| 1 |
Emperor Gaozu of Tang (Li Yuan) |
Founder of the Tang Dynasty; former Sui Dynasty general who led a successful rebellion and established a new imperial order |
618–626 |
| 2 |
Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) |
One of China’s greatest emperors; outstanding military strategist and statesman; his Zhenguan Reign marked the beginning of Tang prosperity |
627–649 |
| 3 |
Emperor Gaozong of Tang (Li Zhi) |
Son of Taizong; his reign was largely influenced by Empress Wu Zetian, leading to a shift in court power |
650–683 |
| 4 |
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (Li Xian) |
Son of Gaozong and Wu Zetian; ruled twice; political power was dominated by Empress Wei during his later reign |
684, 705–710 |
| 5 |
Emperor Ruizong of Tang (Li Dan) |
Reigned twice; father of Emperor Xuanzong; his rule was shaped by court coups and power struggles |
684–690, 710–712 |
| 6 |
Wu Zetian |
The only female emperor in Chinese history; officially founded the Zhou Dynasty; strengthened imperial authority and civil service system |
690–705 |
| 7 |
Emperor Shang of Tang (Li Chongmao) |
Briefly ruled as a puppet emperor; soon deposed during a palace coup |
710 |
| 8 |
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (Li Longji) |
Oversaw the golden age of the Tang Dynasty; Kaiyuan Prosperity symbolized cultural and economic peak; later decline due to court corruption |
712–756 |
| 9 |
Emperor Suzong of Tang (Li Heng) |
Led efforts to suppress the An Lushan Rebellion; eunuchs began to gain political power during his reign |
756–762 |
| 10 |
Emperor Daizong of Tang (Li Yu) |
Stabilized the empire after rebellion; strong supporter of Buddhism, which strained state finances |
762–779 |
| 11 |
Emperor Dezong of Tang (Li Shi) |
Attempted centralization reforms; failed to control regional military governors (Fanzhen) |
780–805 |
| 12 |
Emperor Shunzong of Tang (Li Song) |
Reigned briefly; supported reformist officials to curb eunuch power |
805 |
| 13 |
Emperor Xianzong of Tang (Li Chun) |
Strengthened imperial authority; assassinated by eunuchs, marking increased court instability |
806–820 |
| 14 |
Emperor Muzong of Tang (Li Heng) |
Neglected state affairs; allowed military governors and eunuchs to expand influence |
821–824 |
| 15 |
Emperor Jingzong of Tang (Li Zhan) |
Ascended the throne at a young age; real power held by eunuchs and corrupt officials |
824–826 |
| 16 |
Emperor Wenzong of Tang (Li Ang) |
Attempted to eliminate eunuch dominance but failed |
826–840 |
| 17 |
Emperor Wuzong of Tang (Li Yan) |
Known for the suppression of Buddhism; military eunuchs controlled politics |
840–846 |
| 18 |
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (Li Chen) |
Promoted cultural and technological development; last capable ruler of the dynasty |
846–859 |
| 19 |
Emperor Yizong of Tang (Li Cui) |
Ineffective ruler; marked the beginning of irreversible decline |
859–873 |
| 20 |
Emperor Xizong of Tang (Li Xuan) |
His reign witnessed the Huang Chao Rebellion, severely weakening the Tang state |
873–888 |
| 21 |
Emperor Zhaozong of Tang (Li Ye) |
Ruled in name only amid warlord conflicts and political chaos |
888–904 |
| 22 |
Emperor Ai of Tang (Li Zhu) |
Last emperor of the Tang Dynasty; forced to abdicate by Zhu Wen |
904–907 |
