宗	923–926	Proclaimed himself Emperor after conquering Later Liang	885–926 ----Killed in a coup
Li Siyuan 李嗣源	Mingzong 明宗	926–933	Adopted son of Li Keyong, took Luoyang and proclaimed himself Emperor after the murder of Li Cunxu	867–933 ----Died of natural causes
Li Conghou 李從厚	—	934	Son of Li Siyuan	914–early 934 ----Killed by Li Congke
Li Congke 李從珂	—	934–937	Adopted son of Li Siyuan, he usurped power from Li Conghou	884/6–936 ----Defeated by Shi Jingtang of Later Jin, he burned himself to death

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Shi Jingtang 石敬瑭	Gaozu 高祖	936–942	Proclaimed himself emperor with the help of the Shatuo and Khitan people	892–942 ----Died of natural causes
Shi Chonggui 石重貴	—	942–947	Nephew of Shi Jingtang	914–947 ----Captured by Emperor Taizong of Liao but spared; died of natural causes

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Zhiyuan 劉知遠	Gaozu 高祖	947–948	Jiedushi under the Later Jin, proclaimed himself emperor after the capture of Shi Chonggui by the Khitan	895–948 ----Died of natural causes
Liu Chengyou 劉承祐	—	948–951	Son of Liu Zhiyuan	931–951 ----Killed by the forces of Guo Wei

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Guo Wei 郭威	Taizu 太祖	951–954	Officer of Later Han, proclaimed himself emperor and dethroned Liu Chengyou	904–954 ----Died of natural causes; introduced reforms that greatly benefited farming
Chai Rong 柴榮	Shizong 世宗	954–959	Adopted son of Guo Wei	921–959 ----Conquered Eastern and Southwest China; died of natural causes
Chai Zongxun 柴宗訓	—	959–960	Son of Chai Rong	953–973 ----Deposed by Emperor Taizu of Song

Ten Kingdoms (907–979)

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Yang Xingmi 楊行密	Taizu 太祖	902–905	Took over Yangzhou in 892 and was named "Prince of Wu" in 902, became independent after the fall of the Tang	852–905 ----Died of natural causes
Yang Wo 楊渥	—	905–908	Son of Yang Xingmi	886–908 ----Killed by Zhang Hao and Xu Wen
Yang Longyan 楊隆演	—	908–920	Son of Yang Xingmi, enthroned by Xu Wen	897–920 ----Died of natural causes
Yang Pu 楊溥	—	920–937	Son of Yang Xingmi and enthroned by Xu Zhigao, declared himself Emperor in 927	901–938 ----Forced to abdicate to Li Bian of Southern Tang; died of natural causes

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Ma Yin 馬殷	Prince Wumu 武穆王	907–930	A carpenter who rose from the ranks to become prefect of Tanzhou in 896, he was named Prince in 927 by Li Siyuan	852–930 ----Died of natural causes
Ma Xisheng 馬希聲	Prince of Hengyang 衡陽王	930–932	Son of Ma Yin	899–932 ----An admirer of Zhu Wen, he cooked 50 chickens a day; died of natural causes
Ma Xifan 馬希範	Prince Wenzhao 文昭王	932–947	Son of Ma Yin, didn't assume his title until later in his reign	899–947 ----Known for his extravagance and his building projects; died of natural causes
Ma Xiguang 馬希廣	—	947–951	Son of Ma Yin	Died in 951 ----Deposed and later killed by his brother
Ma Xi'e 馬希萼	—	951	Son of Ma Yin	Deposed by his brother, fate unknown
Ma Xichong 馬希崇	—	951	Son of Ma Yin	Deposed by the Southern Tang with the help of Xi’e's supporters, fate unknown

