# The most important emperors in Chinese history

From Qin Shi Huang, who unified China in 221 BC, to Emperor Wu of Han, who made Confucianism official, Taizong of Tang, Wu Zetian, the only woman emperor, and Kangxi, who reigned for 61 years: the rulers who changed Chinese history. Who was the greatest?

- 0 votes · 14 items
- Jan 19, 2025 · 孙敏
- https://even.best/en/l/3835/the-most-important-emperors-in-chinese-history

## Top 14

1. **Qin Shi Huang** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He unified China for the first time in 221 BC and standardised script, currency and measures.
2. **Emperor Gaozu of Han** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He founded the Han dynasty.
3. **Emperor Wu of Han** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He made Confucianism the official state philosophy.
4. **Emperor Wen of Sui** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He ended the north–south division and reunified China.
5. **Emperor Yang of Sui** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He ordered the building of the Grand Canal.
6. **Emperor Taizong of Tang** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He launched the "Reign of Zhenguan" and Tang China's golden age.
7. **Wu Zetian** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The only woman emperor in Chinese history.
8. **Emperor Taizu of Song** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He ended the Five Dynasties division and founded the Song dynasty.
9. **Genghis Khan** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He founded the Mongol Empire and opened trade routes between East and West.
10. **Kublai Khan** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He founded the Yuan dynasty.
11. **The Hongwu Emperor** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He founded the Ming dynasty and restored the civil examinations.
12. **The Yongle Emperor** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — He built the Forbidden City and sent Zheng He's voyages.
13. **The Kangxi Emperor** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — Reigned for 61 years, the longest-reigning Chinese emperor.
14. **The Qianlong Emperor** (0 · ▲0 ▼0) — The emperor of the Qing dynasty's heyday.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.