Full name
Family name: Li (李) Birth name (小名): Zhinu (雉奴) Given name (大名): Zhi (治) Courtesy name (字): Weishan (為善)
Posthumous name
Short: Great Emperor Tianhuang 天皇大帝 Full: Emperor Tianhuang Dasheng Dahong Xiao 天皇大聖大弘孝皇帝
Temple name
Gaozong (高宗)

House

House of Li

Father

Emperor Taizong

Mother

Empress Wende

Tang Gaozong

Chinese

唐高宗

Literal meaning

"High Ancestor of the Tang"

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Táng Gāozōng
Yue: Cantonese
Yale Romanization	Tòhng Gōujūng

Li Zhi

Chinese

李治

Literal meaning

(personal name)

Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyin	Léih Jih

Emperor Gaozong of Tang (born Li Zhi) was the third emperor of the Tang dynasty in China. He ruled from 649 to 683. He was the youngest son of Emperor Taizong and Empress Zhangsun.

During his reign, his second wife, Empress Wu (who later became Wu Zetian), gained a lot of power. After 665, she effectively managed many state affairs because Emperor Gaozong suffered from a serious illness. Together, they were even called the "Two Saints" (二聖, Er Sheng).

The Tang Empire grew larger at the start of his rule, conquering places like Baekje, Goguryeo, and the Western Turkic Khaganate. However, later in his reign, some of these lands were lost to other empires like the Tibetan Empire and Silla.

Becoming Crown Prince
Life as Crown Prince
Emperor Gaozong's Reign
Hui Islamic Legends
Era Names
Chancellors During His Reign
Family
Images for kids
In Popular Culture

Becoming Crown Prince

Li Zhi was born in 628. He was the ninth son of Emperor Taizong and the third son of Empress Zhangsun. In 631, he was given the title of Prince of Jin. When his mother, Empress Zhangsun, died in 636, Li Zhi showed great sadness, which made his father, Emperor Taizong, favor him even more.

Li Zhi had two older brothers, Li Chengqian and Li Tai, who were fighting to become the next emperor. Li Chengqian was the Crown Prince, but Li Tai tried to take his place. In 643, Li Chengqian was found to be planning against Emperor Taizong and was removed from his position.

Emperor Taizong first thought about making Li Tai the new Crown Prince. However, his powerful uncle, Zhangsun Wuji, suggested Li Zhi instead. Li Zhi was known for being kind. On April 30, 643, Emperor Taizong made Li Zhi the new Crown Prince. He appointed important officials like Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and Xiao Yu to guide Li Zhi.

Life as Crown Prince

As Crown Prince, Li Zhi was known for being kind, but some thought he was not strong enough to be an emperor. Emperor Taizong even considered replacing him with another son, Li Ke, but Zhangsun Wuji strongly disagreed.

In 645, Emperor Taizong led a military campaign against Goguryeo. He took Li Zhi with him to Ding Prefecture to manage supplies. When Emperor Taizong was injured during the campaign, Li Zhi cared for him. In 646, Emperor Taizong gave some of his imperial duties to Li Zhi, allowing him to learn more about governing.

In 649, Emperor Taizong became very ill. He trusted Li Zhi to Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang. On July 10, 649, Emperor Taizong died. Li Zhi was very sad, but Zhangsun Wuji reminded him that he was now the emperor. On July 15, Li Zhi officially became Emperor Gaozong.

Emperor Gaozong's Reign

A Tang shieldbearer, representing the military strength of the empire.

Emperor Gaozong ruled for 34 years. During this time, he often relied on his powerful officials and later, his wife, Empress Wu.

Early Years and Empress Wu's Rise

Yonghui Era (650–656)

One of Emperor Gaozong's first actions was to cancel a planned military campaign against Goguryeo. He made his wife, Princess Wang, the Empress. At first, he listened closely to his uncle Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang.

In 650, Tang forces captured Ashina Hubo, a leader of the Göktürks, and brought him to Chang'an. Emperor Gaozong made him a general, bringing his people under Tang rule.

Empress Wang did not have a son, so she suggested that Emperor Gaozong make his oldest son, Li Zhong, the Crown Prince. This happened in 652.

