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“Empress of China” redirects here. For other uses, see Empress of China (disambiguation).
This article is about the wives of the emperor of China. For the female sovereigns, see List of Chinese monarchs.

The following is a list of empresses and queens of China, who formed the highest tier of the imperial Chinese harem system. China has periodically been divided into kingdoms as well as united under empires, resulting in consorts titled both queen and empress. The empress title could also be given posthumously, as to the mothers and grandmothers of the founders of dynasties. The posthumous empresses are listed separately by the year they were given the title.

Empresses and queens

Xia dynasty (c. 2070 – c. 1600 BC)

Name Spouse
Lady Tushan Yu the Great
Ji Xiang
Queen,
of a certain tribe 		Shao Kang

Predynastic Shang (c. 21st century BC – c. 1600 BC)

Name Spouse
Bi Geng
(妣庚) 		Bao Ding
Bi Geng
(妣庚) 		Shi Ren
Bi Jia
(妣甲) 		Shi Gui

Shang dynasty (c. 1600 – c. 1046 BC)

Name Parents Image Ceased to be queen Death Spouse
Bi Jia
(妣甲) 		Tang
Bi Bing
(妣丙)
Bi Wu
(妣戊) 		Da Ding
Bi Xin
(妣辛) 		Tai Jia
Bi Ren
(妣壬) 		Tai Geng
Bi Ren
(妣壬) 		Tai Wu
Bi Ji
(妣己) 		Zhong Ding
Bi Gui
(妣癸)
Bi Jia
(妣甲) 		Zu Xin
Bi Ren
(妣壬)
Bi Ji
(妣己) 		Zu Ding
Bi Geng
(妣庚) 		Xiao Yi
Fu Hao
(婦好) 		c. 1200 BC Wu Ding
Fu Jing
(婦妌)
Fu Jie
(妇嬕)
or
Fu Gui
(妣癸)
Bi Wu
(妣戊) 		Zu Jia
Bi Xin
(妣辛) 		Geng Ding
Jiuhou Nü
(九侯女) 		Jiuhou Di Xin

Predynastic Zhou (c. 1150–1046 BC)

Name Image Birth Became queen Ceased to be queen Death Spouse
Lady Jiang Tai
Tai Ren
(太任) 		Ji
Tai Si
(太姒) 		c. 12th century BC 1099 BC 1050 BC c. 11th century BC Wen

Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BC)

Name Image Parents Marriage Became queen Ceased to be queen Death Spouse
Yi Jiang,
of the Lü lineage of the Jiang clan of Qi
(邑姜) 		Jiang Ziya 1046 BC 1043 BC 11th century BC Wu
Wang Si,
of the Si clan
(王姒) 		Cheng
Wang Jiang,
of the Jiang clan
(王姜) 		10th century BC Kang
Queen Fang,
of the Qi clan
(房后) 		Zhao
Wang Zu Jiang,
of the Jiang clan
(王俎姜) 		Mu
Wang Gui,
of the Gui clan
(王媯) 		Gong
Wang Bo Jiang,
of the Jiang clan
(王伯姜) 		9th century BC Yi
Wang Jing
(王京) 		Xiao
Wang Ji,
of the Ji clan of E
(王姞) 		Yi
Shen Jiang,
of the Jiang clan of Shen
(申姜) 		Li
Queen Jiang,
of the Lü lineage of the Jiang clan of Qi
(姜后) 		826 BC 827 BC 782 BC,
Husband’s death 		Xuan
Queen Shen,
of the Jiang clan of Shen
(申后) 		Marquis of Shen 782 BC 772 BC You
Bao Si,
of the Du lineage of the Qi clan of Bao
(褒姒) 		Du Bo 779/771 BC 771 BC,
Husband’s death 		771 BC
Ji Ji Jiang,
of the Jiang clan of Ji
(紀季姜) 		703 BC Huan
Queen Chen
(陳后) 		676 BC Hui
Chen Gui,
of the Gui clan of Chen
(陈妫) 		Duke Xuan of Chen 676 BC
Queen Di,
of the Kui clan of Di
(翟后) 		651 BC 619 BC,
Deposed 		Xiang
Queen Jiang,
of the Jiang clan of Qi
(姜后) 		Duke Hui of Qi 603 BC King Ding of Zhou
Qi Jiang,
of the Jiang clan of Qi
(齊姜) 		Duke Ling of Qi 558 BC Ling
Queen Mu
(穆后) 		527 BC Jing

Spring and Autumn Period (c. 770 – c. 481 BCE) and Warring States Period (c. 475 – 221 BC)

Chen (c. 1045 BC–479 BC)
Name Parents Spouse
Daji

(大姬)

King Wu of Zhou Duke Hu
Duchess,
of the state of Cai 		Duke Huan
Chu (c. 1030 BC – 223 BC)
Name Picture Parents Death Spouse
Bi Zhui
(妣隹) 		Unnamed son of Pan Geng Jilian
Deng Man
(鄧曼/邓曼) 		King Wu
Xi Gui
(息妫/息媯) 		King Wen
Queen,
of a certain clan 		King Cheng
Zheng Mao,
of the Qi clan of Zheng
(郑暓/鄭瞀)
Fan Ji
(樊姬) 		7th century BC King Zhuang
Qin Ying
(秦嬴) 		King Gong
Ba Ji
(巴姬)
Bo Ying
(伯嬴)/
Chu Ying
(楚赢) 		Duke Ai of Qin King Ping
Zhen Jiang
(貞姜) 		King Zhao
Wuxu
(無卹) 		King Sheng
Zheng Xiu
(郑袖/鄭袖) 		King Huai
Lady Wei
(魏美人)
Queen Li
(李后) 		King Kaolie
Jin (11th century BC – 369 BC)
Name Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Duchess Ceased to be Duchess Death Spouse
Jia Jun
(贾君/賈君) 		Duke Xian
Qi Jiang
(齐姜/齊姜)
Hu Ji
(狐姬)
Xiao Rong Zi
(小戎子)
Li Ji
(骊姬/驪姬) 		Unnamed leader of the Li Rong tribe 672 BC 651 BC,
Husband’s death 		651 BC
Shao Ji
(少姬)
Huai Ying
(怀赢/懷嬴) 		Duke Mu of Qin 650 BC 637 BC 637 BC 620 BC Duke Huai
Bi Ji
(逼姞) 		Duke Wen
Du Qi
(杜祁)
Chen Ying
(辰嬴)
Zhou Nü
(周女)
Mu Ying
(穆嬴) 		Duke Xiang
Lu (c. 1042 BC–249 BC)
Name Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became

