Emperor Xuanzong of Tang

7th emperor of the Tang dynasty, reigning from 713 to 756 CE

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Lived 685–762, aged 77

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Wikipedia
42 languages
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Era
685–762
Aged 77

Summary

Updated 2026-06-09

He ruled China for 44 years — the Tang dynasty's longest reign — and presided over both its apex and the rebellion that nearly ended it. The same emperor who inherited a golden age watched it collapse under the weight of his own misjudgments.

Biography

About

Li Longji seized the throne in 712 through two palace coups, inheriting an empire still at its height. Early on, he leaned on capable chancellors like Yao Chong, Song Jing, and Zhang Yue, officials already in place when he ascended. The empire reached its turning point under his watch: political missteps followed, especially his over-reliance on chancellors Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong, and on general An Lushan. The trust proved catastrophic. The An Lushan rebellion tore through the realm, ending the Tang golden age and bringing the dynasty to the edge of collapse before Xuanzong abdicated in 75…

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