However, Empress Wang soon faced a challenge from Consort Wu. Consort Wu had been one of Emperor Taizong's concubines and became a Buddhist nun after his death. Emperor Gaozong visited her at the temple, and Empress Wang, hoping to distract him from another concubine, Consort Xiao, encouraged him to bring Consort Wu back to the palace. Consort Wu was very clever and soon gained Emperor Gaozong's full attention.

In 654, Consort Wu had a daughter who died shortly after birth. Evidence pointed to Empress Wang as the killer, though some historians believe Consort Wu might have done it to frame Empress Wang. Emperor Gaozong wanted to remove Empress Wang and make Consort Wu the Empress. Many officials, including Zhangsun Wuji, opposed this idea. However, with the support of officials like Li Yifu and Xu Jingzong, Emperor Gaozong decided to proceed.

In 655, Empress Wang and Consort Xiao were accused of witchcraft. Emperor Gaozong removed them from their positions and made Consort Wu the new Empress. Later, Empress Wang and Consort Xiao were killed on Empress Wu's orders. In 656, Li Zhong was removed as Crown Prince, and Empress Wu's oldest son, Li Hong, became the new Crown Prince.

Xianqing Era (656–661)

In 657, the Tang army, led by general Su Dingfang, launched a major campaign against the Western Turkic Khaganate. Su Dingfang defeated their leader, Ashina Helu, who was captured and brought to Chang'an. This largely ended the Western Turkic Khaganate as an organized state.

Empress Wu and her allies, Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, began to remove officials who had opposed her. In 657, officials like Han Yuan and Lai Ji were exiled. In 659, Zhangsun Wuji, Emperor Gaozong's uncle, was falsely accused of treason by Xu Jingzong and exiled. He later died in exile. After this, officials were much more afraid to speak against the emperor or Empress Wu.

In 660, Baekje, a kingdom on the Korean Peninsula, was attacking Tang's ally, Silla. Emperor Gaozong sent Su Dingfang to attack Baekje. Su quickly captured the Baekje capital, Sabi, and forced King Uija to surrender. Tang annexed Baekje.

Around 660, Emperor Gaozong began to suffer from a serious illness, possibly related to headaches and dizziness. He started to let Empress Wu make decisions on official matters. Empress Wu was quick and knowledgeable, making good decisions. As his illness worsened, he relied on her more and more. She became the true power behind the throne. From 665 onward, she and Emperor Gaozong were known as the "Two Saints" because they shared power equally.

Empress Wu's Growing Power

Longshuo and Linde Eras (661–666)

After Su Dingfang left Baekje to attack Goguryeo, a rebellion started in Baekje to try and bring back the old kingdom. Tang forces struggled to put down this rebellion.

Meanwhile, Su Dingfang attacked the Goguryeo capital, Pyongyang, but could not capture it quickly. In 662, due to heavy snowstorms and losses, Su's army had to withdraw.

In 663, the Tibetan Empire attacked Tuyuhun, a Tang ally. The Tuyuhun people fled into Tang territory, ending their state.

Also in 663, Tang forces, with help from Silla and Japanese forces, defeated the Baekje resistance movement.

By 664, Empress Wu's power was very strong. She was making many government decisions. When Emperor Gaozong tried to remove her, she found out and stopped him. After this, Empress Wu would sit behind a screen when Emperor Gaozong held court meetings. She would listen to all reports and help decide everything, big or small. Her authority became almost the same as the emperor's.

In 665, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu traveled to Mount Tai to perform important sacrifices to heaven and earth. This was a rare and expensive ceremony. Empress Wu even requested that women be allowed to offer sacrifices, which was a new tradition. Many representatives from other countries, including Japan, India, and Persia, attended these ceremonies.

Qianfeng and Zongzhang Eras (666–670)

In 666, the leader of Goguryeo, Yeon Gaesomun, died. His sons began fighting among themselves. One son, Yeon Namsaeng, asked Tang for help. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu saw this as a chance to finally defeat Goguryeo.

In 667, the main Tang army, led by Li Ji, attacked Goguryeo. They captured important cities. In 668, they crossed the Yalu River and besieged Pyongyang. King Bojang of Goguryeo surrendered, and the city fell. This marked the end of Goguryeo. Tang annexed its territory. However, there was much resistance to Tang rule, encouraged by Silla. In 669, many Goguryeo people were moved to other parts of China to prevent further rebellions.