Duchess

Ceased to be Duchess Death Spouse
Zhong Zi
(仲子) 		Duke Wu of Song Duke Hui
Wen Jiang
(文姜) 		Duke Xi of Qi 709 BC 14 April 694 BC,
Husband’s death 		673 BC Duke Huan
Ai Jiang
(哀姜) 		Duke Zhuang
Chu Jiang
(出姜) 		Duke Wen
Mu Jiang
(穆姜) 		621 BC 26 September 591 BC,
Husband’s death 		6 May 564 BC Duke Xuan
Qi Jiang
(齊姜/齐姜) 		Duke Cheng
Qi (1046 BCE – 221 BCE)
Name Parents Marriage Became Duchess/Queen Ceased to be Duchess/Queen Death Spouse
Duchess,
of the Ma lineage 		Duke Tai
Shen Jiang,
of the Jiang clan of Shen
(申姜)
Wey Ji,
of the Ji clan of Wey
(卫姬/衛姬) 		Duke Xi
Zhou Wang Ji,
of the Ji clan of Zhou
(周王姬) 		King Huan of Zhou 695 BC Duke Xiang
Wang Ji,
of the Ji clan of Zhou
(王姬) 		Duke Huan
Xu Ying,
of the Ying clan of Xu
(徐嬴)
Cai Ji,
of the Ji clan of Cai
(蔡姬)
Zi Shu Ji,
of the Ji clan
(子叔姬) 		Duke Zhao
Xiao Tong Shu Zi,
of the Zi clan
(萧桐叔子/蕭桐叔子) 		Duke Hui
Sheng Meng Zi,
of the Zi clan 
(声孟子/聲孟子) 		Duke Qing
Yan Yi Ji,
of the Ji clan of Lu
(颜懿姬/顏懿姬) 		Duke Ling
Yan Ji,
of the Ji clan of Yan
(燕姬) 		Duke Hui of Yan? 536 BC Duke Jing
Ji Ji,
of the Jisun lineage of the Ji clan of Lu
(季姬) 		Viscount Huan of Ji 490 BC Duke Dao
Lady,
of a certain clan 		364 BC Duke Tai
Queen Wei
(威后) 		King Wei
Queen Xuan
(宣后) 		312 BC King Xuan
Zhongli Chun,
of the Zhongli lineage of Qi
(钟离春/鍾離春)
Su Liu Nü,
of Qi
(宿瘤女) 		King Min
Queen Dowager Min
(湣太后)
Queen Jun,
of the Hou clan of Qi 
(君王后) 		Taishi Jiao 265 BC,
Husband’s death 		249 BC King Xiang
Qin (c. 9th century BC – 207 BC)
Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Marchioness/Duchess/Queen Ceased to be Marchioness/Duchess/Queen Death Spouse
Meng Ji,
of the Ji clan
(孟姬) 		Gongbo
Lu Ji
(鲁姬/魯姬) 		Duke Xiàn
Lady Mu
(穆姬) 		Duke Xian of Jin ~672 BC 637 BC Duke Mu
Qin Xiaozhu Furen
(秦小主夫人) 		387 BC,
Husband’s death 		385 BC Duke Hui
Queen Huiwen
(惠文后) 		King Hui of Wei? 334 BC 311 BC,
Husband’s death 		305 BC King Huiwen
Queen Daowu/
Queen Wu,
of the Wei lineage of the Ji clan of Wei
(悼武后/武后) 		King Wu
Queen Yeyang
(葉陽后) 		King Zhaoxiang
Queen Dowager Tang,
of the Tang lineage
(唐太后)
Queen Dowager Huayang,
of the Xiong lineage of the Mi clan of Chu
(花阳太后/華陽太后) 		Mi Rong 296 BC 12 November250 BC 14 November 250 BC,
Husband’s death 		230 BC King Xiaowen
Queen Dowager Zhao
(趙太后/赵太后) 		c. 280 BC c. November 250 BCE 6 July 247 BCE,
Husband’s death 		228 BC King Zhuangxiang
Wey (c. 1040 BCE – 209 BCE)
Name Picture Parents Birth Ceased to be Duchess Death Spouse
Xuan Jiang 730 BC 700 BC,
Husband’s death 		690 BC Duke Xuan
Duchess Jiang
(姜) 		Duke Xiang
Lady Nanzi
(南子) 		Duke Ping of Song? 492 BC,
Husband’s death 		480 BC Duke Ling
Yan (11th century BC–222 BC)
Name Parents Spouse
Queen,
of the Zhao clan 		King Huiwen of Zhao King Wucheng
Zheng (806 BC–375 BC)
Name Spouse
Wu Jiang
(武姜) 		Duke Wu

Western Han dynasty (202 BC – 9 AD)

Name* Image Parents Birth Marriage Became empress Ceased to be empress Death Spouse
Lü Zhi,
Empress Gao,
of the Lü clan 		Lü Wen, Prince Xuan of Lü
Princess Consort Xuan 		241 BC 202 BC 195 BC Husband’s death 18 Aug 180 BC Emperor Gaozu of Han
Zhang Yan,
Empress Xiaohui,
of the Zhang clan[a] 		Zhang Ao, Prince of Zhao
Princess Yuan of Lu 		192 BC 192 BC 188 BC Husband’s death 163 BC Emperor Hui of Han
Empress,
of the Lü clan 		Lü Lu (呂祿) c. 205 BC 184 BC 180 BC c. 180 BC Emperor Houshao of Han
Dou Yifang,
Empress Xiaowen,
of the Dou clan 		Dou Chong, Marquis Ancheng 205 BC 179 BC 179 BC 157 BC Husband’s death 135 BC Emperor Wen of Han
Empress,
of the Bo clan 		158 BC 157 BC 151 BC Deposed 147 BC Emperor Jing of Han
Wang Zhi,
Empress Xiaojing,
of the Wang clan[b] 		Wang Zhong,
Zang Er 		173 BC 150 BC 126 BC Husband’s death 25 June 126 BC
Chen Jiao,
Empress,
of the Chen clan 		Chen Wu, Marquess of Tangyi
Liu Piao, Princess Guantao 		141 BC 130 BC Deposed c. 110 BC Emperor Wu of Han
Wei Zifu,
Empress Xiaowusi,
of the Wei clan 		Madam Wei (衛媼) 128 BC 91 BC
Empress Xiaozhao,
of the Shangguan clan 		Shangguan An,

Lady Huo

89 BC(?)[c] 84 BC 83 BC 74 BC Husband’s death 37 BC Emperor Zhao of Han
Xu Pingjun,
Empress Gong’ai,
of the Xu clan 		Xu Guanghan c. 90 BC c. 76 BCE 74 BC 71 BC Emperor Xuan of Han
Huo Chengjun,
Empress,
of the Huo clan 		Huo Guang
Lady Xian 		70 BC 66 BC Deposed 54 BC
Empress Xiaoxuan,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Fengguang, Marquess of Qiongcheng 64 BC 49 BC Husband’s death 16 BC
Wang Zhengjun,
Empress Xiaoyuan,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Jin, Marquess of Yangping
Li Qin 		71 BC c. 50 BC 48 BC 33 BC Husband’s death 13 AD Emperor Yuan of Han
Xu Kua,
Empress,
of the Xu clan 		Xu Jia, the Marquess of Ping’en 31 BC 18 BC Deposed 8 BC Emperor Cheng of Han
Zhao Feiyan,
Empress Xiaocheng,
of the Zhao clan 		c. 32 BC 16 BC 7 BC Husband’s death 1 BC
Empress Xiao’ai,
of the Fu clan 		Fu Yan, Marquis of Kongxiang 6 BC 1 BC Emperor Ai of Han
Empress Xiaoping,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Mang
Lady Wang 		8 BC 4 AD 5 AD Husband’s death 23 AD Emperor Ping of Han

Xin dynasty (9–23)

Name Parents Marriage Became empress Ceased to be empress Death Spouse
Empress Wang Wang Xian, Marquess of Yichin 9 21 Emperor Wang Mang
Empress Shi Shi Chen (史諶) 23

Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Name* Image Parents Birth Marriage Became empress Ceased to be empress Death Spouse
Guo Shengtong,
Empress,
of the Guo clan 		Guo Chang, Marquess Si of Yin’an c. 6 24 10 July 26 1 December 41
Deposed 		22 July 52 Emperor Guangwu of Han
Yin Lihua,
Empress Guanglie,
of the Yin clan 		Yin Mu
Deng 		5 41 29 March 57
Husband’s death 		26 February 64
Empress Mingde,
of the Ma clan of Fufeng 		General Ma Yuan Late 30s 49 8 April 60 5 September 75
Husband’s death 		16 August 79 Emperor Ming of Han
Empress Zhangde,
of the Dou clan of Fufeng 		Dou Xun
Princess Piyang 		c. 63 77 3 April 78 9 April 88
Husband’s death 		8 October 97 Emperor Zhang of Han
Empress,
of the Yin clan 		Yin Gang c. 80 92 31 March 96 24 July 102
Deposed 		c. August 102 Emperor He of Han
Deng Sui,
Empress Hexi,
of the Deng clan 		Deng Xun
Lady Yin 		81 96 21 November 102 13 February 106
Husband’s death 		5 April 121
Yan Ji,
Empress Ansi,
of the Yan clan 		Yan Chang 114 1 June 115 30 April 125
Husband’s death 		28 February 126 Emperor An of Han
Liang Na,
Empress Shunlie,
of the Liang clan 		Liang Shang 116 128 2 March 132 20 September 144
Husband’s death 		6 April 150 Emperor Shun of Han
Liang Nüying,
Empress Yixian,
of the Liang clan 		Grand Marshal Liang Shang 147 30 September 147 9 August 159 Emperor Huan of Han
Deng Mengnü,
Empress,
of the Deng clan 		Deng Xiang
Xuan 		159 27 March 165
Deposed 		165
Dou Miao,
Empress Huansi,
of the Dou clan of Fufeng 		Dou Wu c. 165 10 December 165 25 January 168
Husband’s death 		18 July 172
Empress,
of the Song clan 		Song Feng 170 12 October 171 c. November 178
Deposed 		c. November 178 Emperor Ling of Han
Empress Lingsi,
of the He clan 		He Zhen, Marquis Xuande of Wuyang,