Personal name	Posthumous name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Qian Liu 錢鏐	Prince Wusu 武肅王	907–932	Named "Prince of Wuyue" by Later Liang	852–932 ----Died of natural causes
Qian Yuanguan 錢元瓘	Prince Wensu 文肅王	932–941	Son of Qian Liu	887–941 ----Died of natural causes
Qian Hongzuo 錢弘佐	Prince Zhongxian 忠獻王	941–947	Son of Qian Yuanguan	928–947 ----Died of natural causes
Qian Hongzong 錢弘倧	Prince Zhongxun 忠遜王	947–early 948	Son of Qian Yuanguan	929– 971 ----Deposed by general Hu Jinsi, fate unknown
Qian Chu 錢俶	Prince Zhongyi 忠懿王	978	Son of Qian Yuanguan	929–988 ----Surrendered to the Song dynasty, died of sudden illness or poisoning

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Wang Shenzhi 王審知	Taizu 太祖	909–925	Younger brother of warlord Wang Chao, named wang of Min by Later Liang	862–925 ----One of the most peaceful reign periods of the period; died of natural causes
Wang Yanhan 王延翰	—	926–927	Son of Wang Shenzhi	Died in 927 ----Killed by his brother
Wang Yanjun 王延鈞	Huizong 惠宗	927–935	Son of Wang Shenzhi, proclaimed Prince in 928 and later Emperor in 933	Died in 935 ----Killed by his son
Wang Jipeng 王繼鵬 Wang Chang 王昶	Kangzong 康宗	935–939	Son of Wang Yanjun	Died in 939 ----A devout Taoist, he was killed in a coup
Wang Yanxi 王延羲	Jingzong 景宗	939–944	Son of Wang Shenzhi	Died in 944 ----A despotic ruler, he was killed by Lian Chongyu and his associates
Wang Yanzheng 王延政	Gongyi 恭懿王	945	Proclaimed himself "Prince of Yin" to rival his brother Wang Yanxi	Died in 945 ----Defeated by Southern Tang, died of natural causes in captivity

Personal name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Yan 劉巖	Gaozu 高祖	917–942	Took over of Guangzhou in 911, proclaimed himself Emperor of Yue	889–942 ----A despotic and extravagant ruler; died of natural causes
Liu Bin 劉玢	—	942–943	Son of Liu Yan	920–943 ----An hedonistic ruler; he was killed by his brother
Liu Sheng 劉晟	Zhongzong 中宗	943–958	Son of Liu Yan	920–958 ----Died of natural causes
Liu Chang 劉鋹	—	958–971	Son of Liu Sheng	943–980 ----Another hedonistic ruler, he surrendered to the Song army and was spared

Personal Name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Gao Jixing 高季興	—	924–early 929	Named King of Nanping by Later Tang in 924, ruled under the vassalage of Wu	858–929 ----Died of natural causes
Gao Conghui 高從誨	—	929–948	Son of Gao Jixing	891–948 ----A weak ruler, he was nicknamed "Gao the Jerk" ; died of natural causes
Gao Baorong 高寶融	—	948–960	Son of Gao Conghui	920–960 ----Died of natural causes
Gao Baoxu 高寶勗	—	960–962	Son of Gao Conghui, effective ruler during the reign of his brother	924–962 ----Died of natural causes
Gao Jichong 高繼沖	—	962–963	Son of Gao Baorong	943–973 ----Surrendered to the Song but spared

Personal Name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Meng Zhixiang 孟知祥	Gaozu 高祖	934	Later Tang governor from 926, proclaimed King in 933 and later Emperor in 93	874–934 ----Died of natural causes
Meng Chang 孟昶	—	934–965	Son of Meng Zhixiang	919–965 ----Defeated by the Song dynasty, died of natural causes

Personal Name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Li Bian 李昪	Liezu 烈祖	937–943	Adopted son of Xu Wen, proclaimed himself Emperor after overthrowing the Yang Wu	888–943 ----Died of natural causes
Li Jing 李璟	Yuanzong 元宗	943–961	Son of Li Bian	888–943 ----Conquered Min and Chu, but failed to ward the attacks of Later Zhou. A distinguished poet, he died of natural causes
Li Yu 李煜	—	961–976	Son of Li Jing	937–978 ----A master of the ci poetry, he surrendered to the Song dynasty but was spared