In 670, Empress Wu's mother died. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu ordered all officials and their wives to attend the mourning. Empress Wu continued to exercise power, almost like a co-ruler.

Xianheng Era (670–674)

In 670, the Tibetan Empire captured 18 prefectures that Tang had established in the Western Regions. Emperor Gaozong sent general Xue Rengui to fight them, but the Tang army suffered a major defeat. Tang lost control of the Western Regions for a while.

By 674, Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu were unhappy with Silla for encouraging Goguryeo resistance. They tried to remove Silla's king, Munmu, but he apologized and offered tribute, so they allowed him to remain.

Later Reign: Succession Challenges

Shangyuan and Yifeng Eras (674–679)

In 674, Empress Wu declared that since the Emperor was called "Son of Heaven," his wife should be called "Empress of Heaven." This showed her belief in her divine right to rule. Around 675, she made twelve suggestions to Emperor Gaozong, which he adopted. These included promoting certain texts, changing mourning periods, and reducing military expenses.

Emperor Gaozong's headaches became much worse over the years. Because he could not manage the empire fully, Empress Wu took even more control. She even considered becoming regent, but officials like Hao Chujun objected. Still, she made most of the important decisions for the government and border issues.

Empress Wu also started using a group of scholars, known as the "North Gate Scholars," to write documents and advise her. This helped her to take power away from the chancellors.

In 675, Li Hong, the Crown Prince and Empress Wu's oldest son, died suddenly. Many historians believe Empress Wu poisoned him because he tried to limit her power. Emperor Gaozong then made Empress Wu's second son, Li Xian, the new Crown Prince.

The war with Silla continued. In 676, Tang forces were defeated by the Silla navy. Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu decided to withdraw Tang forces from the Korean Peninsula. This allowed Silla to unite the southern parts of the peninsula.

In 677, Emperor Gaozong tried to re-establish the former kingdoms of Goguryeo and Baekje as loyal vassals, but this plan did not work out.

Tang also faced repeated attacks from the Tibetan Empire. In 678, a Tang army led by Li Jingxuan suffered a major defeat against the Tibetans.

Tiaolu to Hongdao Eras (679–683)

In 679, a Western Turkic leader, Ashina Duzhi, rebelled. General Pei Xingjian used a clever strategy to surprise and capture him, ending the rebellion.

However, new rebellions started in the former Göktürk territory. In 680, Pei Xingjian defeated the rebels, but the Göktürk khanate would later be permanently re-established.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Li Xian's relationship with Empress Wu worsened. He heard rumors that he was not her biological son and became afraid. Empress Wu suspected him of plotting against her. In 680, she accused him of treason. Emperor Gaozong, on Empress Wu's insistence, removed Li Xian from his position and made Li Zhe (later Emperor Zhongzong), Empress Wu's third son, the new Crown Prince.

In 681 and 682, more rebellions broke out in the Göktürk and Western Turkic territories, causing ongoing problems for the Tang Empire.

Late in 683, Emperor Gaozong became very ill. He was in Luoyang, and only Empress Wu was allowed to see him. She managed all major state affairs. His illness led to blindness. On December 27, 683, Emperor Gaozong died.

Before his death, Emperor Gaozong stated in his will that Crown Prince Li Zhe should become emperor, but Empress Wu should continue to act as regent, making all important decisions for the government and military. This meant Empress Wu would still hold all the real power.

Hui Islamic Legends

In some Hui Islamic legends, Emperor Gaozong is known as Yung Wei, which was the name of the first era of his reign. These legends say he built the first mosque in China, the Huaisheng Mosque in Guangzhou, which still stands today.

Era Names

Yonghui (永徽 yǒng huī) 649–656
Xianqing (顯慶 xiǎn qìng) 656–661
Longshuo (龍朔 lóng shuò) 661–663
Linde (麟德 lín dé) 664–666
Qianfeng (乾封 qián fēng) 666–668
Zongzhang (總章 zǒng zhāng) 668–670
Xianheng (咸亨 xián hēng) 670–674
Shangyuan (上元 shàng yuán) 674–676
Yifeng (儀鳳 yí fèng) 676–679
Tiaolu (調露 tiáo lù) 679–680
Yonglong (永隆 yǒng lóng) 680–681
Kaiyao (開耀 kāi yào) 681–682
Yongchun (永淳 yǒng chūn) 682–683
Hongdao (弘道 hóng dào) 683