Lady of Wuyang

8 January 181 13 May 189
Husband’s death 		30 September 189
Empress,
of the Tang clan 		Tang Mao 15 May 189 28 September 189,
Husband’s deposition 		after the early 190s Emperor Shao of Han
Fu Shou,
Empress,
of the Fu clan 		Fu Wan, Marquis of Buqi
Ying 		190 20 May 195 8 January 215 Emperor Xian of Han
Cao Jie,
Empress Xianmu,
of the Cao clan 		Cao Cao 6 March 215 11 December 220
Husband’s abdication 		2 July 260

Three Kingdoms period (220–280)

Cao Wei (220–266)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became empress Ceased to be empress Death Spouse
Guo Nüwang Guo Yong
Lady Yong 		8 April 184 31 October 222 29 June 226
Husband’s death 		14 March 235 Cao Pi
Empress Mao Mao Jia 26 December 227 22 September 237 Cao Rui
Empress Guo Guo Man
Lady Du 		16 January 239 22 January 239
Husband’s death 		8 February 264
Empress Zhen 29 May 243 22 August 251 Cao Fang
Empress Zhang Zhang Ji c. March 252 c. April 254
Deposed
Empress Wang Wang Kui c. May 254 17 October 254
Husband’s deposition
Empress Bian Bian Long April or May 255 2 June 260
Husband’s death 		Cao Mao
Empress Bian Bian Lin 28 November 263 4 February 266
Husband’s abdication 		Cao Huan

Shu Han (221–263)

Name Parents Marriage Became empress Ceased to be empress Death Spouse
Empress Wu 214 19 June 221 10 June 223
Husband’s death 		September or October 245 Liu Bei
Empress Zhang Zhang Fei 221 June 223
Husband’s accession 		July or August 237 Liu Shan
Empress Zhang February 238 December 263
Husband’s death

Eastern Wu (222–280)

Name Image Parents Birth Marriage Became empress Ceased to be empress Death Spouse
Empress Pan June or July 251 February or March 252 Sun Quan
Empress Quan Huijie Quan Shang 244 16 February 253 9 November 258
Husband’s death 		c. early 300s Sun Liang
Empress Zhu Zhu Ju
Sun Luyu 		c. 250 16 September 262 3 September 264
Husband’s death 		July or August 265 Sun Xiu
Empress Teng Fanglan Teng Mu November 264 1 May 280
Husband’s deposition 		Sun Hao

Jin dynasty (266–403, 404–420)

Name Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Yang Yan Yang Wenzong
Lady Zhao 		238 Before 265 20 March 266 25 August 274 Emperor Wu of Jin
Empress Yang Zhi Yang Jun 259 13 December 276 16 May 290
husband’s death 		6 March 292
Empress Jia Nanfeng Jia Chong
Guo Huai 		257 2 April 272 16 May 290
husband’s accession 		7 May 300
deposed 		13 May 300 Emperor Hui of Jin
Empress Yang Xianrong Yang Xuanzhi (Duke of Xingjin) In or before 290 December 300 3 February 301
husband’s deposition 		13 May 322
December 300 1 June 301
husband’s restoration 		8 January 307[d]
husband’s death
Empress Liang Lanbi Liang Fen Unknown Before February 305 11 January 307
husband’s accession 		311[e] Unknown Emperor Huai of Jin
Empress Yu Wenjun Yu Chen
Lady Xun 		297 Before May 318 4 January 323
husband’s accession 		18 October 325
husband’s death 		March or April 328 Emperor Ming of Jin
Empress Du Lingyang Du Yi
Lady Pei 		321 17 March 336 7 April 341 Emperor Cheng of Jin
Empress Chu Suanzi Chu Pou
Xie Zhenshi 		324 Before 342 10 February 343 17 November 344
husband’s death 		5 July 384 Emperor Kang of Jin
Empress He Fani He Zhun
Lady Kong 		339 19 September 357 10 July 361
husband’s death 		13 September 404 Emperor Mu of Jin
Empress Wang Muzhi Wang Meng
Lady Yuan 		Unknown Before 361 29 October 361 22 February 365 Emperor Ai of Jin
Empress Yu Daolian Yu Bing Unknown Before 361 13 August 365 5 July 366 Emperor Fei of Jin
Empress Wang Fahui Wang Yun
Lady Liu 		c. 360 1 October 375 24 October 380 Emperor Xiaowu of Jin
Empress Wang Shen’ai Wang Xianzhi
Princess Xin’an 		384 396 3 May 397 22 December 403
husband’s deposition 		3 October 412 Emperor An of Jin
June 404
husband’s restoration 		3 October 412
Empress Chu Lingyuan Chu Shuang 384 Before 419 12 February 419 7 July 420
husband’s deposition 		7 August 436 Emperor Gong of Jin

Huan Chu dynasty (403–404)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Liu Liu Dan Unknown Before 404 Spring 404 19 June 404
husband’s deposition 		Unknown Huan Xuan

Sixteen Kingdoms period (304 – 439 A.D.)

Cheng-Han (304–347)

Name Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Ren Unknown February or March 315 August 334
husband’s death 		Unknown Emperor Wu of Cheng
Empress Yan Unknown 334
husband’s accession 		338?[f] Unknown Li Qi
Empress Yan Unknown 338
husband’s accession 		September 343
husband’s death 		After 343 Emperor Zhaowen of Han
Empress Li Before 343 343
husband’s accession 		347
husband’s deposition 		Unknown Li Shi

Han-Zhao (304–329)

Name Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Huyan Huyan Yi Unknown Before 304 307 Before or in 310 Liu Yuan
Empress Shan Shan Zheng Unknown Unknown Early 310 29 August 310
husband’s death 		Late 310
Empress Huyan Unknown Unknown Unknown 310
husband’s accession 		312 Liu Cong
Empress Zhang Huiguang Zhang Shi Unknown Early 313 313
Empress Liu E Unknown Unknown 313 314
Empress Jin Yueguang Jin Zhun Unknown 315 315
deposed 		315
Left Empress Liu Unknown Unknown 315 Before 318
Empress Jin Yuehua Jin Zhun Unknown 315 31 August 318
husband’s death 		After 318
Upper Empress Fan Unknown Unknown 316 31 August 318
husband’s death 		After 318
Left Empress Wang Wang Chen[g] Unknown 318 31 August 318
husband’s death 		After 318
Middle Empress Xuan Xuan Huai[h] Unknown 318 31 August 318
husband’s death 		After 318
Empress Jin Jin Zhun Unknown Before 318 September 318
husband’s accession 		September or October 318
husband’s death 		Unknown Liu Can
Empress Yang Xianrong Yang Xuanzhi In or before 290 Possibly 319[i] 319 13 May 322 Liu Yao
Empress Liu Unknown Unknown 325 326
Empress Liu Unknown Unknown 326 Between February and September 329
husband’s death 		Unknown

Later Zhao (319–351)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Liu Unknown Unknown Before 330 330
husband’s accession 		17 August 333
husband’s death 		Fall 333 Shi Le
Empress Zheng Yingtao Unknown Unknown Before 334 337 337
deposed 		349 Shi Hu
Empress Du Zhu Unknown Unknown 337 348
deposed 		Unknown
Empress Liu Liu Yao 318 348 26 May 349
husband’s death 		349
Empress Zhang Unknown Unknown Unknown 349
husband’s accession 		349
husband’s deposition 		349 Shi Zun

Ran Wei (350–352)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Empress Dong 350
husband’s accession 		17 May 352
husband’s deposition 		Ran Min

Former Liang (301–376)

Name Became Princess/Empress Ceased to be Princess/Empress Death Spouse
Princess Yan 324? 346
husband’s death 		Before 353 Zhang Jun
Princess Pei 346? 353
husband’s death 		354 Zhang Chonghua
Empress Xin 354 355
husband’s death 		Unknown Zhang Zuo

Later Liang (386–403)

Name Parents Marriage Became Princess/Empress Ceased to be Princess/Empress Death Spouse
Princess Shi Unknown Before 383 389[j] Unknown Lü Guang
Empress Yang Yang Huan Unknown 400
husband’s accession 		401
husband’s death 		401 Lü Zuan
Empress Yang Unknown Unknown 401
husband’s accession 		Unknown Lü Long