Personal Name	Temple name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Liu Chong 劉崇	Shizu 世祖	951–954	Cousin of Liu Zhiyuan of Later Tang, proclaimed himself Emperor	895–954 ----Died of natural causes
Liu Jun 劉鈞	Ruizong 睿宗	954–968	Son of Liu Chong	926–968 ----Died of natural causes
Liu Ji'en 劉繼恩	–	968	Adopted son of Liu Jun	935–968 ----Killed by Hou Barong
Liu Jiyuan 劉繼元	Yingwu 英武	968–979	Adopted son of Liu Jun	956–991 ----Surrendered to the Song and spared

Late imperial China

Song dynasty (960–1279)

Northern Song (960–1127)

----
----Significantly reduced the power of the military in favor of civilian officers. Died in uncertain circumstances, probably illness
----
----Conquered the last remaining Chinese state in 978, but failed the reconquer former Tang territories, like Vietnam. Died of natural causes
----
----Suffered significant defeats to the northern Liao dynasty, leading to the Chanyuan Treaty. Died after a prolonged period of illness
----
----Ruled under the regency of Empress Liu until 1033. His long reign, the longest of the Song dynasty, saw several developments in culture, philosophy and arts
----
----Ruled initially under the regency of Empress Dowager Cao. Died after several years of illness
----
----Best known by the implementation of the "New Policies". Died of illness
----
----Ruled under the regency of Empress Dowager Gao until 1093. Died of illness
----
----A remarkable patron of the arts and an artist himself, but a weak ruler and politician. Abdicated during the Jurchen Jin siege of Kaifeng. Captured by the Jin shortly after; died in captivity
----
----Refused to negotiate with the Jin, which led to a second invasion. Captured alongside his father during the Jingkang incident; died in captivity

Southern Song (1127–1279)

----
----A competent ruler that managed to preserve the Song dynasty, but often criticized for his military defeats and political failures. Abdicated in favor of his adopted son, later dying of natural causes
----
----Often regarded as the most peaceful and stable ruler of the Southern Song. Abdicated in favour of his son, later dying of natural causes
----
----Forced to abdicate in favor of his son, allegedly because of his mental instability. Died of natural causes
----
----A weak and indecisive ruler who spent most of his life in isolation at the palace. Died of illness
----
----An emperor devoted to philosophy and the arts, he had to face the first Mongol incursions following the fall of the Jin. Died of illness
----
----Relegated most imperial duties to his officers. Died of sudden illness
----
----Ruled under the regency of Empress Xie, who was forced to surrender to the Mongols. Became a monk in Tibet, but was later executed of forced to commit suicide; died in Gansu
----
----Spent most of his life fleeing from the Mongols by sea. Died of illness after barely surviving the sinking of his ship
----Thrown into the Xi River during the Battle of Yamen alongside several soldiers and officers as part of a mass suicide

Northern regimes (916–1234)

Liao dynasty (916–1125)

Temple name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Taizu 太祖 ----	Yelü Abaoji 耶律阿保机	27 February 907 – 6 September 926	Led the Yelü clan as Khagan to unite the Khitan people	872 – 6 September 926 ----Died of natural causes
Taizong 太宗 ----	Yelü Deguang 耶律德光	11 December 927 – 15 May 947	Son of Taizu	902 – 15 May 947 ----Died from a sudden illness
Shizong 世宗 ----	Yelü Ruan 耶律阮	16 May 947 – 7 October 951	Grandson of Taizu	918 – 7 October 951 ----Murdered by his cousin in a coup d'état
Muzong 穆宗 ----	Yelü Jing 耶律璟	11 October 951 – 12 March 969	Son of Taizong	931 – 12 March 969 ----Killed by his personal attendants
Jingzong 景宗 ----	Yelü Xian 耶律贤	13 May 969 – 13 October 982	Son of Shizong	948 – 13 October 982 ----Died of illness on a hunting trip
Shengzong 聖宗 ----	Yelü Longxu 耶律隆绪	14 October 982 – 25 June 1031	Son of Jingzong	971 – 25 June 1031 ----Longest reigning Liao ruler, though he was controlled by his mother Xiao Yanyan until 1009. Died of natural causes
Xingzong 興宗 ----	Yelü Zongzhen 耶律宗真	25 June 1031 – 28 August 1055	Son of Shengzong	1016 – 28 August 1055 ----Died of natural causes
Daozong 道宗 ----	Yelü Hongji 耶律洪基	28 August 1055 – 12 February 1101	Son of Xingzong	1032 – 12 February 1101 ----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	Grandson of Daozong	1075 – after 6 September 1125 ----Died in captivity from natural causes

