Dong Zhongshu
Premier Confucian scholar, philosopher, and official during the Western Han
About Dong Zhongshu
Lived 179 BC – 104 BC (aged 74–75). Dong Zhongshu was a Chinese philosopher, writer, politician and statesperson.
Dong Zhongshu (; 179–104 BC) was a Chinese philosopher, politician, and writer of the Han dynasty. He is traditionally associated with the promotion of Confucianism as the official ideology of the Chinese imperial state, favoring heaven worship over the tradition of cults celebrating the five elements. Enjoying great influence in the court in the last decades of his life, his adversary
Gongsun Hong ultimately
promoted his partial retirement from political life by banishing him to the Chancellery of Weifang, but his teachings were transmitted from there.
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Important facts
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Ton-chong-chu, Tou-chong-chuPeople in Dong Zhongshu's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Dong Zhongshu's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Dong Zhongshu?
Premier Confucian scholar, philosopher, and official during the Western Han
When was Dong Zhongshu born?
Dong Zhongshu was born in 179 BC in Jing County.
When did Dong Zhongshu die?
Dong Zhongshu died in 104 BC in Xi'an.
What was Dong Zhongshu's occupation?
Dong Zhongshu was a philosopher, writer, politician and statesperson.
What nationality was Dong Zhongshu?
Dong Zhongshu was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Dong Zhongshu. https://biography.guide/dong-zhongshu/
MLA: "Dong Zhongshu." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/dong-zhongshu/.
Chicago: "Dong Zhongshu." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/dong-zhongshu/.
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