Western Liang (400–421)

Name Became Princess Ceased to be Princess Death Spouse
Princess Yin N/A[k] After 437 Li Gao

Northern Liang (397–439)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Princess Ceased to be Princess Death Spouse
Princess Meng Unknown Unknown Unknown 401
husband’s accession 		433
husband’s death 		After 433 Juqu Mengxun
Princess Li Jingshou Li Gao
Princess Dowager Yin 		Unknown 420 433
husband’s accession 		437
marriage annulled 		Unknown Juqu Mujian
Princess Tuoba Emperor Mingyuan of Northern Wei 386 437 439
husband’s deposition 		534 or 535

Southern Liang (397–404, 408–414)

Name Marriage Became Princess Ceased to be Princess Death Spouse
Queen Zhejue Unknown 408 414
husband’s deposition 		Unknown Tufa Rutan

Former Qin (351–394)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Qiang Unknown Unknown Unknown 351
Husband’s accession 		355
Husband’s death 		356 Fu Jian
Empress Liang Liang An Unknown Before 355 July 355
Husband’s accession 		October 355
Executed 		Fu Sheng
Empress Gou Unknown Unknown Before 357 357
Husband’s accession 		16 October 385
Husband’s death 		Unknown Fu Jian
Empress Yang Unknown Unknown Before 380 385
Husband’s accession 		386
Husband’s deposition 		386 Fu Pi
Empress Mao Mao Xing Unknown 384? 387 389 Fu Deng
Empress Li Unknown Unknown 392 394
Husband’s death 		Unknown

Later Qin (384–417 AD)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress She 386 394,

Husband’s death

397 Yao Chang
Empress Zhang 402 Yao Xing
Empress Qi 412
Empress Of an unknown clan 416 417 Yao Hong

Western Qin (385–400, 409–431 AD)

Name Became Queen Ceased to be Queen Death Spouse
Queen Bian 388 394,

Deposed

Qifu Gangui
394 400,

Dynasty Abolished

409,

Dynasty Re-established

412,

Husband’s death

Queen Fu 394 394,

Deposed

Queen Tufa late 414 423 Qifu Chipan
Queen Liang 429 431 Qifu Mumo

Former Yan (337-370 A.D.)

Name* Became Princess/Empress Ceased to be Princess/Empress Death Spouse
Empress Wenming,
of the Duan clan 		337 Unknown[l] Murong Huang
Empress,

Of the Kezuhun Clan

353 360 Murong Jun
Empress,

Of the Kezuhun Clan

369 370,

Dynasty Abolished

Murong Wei

Later Yan ( 384 – 409 A.D.)

Name* Parents Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Duan Yuanfei,
Empress Cheng’ai,
of the Duan clan[m] 		Duan Yi in or just prior to 388 388 2 June 396,
Husband’s death 		396 Murong Chui
Empress Huide,
of the Duan clan 		396 May 27, 398,
Husband’s death 		early 400 Murong Bao
Fu Xunying,
Empress,
of the Fu clan 		Fu Mo 404 summer 407 Murong Xi
Empress,
of the Li clan[n] 		408 November 6, 409,
Husband’s death 		409? Gao Yun

Northern Yan (407 – 436 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Spouse
Princess Sun 409 Feng Ba
Princess Murong 431 Feng Hong

Southern Yan ( 398 – 410 A.D.)

Name Parents Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Duan Jifei[o] Duan Yi in or just prior to 388 400 17 November 405,
Husband’s death 		Murong De
Empress Huyan Huyan Ping 403 408 March 25, 410,
Husband’s deposition 		Murong Chao

Helian Xia ( 407 – 431 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Liang 413/414 c. September 425,
Husband’s death[p] 		after 427? Helian Bobo
Empress,
of an unknown clan 		428,
Husband’s deposition 		Helian Chang
Empress,
of an unknown clan 		Helian Ding

Northern and Southern dynasties ( 420 – 589 A.D.)

Liu Song (420-479 A.D.)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Sima Maoying,
Empress,
of the Sima clan of Henan 		Emperor Gong of Jin,
Empress Gongsi 		393? or 403/4? likely 419 or 420 26 June 422 7 July 424,

Husband’s death

439 Emperor Shao
Yuan Qigui,
Empress Wenyuan
of the Yuan clan of Chen Commandry 		Yuan Dan,
Lady Wang 		405 26 October 424 8 September 440 Emperor Wen
Empress,
of the Yin clan of Chen Commandry[q] 		Yin Chun  14 May 438 453 27 May 453 Liu Shao
Wang Xianyuan,
Empress Xiaowuwenmu,
of the Wang clan of Langya 		Wang Yan,
Liu Rongnan,
Princess Wuxing 		c.427 443 453 12 July 464,

Husband’s death

9 October 464 Emperor Xiaowu
Empress,
of the Lu clan 		Lu Daoqing 16 December 465 1 January 466 Emperor Qianfei
Wang Zhenfeng,
Empress Minggong,
of the Wang clan of Langya 		Wang Senglang 436 448 22 January 466 15 July 472,
Husband’s death 		12 November 479 Emperor Ming
Jiang Jiangui,
Empress,
of the Jiang clan of Jiyang 		Jiang Jiyun c. 470 15 July 472 23 June 479,
Husband’s death 		Emperor Houfei
Xie Fanjing,
Empress,
of the Xie clan of Chen Commandry 		Xie Yang 26 November 478 27 May 479,

Husband’s abdication

Emperor Shun

Southern Qi

Northern Wei

Western Wei

Eastern Wei (534–550 AD)

Name Parents Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Empress Gao Gao Huan, Emperor Shenwu of Northern Qi,

Lou Zhaojun, Empress Wuming of Northern Qi

539 550,

Husband’s abdication

Emperor Xiaojing

Northern Qi

Liang dynasty

Chen dynasty

Northern Zhou

Main article: Empress of Northern Zhou

Sui dynasty (581 – 618 A.D.)

Name* Picture Parents Birth Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Dugu Qieluo/
Dugu Jialuo,
Empress Wenxian,
of the Dugu clan of Henan 		Dugu Xin,
Lady Cui 		544 4 March 581 10 September 602 Emperor Wen
Empress Min,
of the Xiao clan of Lanling 		Xiao Kui,

Emperor Ming of Western Liang,
Lady Zhang

c. March 566 605 11 April 618,Husband’s death 17 April 648 Emperor Yang

Tang dynasty (618 – 907 A.D.)

Wu Zetian, an empress consort of Emperor Gaozong who became the only Empress regnant in Chinese History widely recognized as legitimate. After the death of her husband and enthronement and depsoition of 2 of her sons, she became the sole ruler of China for 15 years (690 – 705 A.D.).
Name* Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Wende,
of the Zhangsun clan of Henan 		Zhangsun Sheng,
Zhangsun Cheng,
Duke Xian of Qi,

Lady Gao

15 March 601 613 4 September 626 28 July 636

Emperor Taizong

Empress,
of the Wang clan of Taiyuan 		Wang Renyou,
Lady Liu 		Unknown[r] 12 February 650 16 November 655,

Deposed

3 December 655 Emperor Gaozong
Wu Zhao,
Empress Zetian,
of the Wu clan[s][t] 		Wu Shiyue,
Lady Yang 		17 February 624[u] 650[v] 22 November 655 27 December 683,

Husband’s death

16 December 705
Empress,
of the Wei clan of Jingzhao 		Wei Xuanzhen,
Lady Cui 		3 January 684  26 February 684,
Husband’s deposition 		July 21, 710 Emperor Zhongzong
23 February 705,
Husband’s restoration 		3 July 710,
Husband’s death
Empress Suming,
of the Liu clan of Pengcheng 		Liu Yanjing 27 February 684 16 October 690,
Husband’s abdication 		8 January 693 Emperor Ruizong
Empress,
of the Lu clan 		710 25 July 710,

Husband’s abdication

Emperor Shang
Empress,
of Wang the clan of Taiyuan 		Wang Renjiao,
Duke of Qi 		712 15 August 724,
Deposed 		c.November 724 Emperor Xuanzong
Empress,
of the Zhang clan 		Zhang Quyì  spring 758 May 16, 762 Emperor Suzong
Empress Zhaode,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Yu December 3, 786 December 6, 786 Emperor Dezong
Empress,
of the Zheng clan[w] 		Emperor Wuzong
Empress Xuanmu,
of the He clan 		898 December 4, 900,
Husband’s abdication 		22 January 906 Emperor Zhaozong
January 24, 901,
Husband’s restoration 		September 22, 904,
Husband’s death
Qin
  • Empress Ju
Han (Dingyang)
  • Empress Ju
Xia (619 – 621 A.D.)
Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Empress Cao c. 619 3 August 621,

Husband’s death

Dou Jiande
Yan (755 – 763 A.D.)
Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Duan spring 756 spring 757 An Lushan
Empress Xin 759 18 April 761 after 18 April 761 Shi Shiming
Qi (881 – 884 A.D.)
Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Cao 881 July 13, 884 July 13, 884? Huang Chao


Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period (907 – 960 A.D.)