Western Xia (1038–1227)

Temple name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Jingzong 景宗 ----	Li Yuanhao 李元昊	1038 – 1048	Son of the Tangut leader Li Deming	1003–1048 ----Assassinated by his son, Ningling Ge
Yizong 毅宗 ----	Li Liangzuo 李諒祚	1048 – January 1068	Son of Jingzong	1047 – January 1068 ----Infant emperor whose reign was controlled by Lady Mozang and later Mozang Epang. Died of natural causes
Huizong 惠宗 ----	Li Bingchang 李秉常	January 1068 – 21 August 1086	Son of Yizong	1061 – 21 August 1086 ----Struggled with his mother for power throughout his reign. Died of natural causes
Chongzong 崇宗 ----	Li Qianshun 李乾順	11 November 1086 – 1 July 1139	Son of Huizong	1084 – 1 July 1139 ----Died of natural causes
Renzong 仁宗 ----	Li Renxiao 李仁孝	July 1139 – 16 October 1193	Son of Chongzong	1124 – 16 October 1193 ----Longest ruling ruler of the dynasty. Died of natural causes
Huanzong 桓宗 ----	Li Chunyou 李純佑	1193 – 1 March 1206	Son of Renzong	1177 – 1 March 1206 ----Overthrown in a coup d'état led by Xiangzong. Died of natural causes
Xiangzong 襄宗 ----	Li Anquan 李安全	March 1206 – 13 September 1211	Grandson of Renzong	1170 – 13 September 1211 ----Suffered many losses from the Mongols. Died of natural causes
Shenzong 神宗 ----	Li Zunxu 李遵頊	12 August 1211 – 1223	Descendant of Jingzong	1163 – 1226 ----Abdicated amid Mongol invasions. Died of natural causes
Xianzong 獻宗	Li Dewang 李德旺	1223 – August 1226	Son of Shenzong	1181 – August 1226 ----Died of natural causes
None, known by his personal name	Li Xian 李晛	1226 – 1227	Grandson of Shenzong	? – 1227 ----Killed by the Mongols

Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

Temple name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
Taizu 太祖 ----	Wanyan Min 完顏旻	28 January 1115 – 19 September 1123	Son of Helibo from the Wanyan tribe	1 August 1068 – 19 September 1123 ----Conquered the Liao dynasty
Taizong 太宗 ----	Wanyan Sheng 完顏晟	27 September 1123 – 7 February 1135	Brother of Taizu	1075 – 7 February 1135 ----Sacked the North Song dynasty's capital. Died of natural causes
Xizong 熙宗 ----	Wanyan Dan 完顏亶	8 February 1135 – 9 January 1150	Grandson of Taizu	1119 – 9 January 1150 ----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	Grandson of Taizu	1122 – 15 December 1161 ----Assassinated by his military commanders after losing the Battle of Caishi
Shizong 世宗 ----	Wanyan Yong 完顏雍	27 October 1161 – 20 January 1189	Grandson of Taizu	1123 – 20 January 1189 ----Had the longest and most stable reign of the dynasty
Zhangzong 章宗 ----	Wanyan Jing 完顏璟	20 January 1189 – 29 December 1208	Grandson of Shizong	31 August 1168 – 29 December 1208 ----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	Son of Shizong	? – 11 September 1213 ----Assassinated under the orders of the general
Xuanzong 宣宗 ----	Wanyan Xun 完顏珣	22 September 1213 – 14 January 1224	Grandson of Shizong	1163 – 14 January 1224 ----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	Son of Xuanzong	25 September 1198 – 9 February 1234 ----Committed suicide amid Mongol invasions
Mo 末	Wanyan Chenglin 完顏承麟	9 February 1234	Descendant of Helibo	? – 9 February 1234 ----The shortest reigning Chinese monarch, ruled for less than a day. Died during the Mongol conquest of the Jin

Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)

Portrait	Khan name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
	Setsen Khan 薛禪汗 better known as Kublai Khan ----	Borjigin Kublai 孛兒只斤忽必烈	18 December 1271 – 18 February 1294	Grandson of Genghis Khan; declared emperor after defeating the Song in the Battle of Yamen	23 September 1215 – 18 February 1294 ----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 ----	Borjigin Temür 孛兒只斤鐵穆耳	10 May 1294 – 10 February 1307	Grandson of Kublai	15 October 1265 – 10 February 1307 ----Died of natural causes
	Külüg Khan 曲律汗 ----	Borjigin Haishan 孛兒只斤海山	21 June 1307 – 27 January 1311	Great-grandson of Kublai	4 August 1281 – 27 January 1311 ----Died of natural causes
	Buyantu Khan 普顏篤汗 ----	Borjigin Ayurbarwada 孛兒只斤愛育黎拔力八達	7 April 1311 – 1 March 1320	Great-grandson of Kublai	9 April 1285 – 1 March 1320 ----Died of natural causes
	Gegeen Khan 格堅汗 ----	Borjigin Shidibala 孛兒只斤硕德八剌	19 April 1320 – 4 September 1323	Son of Ayurbarwada	22 February 1302 – 4 September 1323 ----Killed in a coup led by
	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	Great-Grandson of Kublai	28 November 1293 – 15 August 1328 ----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	Son of Yesün	1320 – 14 November 1328 ----Child emperor; probably murdered amid the War of the Two Capitals
	Jayaatu Khan 札牙篤汗 ----	Borjigin Tugh Temür 孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾	16 October 1328 – 26 February 1329	Son of Külüg	16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332 ----Abdicated in favor of his brother Khutughtu Khan
	Khutughtu Khan 忽都篤汗 ----	Borjigin Kusala 孛兒只斤和世剌	27 February 1329 – 30 August 1329	Son of Külüg	22 December 1300 – 30 August 1329 ----Briefly ruled before killed by El Temür
	Jayaatu Khan 札牙篤汗	Borjigin Tugh Temür 孛兒只斤圖帖睦爾	8 September 1329 – 2 September 1332	Son of Külüg	16 February 1304 – 2 September 1332 ----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 ----	Borjigin Rinchinbal 孛兒只斤懿璘質班	23 October 1332 – 14 December 1332	Son of Khutughtu	1 May 1326 – 14 December 1332 ----Child emperor; died of sudden illness
	Ukhaghatu Khan 烏哈噶圖汗 ----	Borjigin Toghon Temür 孛兒只斤妥懽帖睦爾	19 July 1333 – 10 September 1368	Son of Khutughtu	25 May 1320 – 23 May 1370 ----Died of natural causes

Restoration attempts

Manchu Restoration (1917)

Portrait	Era name	Personal name	Reign	Succession	Life details
	Xuantong	Aisin-Gioro Puyi 愛新覺羅溥儀	1–12 July 1917	Briefly restored to the throne by the warlord Zhang Xun	7 February 1906 – 17 October 1967 ----Deposed again. Later made puppet emperor of the Japanese puppet state Manchukuo during World War II. Died of natural causes.