Chancellors During His Reign

Zhangsun Wuji (649–659)
Chu Suiliang (649–650, 652–655)
Xu Jingzong (649–670)
Gao Jifu (649–653)
Zhang Xingcheng (649–653)
Yu Zhining (649–659)
Li Ji (649–669)
Yuwen Jie (651–653)
Liu Shi (651–654)
Han Yuan (652–657)
Lai Ji (652–657)
Cui Dunli (653–656)
Li Yifu (655–658, 662–663)
Du Zhenglun (656–658)
Xin Maojiang (658–659)
Xu Yushi (659–662)
Ren Yaxiang (659–662)
Lu Chengqing (659–660)
Shangguan Yi (662–664)
Liu Xiangdao (664)
Dou Dexuan (664–666)
Le Yanwei (664–665)
Sun Chuyue (664–665)
Jiang Ke (665–672)
Lu Dunxin (665–666)
Liu Rengui (665–670, 672–683)
Yang Hongwu (667–668)
Dai Zhide (667–679)
Li Anqi (667)
Zhao Renben (667–670)
Zhang Wenguan (667–678)
Yan Liben (668–673)
Li Jingxuan (669–670, 670–680)
Hao Chujun (669–681)
Lai Heng (676–678)
Xue Yuanchao (676–683)
Li Yiyan (676–683)
Gao Zhizhou (676–679)
Zhang Da'an (677–680)
Wang Dezhen (680)
Pei Yan (680–683)
Cui Zhiwen (680–683)
Guo Daiju (682–683)
Cen Changqian (682–683)
Guo Zhengyi (682–683)
Wei Xuantong (682–683)
Liu Jingxian (682–683)

Family

Emperor Gaozong had several consorts and children:

Empress Wang (628–655)
Empress Zetian (624–705)
- Sons: Li Hong, Li Xian, Li Xian, Li Dan
- Daughters: Princess Andingsi, Princess Taiping
Pure Consort Xiao (died 655)
- Sons: Li Sujie
- Daughters: Princess Jincheng, Princess Gao'an
Lady Liu (died 665)
- Son: Li Zhong
Lady Zheng
- Son: Li Xiao
Lady Yang (died 667)
- Son: Li Shangjin

Images for kids

Qianling Mausoleum, the shared tomb of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu Zetian.

In Popular Culture

Emperor Gaozong has been shown in many TV shows and movies:

Portrayed by Zhao Lei in the 1963 Hong-Kong movie Empress Wu Tse-Tien.
Portrayed by Lo Chun Shun in the 1984 ATV TV series Empress Wu.
Portrayed by Fan Jih Hsing in the 1985 CTV TV series The Empress of the Dynasty.
Portrayed by Chen Baoguo in the 1995 CCTV TV series Wu Zetian.
Portrayed by Li Zhi Xing in the 2000 CCTV TV series Palace of Desire.
Portrayed by Bao Jianfeng in the 2003 CTS TV series Lady Wu: The First Empress.
Portrayed by Zhang Tielin in the 2006 TV series Wu Zi Bei Ge.
Portrayed by Ma Xiao Wei in the 2007 CCTV TV series The Shadow of Empress Wu.
Portrayed by Yu Shao Qun and Winston Chao in the 2011 Hunan TV TV series Secret History of Empress Wu.
Portrayed by Patrick Tam in the 2011 Hunan TV TV series Meng Hui Tang Chao.
Portrayed by Zheng Guo Lin in the 2011 Guangzhou Zonghe Channel TV series Beauty World.
Portrayed by Gao Zi in the 2012 Hunan TV TV series Secret History of Princess Taiping.
Portrayed by Seo Dong-soo in the 2012-2013 KBS1 TV series Dream of the Emperor.
Portrayed by Aarif Rahman in the 2014 Hunan TV TV series The Empress of China.
Portrayed by Yuan Hong in the 2014 ZJTV TV series Young Sherlock.
Portrayed by Yu Rongguang in the 2015 TV series Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties 5.
Portrayed by Qu Ao Hui in the 2017 Anhui TV TV series Legendary Di Renjie.

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Emperor Gaozong of Tang facts for kids

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