Qi (907 – 924 A.D.)

Name Parents Birth Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Liu Liu Yuehuang 877 907 924,
Husband’s deposition 		November 8, 943 Li Maozhen

Former Shu (907 – 925 A.D.)

Name* Picture Parents Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Shunde,
of the Zhou clan 		908 July 11, 918,
Husband’s death 		October 1, 918 Wang Jian
Empress,
of the Gao clan 		Gao Zhiyan between 913 – 918 918 Unclear,
[x] 		Wang Zongyan
Jin Feishan,
Empress,
of the Jin clan 		Jin Ye between 918 – 921 921 Unknown,
Deposed 		926
Unknown,
Reinstated 		925,
Husband’s deposition

Yan (911 – 914 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Li 911 913 12 February 914 Liu Shouguang
Empress Zhu

Later Liang ( 907- 923 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Zhang 912 March 27, 913 Zhu Yougui

Southern Han ( 917- 971 A.D.)

Name Parents Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Ma Ma Yin,
King Wumu of Chu 		915 919 935 Liu Yan

Later Tang ( 923 – 927 A.D.)

Name* Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Shenminjing,
of the Liu clan[y] 		892 or 893 908 923 May 15, 926,
Husband’s death 		926 Li Cunxu
Empress Hewuxian,
of the Cao clan 		930 15 December 933,
Husband’s death 		January 11, 937 Li Siyuan
Empress Ai,
of the Kong clan 		Kong Xun c.928 933 24 May 934,
Husband’s death 		934 Li Conghou
Empress,
of the Liu clan 		Liu Maowei/Liu Maocheng[z] 934 January 11, 937 Li Congke

Yang Wu (907 – 937 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Empress Wang 933 January 21, 939,
Husband’s abdication 		Yang Pu

Min (909 – 945 A.D.)

Name Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Chen Jinfeng Chen Yan[aa]
Lady Lu 		893 927 935 17 November 935 Wang Yanjun
Empress Li Chunyan 935 936 August 29, 939,
Husband’s death 		August 29, 939? Wang Jipeng
Empress Li Li Zhen 942 April 8, 944,
Husband’s death 		944 Wang Yanxi
Empress Zhang[ab] 945 Wang Yanzheng

Southern Tang ( 937- 976 A.D.)

Name* Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress/Queen Ceased to be Empress/Queen Death Spouse
Song Wen,
Empress Yuanjing,
of the Song clan 		Song Wen before 927 937 March 30, 943,
Husband’s death 		945 Li Bian
Empress Guangmu,
of the Zhong clan 		Zhong Taizhang c. 923 943 961,
Husband’s death 		September or October 965 Li Jing
Zhou Ehuang,
Queen Zhaohui,
of the Zhou clan 		Zhou Zong 936 or early 937 961 8 December 964 Li Yu
Queen,
of the Zhou clan 		968 1 January 976,
Husband’s abdication

Later Jin (936 – 947 A.D.)

Name Parents Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Li Li Siyuan,
Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang
Empress Cao 		prior to 919 c. Late November 936/941[ac] 28 July 942,
Husband’s death 		October 7, 950 Shi Jingtang
Empress Feng Feng Meng 942 943 January 11, 947,
Husband’s deposition 		prior to 974 Shi Chonggui

Yin ( 945 – 947 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Empress Zhang 943 945[ad] Wang Yanzheng

Later Han (947 – 951 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Li 947 March 10, 948,
Husband’s death 		954 Liu Zhiyuan

Later Zhou (951 – 960 A.D.)

Name* Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Xuanyi,
of the Fu clan 		Fu Yanqing 931 951 23 May 954 29 August 956 Chai Rong
Empress,
of the Fu clan 		17 July 959 27 July 959,
Husband’s death 		993

Northern Han (951 – 979 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress,
of an unknown clan 		951 Liu Chong
Empress,
of the Guo clan 		968 Liu Jun
Empress,
of the Ma clan 		968 Liu Jiyuan

Liao Dynasty (916 – 1125 A.D.)

Name* Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Shulü Ping,
Empress Yingtian,
of the Xiao clan[ae] 		19 October 879 916 6 September 926,
Husband’s death 		1 August 953 Abaoji,
Emperor Taizu
Xiao Wen/
Shulü Wen,
Empress Jing’an,
of the Xiao clan[af] 		Shilü Shilu/Dilu[ag] between 923 – 925 927 February 18, 935 Yaogu/
Deguang,
Emperor Taizong
Empress,
of the Zhen clan 		946 947 October 7, 951,
Husband’s death 		October 7, 951? Wuyu/
Ruan,
Emperor Shizong
Xiao Sagezhi,
Empress Huaijie,
of the Xiao clan[ah] 		Shulü Aguzhi 948 October 8, 951
Xiao Chuo/
Xiao Yanyan,
Empress Shèngshén Xuānxiàn,
Empress Ruìzhì,
of the Xiao clan 		Xiao Siwen
Yelü Lübugu,
Princess of Yan 		953 13 October 982,
Husband’s death 		29 December 1009 Xian,
Emperor Jingzong
Empress,
of the Xiao clan 		Unknown,
Deposed[ai] 		Wenshunu/
Longxu,
Emperor Shengzong
Xiao Pusage,
Empress Rende,
of the Xiao clan 		983 1032
Xiao Sanqian,
Empress,
of the Xiao clan 		Unknown,
Deposed[aj] 		Zhigu/
Zongzhen,
Emperor Xingzong
Xiao Dali,
Empress Renyi,
of the Xiao clan 		28 August 1055,
Husband’s death 		1076
Xiao Guanyin,
Empress Xuanyi,
of the Xiao clan 		Xiao Hui
Yelü Shuogu 		1040 1055 13 December 1075 Chala/
Hongji,
Emperor Daozong
Xiao Tansi,
Empress,
of the Xiao clan 		Unknown,
Deposed[ak] 		1181
Xiao Duolilan,
Empress,
of the Xiao clan 		26 March 1125,
Husband’s deposition 		Yanxi,
Emperor Tianzuo

Western Liao (Qara Khitai) (1124 – 1218 A.D.)

Name Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Spouse
Empress Xiao Tabuyan[al] 1143,
Husband’s death 		Dashi,
Emperor Dezong
Empress Ju’erbiesu 1177 1211,
Husband’s abdication 		Zhilugu,
Tianxi Emperor

Song dynasty (960- 1279 A.D.)

Empress Zheng of the Song dynasty
Name* Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Xiaoming,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Rao 942 960 963  Emperor Taizu
Empress Xiaozhang,
of the Song clan 		Song Yanwo
Princess Yongning of the Later Han 		952 968 14 November 976,
Husband’s death 		995
Empress Mingde,
of the Li clan 		Li Chuyun
Lady Chen 		960 976 10 January 985 8 May 997,
Husband’s death 		1004 Emperor Taizong
Empress Zhangmu,
of the Guo clan[am] 		Guo Shouwen
Lady Liang  		c. 975 991 997 1007 Emperor Zhenzong
Liu E,
Empress Zhangxian Mingsu,
of the clan 		Liu Tong
Lady Pang 		969 997 1012 23 March 1022,
Husband’s death 		1033
Empress,
of the Guo clan 		1012 24 December 1024 1033 10 December 1035 Emperor Renzong
Empress Cisheng Guangxian,
of the Cao clan 		1016 1034 30 April 1063,
Husband’s death 		November 16, 1079
Empress Xuanren Shenglie,
of the Gao clan 		Gao Chunxian, Prince Chun
Lady Cao 		1032 1046⁠ 1065 25 January 1067,
Husband’s death 		1093 Emperor Yingzong
Empress Qinsheng,
of the Xiang clan 		1047 1068 1 April 1085,
Husband’s death 		1102 Emperor Shenzong
Empress Zhaoci Shengxian/
Empress Yuanyou,
of the Meng clan 		Meng Yuen 1073 23 June 1092 17 October 1096,
Deposed 		12 May 1131 Emperor Zhezong
Empress Zhaohuai,
of the Liu clan 		1079 1100 23 June 1100,
Husband’s death 		1113
Empress Xiangong,
of the Wang clan[an] 		1084 1099 1100 1108 Emperor Huizong
Empress Xiansu,
of the Zheng clan[ao] 		1079 20 March 1110 18 January 1126,
Husband’s abdication 		8 October 1130
Empress Renhuai,
of the Zhu clan 		1102 1116 1126 20 March 1127,
Husband’s deposition 		1127 Emperor Qinzong
Xing Bingyi,
Empress Xianjie,
of the Xing clan 		1106 1115 15 June 1127[ap] 26 March 1129,

Husband’s deposition

29 June 1139 Emperor Gaozong
20 April 1129,

Husband’s restoration

29 June 1139
Empress Xiansheng Cilie,
of the Wu clan 		Wu Jin 11 September 1115 18 May 1143 24 July 1162,
Husband’s abdication 		12 December 1197
Xia Shenfu,
Empress Chenggong,
of the Xia clan 		1136 1162 16 November 1163 16 November 1163 Emperor Xiaozong
Empress Chengsu,
of the Xie clan 		Xia Ning 1135 12 September 1176 18 February 1189,
Husband’s abdication 		13 June 1207
Li Fengniang,
Empress Ciyi,
of the Li clan 		Li Dao
Lady Zhang 		1144 18 February 1189 24 July 1194,
Husband’s abdication 		16 July 1200 Emperor Guangzong
Empress Gongshu,
of the Han clan 		1165 25 July 1194 14 December 1200 Emperor Ningzong
Yang Guizhi,
Empress Gongsheng Renlie,
of the Yang clan 		Zhang Shansheng
Yang Cairen 		30 June 1162 1195 29 December 1202 17 September 1224,
Husband’s death 		18 January 1233
Xie Daoqing,
Empress Shouhe,
of the Xie clan 		Xie Qubo, Prince of Wei 1210 14 January 1231 17 November 1264,
Husband’s death 		1283 Emperor Lizong
Quan Jiu,
Empress,
of the Quan clan 		1241 1261 10 February 1267 15 August 1274,
Husband’s death 		1309 Emperor Duzong

Yuan dynasty (1271 – 1368 A.D.)

See also: List of Yuan empress consorts
Empress Chabi, consort to Kublai Khan
Name Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Chabi,
Empress Zhaorui Shunsheng,
of the Khongirad clan 		Anchen, Prince of Jining Zhongwu of Khongirad 28 January 1216 1239 1271 20 March 1281 Kublai, Emperor Shizu
Nambui,
Empress,
of the Khongirad clan 		Nachen Küregen 1283 18 February 1294,

Husband’s death

Unknown
Talahai,
Empress,
of an Unknown clan
Nuhan,
Empress,
of an Unknown clan
Bayaujin,
Empress,
of the Bayauts clan  		Boraqchin
Kökelün,
Empress,
of an Unknown clan
Bulugan/
Bulukhan,
Empress,
of the Bayad clan 		Torgus Küregen 1305 10 February 1307,

Husband’s death

1307 Temür, Emperor Chengzong
Zhenge,
Empress Xuanci Huisheng,
of the Khongirad clan 		Bengbula 1310 27 January 1311,
Husband’s death 		November 1327 Khayishan,
Emperor Wuzong
Radnashiri/
Aradnashiri/
Anashisari,
Empress Zhuangyi Cisheng,
of the Khongirad clan 		7 April 1311 1 March 1320,
Husband’s death 		1322 Ayurbarwada,
Emperor Renzong
Sugabala/
Sügebala,
Empress Zhuangjing Yisheng,
of the Khongirad clan 		Ashi Küregen,
Princess Ilig Qaya 		1321 September 4, 1323,
Husband’s death 		1327 Shidibala,
Emperor Yingzong
Babukhan,
Empress,
of the Khongirad clan 		Woliuchar or Maizhuhan 1324 15 August 1328,
Husband’s death 		Yesün Temür,
Taiding Emperor
Budashiri/
Buddhashiri/
Putashali,
Empress,
of the Khongirad clan 		Diwabala,
Sengge Ragi,
Princess Supreme of Lu 		c. 1307 1324 16 October 1328 26 February 1329,

Husband’s abdication

c. 1340 Tugh Temür,
Emperor Wenzong
8 September 1329,

Husband’s Restoration

2 September 1332,

Husband’s death

Babusha,
Empress,
of the Naiman tribe 		Lord Naiman,
Princess Shouning 		1329 1330,

Husband’s death

1330 Khüslen/
Kusalaa/
Küsala,
Emperor Mingzong
Daliyetemishi,
Daritemish,
Empress,
of the Khongirad clan 		Lord Khongirad 1332 1332,

Husband’s death

1368 Rinchinbal,
Emperor Ningzong
Danashri,
Empress,
of the Kipchak tribe 		El Temür,
Lady Kipchak 		1320 1333 1335,

Deposed

1335 Toghon Temür, Emperor Huizong
Bayan Khutugh/
Bayan Qudu,
Empress,
of the Khongirad clan 		Bolad Temür 1324 1337 1365
Öljei Khutuk,
Empress Puxian Shusheng,
of the Korean Haengju Gi clan[aq] 		Ki Cha-o,
Prince Yeong-an,
Lady Yi of the Iksan Yi clan 		1315 1365 10 September 1368, Dynasty abolished 1369?

Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644 A.D.)

Empress Xiaocigao, Ming dynasty
Empress Xu, Ming dynasty
Name* Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Xiaocigao,
of the Ma clan[ar] 		Lord Ma, Prince of Xu
Zheng Ao, Consort of Prince of Xu  		18 July 1332 1352 23 January 1368 23 September 1382 Hongwu Emperor
Empress Xiaominrang,
of the Ma clan 		Ma Quan 1378 1395 20 March 1399 13 July 1402 Jianwen Emperor
Empress Renxiaowen,
of the Xu clan 		Xu Da, Prince of Zhongshan
Lady Xie 		5 March 1362 17 February 1376 17 July 1402 6 August 1407 Yongle Emperor
Empress Chengxiaozhao,
of the Zhang clan 		Zhang Qi, Marquis of Pengcheng
Lady Tong 		1379 1395/1396 29 October 1424 29 May 1425,
Husband’s death 		20 November 1442 Hongxi Emperor
Hu Shanxiang,
Empress Gongrangzhang,
of the Hu clan 		Hu Rong
Lady Liu 		 c. 1400 1417 27 June 1425 1428,
Deposed 		5 December 1443 Xuande Emperor
Empress Xiaogongzhang,
of the Sun clan 		Sun Zhong
Dong Yuanzhen 		c. 1399 1417 1428 1435,
Husband’s death 		26 September 1462
Empress Xiaozhuangrui,
of the Qian clan 		Qian Gui 
Lady Chen 		1426 8 June 1442 8 June 1442 22 September 1449,
Husband’s abdication 		15 July 1468 Emperor Yingzong
11 February 1457,
Husband’s restoration 		23 February 1464,
Husband’s death
Empress Xiaoyuanjing,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Ying 1427 1445 22 September 1449 May 1452,
Deposed 		1506 Jingtai Emperor
Empress Suxiao,
of the Hang clan 		Hang Yu  May 1452 1456
Empress,
of the Wu clan 		Wu Jun 15th century 20 July 1464 1464,
Deposed 		1509 Chenghua Emperor
Empress Xiaozhenchun,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Zhen 1440/1450 1464 1487,
Husband’s death 		1518
Empress Xiaochengjing,
of the Zhang clan 		Zhang Luan, Duke of Chang
Lady Jin 		1471 1487 22 September 1487 8 June 1505,
Husband’s death 		28 August 1541 Hongzhi Emperor
Empress Xiaojingyi,
of the Xia clan 		Xia Ru, Count of Qingyang
Lady Ye 		1492 1506 20 April 1521,
Husband’s death 		26 February 1535 Zhengde Emperor
Empress Xiaojiesu,
of the Chen clan 		Chen Wanyan 1508 1522 1528 Jiajing Emperor
Zhang Qijie,
Empress,
of the Zhang clan 		Zhang Ji
Lady Xue 		1526 8 January 1529 1534,
Deposed 		1537
Empress Xiaolie,
of the Fang clan 		Fang Tai  1516 1531 1534 1547
Empress Xiao’an,
of the Chen clan 		Chen Jingxing 1558 1567 5 July 1572,
Husband’s death 		1596 Longqing Emperor
Wang Xijie,
Empress Xiaoduanxian,
of the Wang clan 		Wang Wei, Count of Yongnian  7 November 1564 19 July 1578 7 May 1620 Wanli Emperor
Empress Xiao’aizhe,
of the Zhang clan 		Zhang Guoji, Marquis of Taikang 1606 1621 30 September 1627,
Husband’s death 		24 April 1644 Tianqi Emperor
Empress Xiaojielie,
of the Zhou clan 		Zhou Kui, Marquis of Jiading
Lady Ding 		1628 24 April 1644 Chongzhen Emperor

Southern Ming (1644 – 1662 A.D.)

Name* Parents Birth Became Empress Ceased to be Empress Death Spouse
Empress Xiaozhejian,
of the Huang clan 		Hongguang Emperor
Empress Xiaoyixiang,
of the Zeng clan 		Zeng Wenyan, Earl of Jishui
Lady He 		1605 1645 17 September 1646 Longwu Emperor
Empress Xiaogangkuang,
of the Wang clan[as] 		1662 Yongli Emperor

Qing dynasty (1636 – 1912 A.D.)

Emperor Empress consort* Picture Parents Birth Marriage Became empress consort Ceased to be empress consort Death
Hong Taiji Jerjer, Empress Xiaoduanwen
of the Mongol Borjigit clan
Manggusi
Gunbu 		31 May 1599 28 May 1614 August 1636 21 September 1643
husband’s death 		28 May 1649
Fulin, the Shunzhi Emperor Erdeni Bumba, Empress
of the Mongol Borjigit clan 		Wukeshan 27 September 1651 25 October 1653
deposed 		Unknown[at]
Alatan Qiqige, Empress Xiaohuizhang
of the Mongol Borjigit clan 		Chuo’erji
Lady Aisin Gioro 		5 November 1641 June/ July 1654 July/August 1654 5 February 1661
husband’s death 		7 January 1718
Xuanye, the Kangxi Emperor Empress Xiaochengren
of the Manchu Hešeri clan 		Gabula 3 February 1654 October/November 1665 6 June 1674
Empress Xiaozhaoren
of the Manchu Niohuru clan 		Ebilun
Lady Šušu-Gioro 		1653 18 September 1677 18 March 1678
Empress Xiaoyiren
of the Manchu Tunggiya clan 		Guowei
Lady Hešeri 		1676 23 August 1689 24 August 1689
Yinzhen, the Yongzheng Emperor Duoqimuli, Empress Xiaojingxian
of the Manchu Ula-nara clan 		Fiyanggū
Lady Aisin Gioro 		28 June 1681 1691 28 March 1723 29 October 1731
Hongli, the Qianlong Emperor Empress Xiaoxianchun
of the Manchu Fuca clan 		Lirongbao
Lady Gioro 		28 March 1712 3 September 1727 23 January 1738 8 April 1748
Empress
of the Manchu Nara clan 		Narbu
Lady Langgiya 		11 March 1718 2 September 1750 19 August 1766
Yongyan, the Jiaqing Emperor Empress Xiaoshurui
of the Manchu Hitara clan 		He’erjing’e
Lady Wanggiya 		2 October 1760 5 June 1774 12 February 1796 5 March 1797
Empress Xiaoherui
of the Manchu Niohuru clan 		Gūnggala
Lady Yehe Nara 		20 November 1776 1790 27 May 1801 2 September 1820
husband’s death 		23 January 1850
Mianning, the Daoguang Emperor Empress Xiaoshencheng
of the Manchu Tunggiya clan 		Sumingga 5 July 1792 2 February 1809 28 December 1822 16 June 1833
Empress Xiaoquancheng
of the Manchu Niohuru clan 		Yiling
Lady Uya  		24 March 1808 1821 18 November 1834 13 February 1840
Yizhu, the Xianfeng Emperor Empress Xiaozhenxian
of the Manchu Niohuru clan 		Muyang’a
Lady Giyanggiya 		12 August 1837 1851/late 1840s[au] November/December 1852 22 August 1861
husband’s death 		8 April 1881
Zaichun, the Tongzhi Emperor Empress Xiaozheyi
of the Manchu Arute clan 		Chongqi

Lady Aisin Gioro

25 July 1854 1872 15 October 1872 12 January 1875
husband’s death 		27 March 1875
Zaitian, the Guangxu Emperor Jingfen, Empress Xiaodingjing
of the Manchu Yehe-nara clan 		Guixiang
Lady Aisin Gioro 		28 January 1868 26 February 1889 26 February 1889 14 November 1908
husband’s death 		22 February 1913
Puyi, the Xuantong Emperor Wanrong, Empress Xiaokemin
of the Manchu Gobulo clan 		Rongyuan
Hengxin 		13 November 1906 1922 (titular) (titular) 20 June 1946

Empresses dowager

The title of Empress dowager (皇太后, húangtàihòu) was automatically given to a former Empress consort and widow of an Emperor. The title, Empress dowager, could be granted a widow of an Emperor even when she had not been the Empress consort during the reign of her spouse. Therefore, a separate list is given of the Empresses dowager, which, in some cases, equals the list of Empresses consort, and in other cases, not.

Qin Dynasty

Han dynasty

Northern Dynasties

Northern Wei

Tang dynasty

Song dynasty

Yuan dynasty

Ming dynasty

Qing dynasty

Empress Dowager Cixi, Qing dynasty

Grand empresses dowager

Further information: Grand empress dowager § Chinese grand empresses dowager

Empresses whose titles were granted posthumously

Sui dynasty

Tang dynasty

Song dynasty

Yuan dynasty

Portrait of Dagi Khatun

Ming dynasty and Southern Ming dynasty

Portrait of Empress Xiaosu

Qing dynasty

Empress Xiaoyichun, Qing dynasty

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Lady Zhang’s name was not recorded in her biographies in either Shiji or Han Shu. This name first appeared in Shiji Suoyin by Sima Zhen, citing Huangfu Mi.
  2. ^ Lady Wang’s name was not recorded in her biographies in either Shiji or Han Shu. This name first appeared in Shiji Suoyin by Sima Zhen, citing Huangfu Mi.
  3. ^ Lady Shangguan’s biography in Book of Han indicated that she was 6 (by East Asian reckoning) when she was made empress.
  4. ^ Yang Xianrong was deposed and restored four times each from 304 to 306. Her tenures as empress were as follows:
    • June 301–February 304
    • July–August 304
    • November 304–April 305
    • November 305
    • May 306–January 307
  5. ^ Her fate after she and her husband were captured by Han-Zhao forces in July 311 is unknown.
  6. ^ Her husband was overthrown in 338, but it is unknown if she was still alive by this time.
  7. ^ Adoptive father.
  8. ^ Adoptive father.
  9. ^ It is unknown if she was a concubine or wife of Liu Yao before his accession to the throne.
  10. ^ If she was still alive in 396, she would have been created Empress.
  11. ^ Yin never held the title of Princess during the reign of her husband Duke Li Gao. She was honoured as princess dowager after his death.
  12. ^ After her husband declared himself Emperor in 352, she was honored as an empress, although it was not clear whether she was still alive at that point.[1]
  13. ^ Yuanfei was her courtesy name
  14. ^ Her husband was either the last monarch of China’s Later Yan dynasty or the founding monarch of China’s Northern Yan dynasty, depending on the historian’s characterization.
  15. ^ Her given name is lost to history, but her courtesy name Jifei was recorded and used by historians.[2]
  16. ^ In 427, when Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei entered the Xia capital Tongwan (in modern Yulin, Shaanxi) after forcing Helian Bobo’s successor Helian Chang to flee, he was mentioned as having captured Helian Bobo’s and Helian Chang’s empresses, and presumably the person referred to as Helian Bobo’s empress was Empress Liang.
  17. ^ The name “Yuying” (玉英) is not found in historical records.
  18. ^ Historical sources did not indicate the year of Empress Wang’s birth.
  19. ^ Her cousin’s son Zong Qinke created a number of new characters in December 689, and she chose 曌 as her given name, which became her taboo name when she ascended the throne the next year. Some sources assert that this character was actually written 瞾. Some sources (e.g., Bo Yang Edition of the Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 47–49) also assert that her original given name was Zhao and that in 689 she only changed the written character, but this is confirmed by neither the Old Book of Tang nor the New Book of Tang, neither of which stated her original given name. Her grandson Li Chongzhao, sometime after she became emperor, changed his name to Li Chongrun to observe naming taboo for her, and the character of “Zhao” in Li Chongzhao’s name was 照. See Old Book of Tang, vol. 86 and New Book of Tang, vol. 81.
  20. ^ She is the only Empress Regnant in Chinese history considered Legitimate
  21. ^ The birth year given here is deduced from the age at death given in the New Book of Tang, compiled in 1045–1060, which is the date favored by modern historians. The year of birth deduced from the age at death in the Old Book of Tang, compiled in 941–945, is 623. The year of birth deducted from the age at death and the age when she entered the palace, in the Zizhi Tongjian, compiled in 1065–84, is 17 February 624. Compare New Book of Tang, vol. 4 with Old Book of Tang, vol. 6 and Zizhi Tongjian 1084, vols. 195, 208
  22. ^ Prior to becoming a consort of Emperor Gaozong, she was a consort of his father, Emperor Taizong, with the title of cáirén (才人), meaning ‘Lady of Talent’, a fifth rank consort of the Emperor[3][4]
  23. ^ There is no record of her in the Old Book of Tang
  24. ^ In 921, he sent her back to the house of her father Gao Zhiyan, effectively deposing and divorcing her. In shock, Gao Zhiyan stopped eating and died thereafter.[5][6]
  25. ^ Her Chinese Wikipedia article and a number of modern sources, including, for example, the modern historian Bo Yang, give her name as Liu Yuniang (劉玉娘), but the name was not corroborated by traditional sources.
  26. ^ Her father’s name was given as Liu Maowei (劉茂威) in her biography in the New History of the Five Dynasties,[7] and she had a younger brother named Liu Yanhao, whose biography in the Old History of the Five Dynasties gave their father’s name as Liu Maocheng (劉茂成).[8]
  27. ^ Her biography indicated that Chen Yan was not her biological father. Rather, Chen Yan had a homosexual affair with a young handsome man, Hou Lun (侯倫), who thereafter also had an affair with his concubine Lady Lu, leading to Lady Lu’s pregnancy.
  28. ^ Previously crowned as the Empress of Yin
  29. ^ According to the Zizhi Tongjian, her creation was immediately upon his taking the throne as the emperor of Later Jin. According to the Wudai Huiyao, the creation did not occur until 941. According to the New History of the Five Dynasties, no formal creation ever occurred during Shi’s lifetime.
  30. ^ Crowned as the Empress of Min
  31. ^ She was initially given the posthumous name Empress Zhenlie (贞烈皇后/貞烈皇后), which was then changed to Empress Chunqin (淳钦皇后/淳欽皇后) and then finally changed to Empress Yingtian (应天皇后/應天皇后)
  32. ^ She was initially given the posthumous name of Empress Zhangde (彰德皇后); her eventual posthumous name of Empress Jing’an (靖安皇后) was given by Emperor Xingzong.[9]
  33. ^ It is uncertain whether her father’s personal name was Shilu (室魯/室鲁)[9] or Dilu (敵魯/敵鲁)[10]
  34. ^ After Yelü Chage’s coup was put down by Emperor Shizong’s cousin (Emperor Taizong‘s son) Emperor Muzong, he gave Empress Xiao the posthumous name of Empress Xiaolie (孝烈皇后). After Yelü Xian became emperor in 969 (as the future Emperor Jingzong), he buried both Empresses Zhen and Xiao at Yiwulü Mountain, and built a temple dedicated to them.[9] In 1052, Emperor Jingzong’s grandson Emperor Xingzong changed her posthumous name to Empress Huaijie (懷節皇后/怀節皇后).[11]
  35. ^ Demoted to the rank of Noble Consort (贵妃/貴妃),due to unspecified crimes
  36. ^ Demoted to Noble Consort (贵妃/貴妃) due to an unspecified misdeed
  37. ^ Demoted to Consort of Conferred Kindness (惠妃) for an unknown reason
  38. ^ She was known in Muslim sources as Kuyang or Orghina.[12]
  39. ^ Her original posthumous name was Empress Zhuangmu (庄穆皇后)[13] but was changed to Empress Zhangmu (章穆皇后) in 1044[14]
  40. ^ After her death, she was at first given the Posthumous title of Empress Jinghe (靖和皇后) in 1108, which was changed to Empress Huigong (惠恭皇后) from 1110 and then finally changed to Empress Xiangong (顯恭皇后) in 1137
  41. ^ After her death, she was at first given the posthumous title of Empress Ningde (寧德皇后) in 1130, which was then changed to Empress Xiansu (顯肅皇后),from an unknown date
  42. ^ As she was captured by the Jurchens,she was declared to be Empress in absentia[15]
  43. ^ Öljei Khutuk is her Mongolian name.Her birth name is unrecorded
  44. ^ The name Ma Xiuying (馬秀英/马秀英),was never mentioned in any official records, including the History of Ming.
  45. ^ She converted to Roman Catholicism and adopted the name Anne.[16]
  46. ^ Some sources claim, that when she was living in Palace of Eternal Longevity, she became pregnant. During her pregnancy, she left the Forbidden City and gave birth to a son. However, historical records don’t mention her further fate.
  47. ^ The auditions for the Xianfeng Emperor’s consorts took place in 1851 in the Forbidden City. Lady Niohuru was among the candidates shortlisted by Dowager Consort Kangci, the highest ranked living consort of the Daoguang Emperor at the time. However, some sources claimed that Lady Niohuru entered the Forbidden City in the late 1840s and became a concubine of the Xianfeng Emperor, who was still known as the Fourth Prince then.[17][18]
  48. ^ Her “empress” title and all other honours were divested by Emperor Suzong of Tang

References

  1. ^ Xuanling, Fang (648). “卷109″ . 晉書 (in Chinese) – via Wikisource.
  2. ^ 内蒙古社会科学 (in Chinese). 内蒙古社会科学院杂志社,. 2008.
  3. ^ New Book of Tang, vol. 76
  4. ^ Old Book of Tang, vol. 51
  5. ^ Spring and Autumn Annals of the Ten Kingdoms, vol. 38.
  6. ^ Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 271
  7. ^ New History of the Five Dynasties, vol. 16.
  8. ^ Old History of the Five Dynasties, vol. 69.
  9. ^ a b c History of Liao, vol. 71.
  10. ^ History of Liao, vol. 73. Dilu was not directly referred to as her father, but as her brother Xiao Han was described to be Dilu’s son, it was probable that Shilu and Dilu were the same person.
  11. ^ History of Liao, vol. 20.
  12. ^ Michal., Biran (2005). The empire of the Qara Khitai in Eurasian history : between China and the Islamic world. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. p. 48. ISBN 0521066026. OCLC 59353154.
  13. ^ ([景德四年]五月…辛亥，有司上大行皇后谥曰庄穆。) Song Shi, vol.07
  14. ^ ([庆历四年]十一月…己卯，改上庄穆皇后谥曰章穆，…) Song Shi, vol.11
  15. ^ Lily Xiao Hong Lee, Sue Wiles: Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women, Volume II: Tang Through Ming 618 – 1644
  16. ^ Lily Xiao Hong Lee, Sue Wiles: Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: v. 1: The Qing Period, 1644-1911
  17. ^ Qing Shi Gao vol. 214.
  18. ^ The Imperial Archives of the Qing Palace and Imperial Genealogy of the Qing Imperial Clan made no mention of Lady Niohuru entering the Forbidden City before 1852. Before his coronation, the Xianfeng Emperor had another consort apart from Empress Xiaodexian: Lady Ugiya, who was given the title “Concubine Yun” later.

Bibliography