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Emperor Guangzong of Song

1147 – 1200

Emperor of the Song Dynasty

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About Emperor Guangzong of Song

Lived 1147 – 1200 (aged 52). Emperor Guangzong of Song was a Chinese ruler.

Emperor Guangzong of Song (30 September 1147 – 17 September 1200), personal name Zhao Dun, was the 12th emperor of the Song dynasty of China and the third emperor of the Southern Song dynasty.

He was the third son of his predecessor, Emperor Xiaozong. His mother was Emperor Xiaozong's first wife, Lady Guo (郭氏; 1126–1156), who was posthumously honoured as "Empress Chengmu" (成穆皇后). His reign was relatively peaceful, but his lack of filial piety eventually made officials replace him with his son Emperor Ningzong.

Early life During his childhood, Guangzong either suffered from bipolar or severe neurosis. Despite this, Guangzong was reportedly filial to his father even though his father kept on delaying the succession.

In 1184, he was promoted from the ruler of a Zhou to Fu.

Emperor Xiaozong abdicated in favor of his son Emperor Guangzong in 1189, which Emperor Guangzong later described his crowning as king or heir apparent as a "double celebration", which gave the city of Chongqing its present-day name in honour of Guangzong.

Reign Chinese 2 Cash coin from the Southern Song dynasty, struck during the reign of Guangzong. Upon the succession of Emperor Guangzong in 1189, it was actually suggested that Empress Dowager Wu would act as his regent, because of his poor health.

Guangzong constantly accompanied his father in tours and banquets.

Family Empress Ciyi, of the Li clan (; 1144–1200), personal name Fengniang Zhao Ting , first son Zhao Kuo, Ningzong (; 1168–1224), second son Princess Qi'an , third daughter Noble Consort, of the Huang clan (貴妃 黃氏 d. 14 December 1191) unborn child (d.1191) Noble Consort, of the Zhang clan (贵妃 张氏) Jieyu, of the Fu clan (婕妤 符氏) Unknown Princess Wen'an , first daughter Princess Hezheng , second daughter

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Positions held
Emperor of China, Taishang Huang
Also known as
Emperor Guangzong, Zhao Dun, Guang Zong

Family & relationships

Spouse
Empress Li Fengniang
Child
Emperor Ningzong of Song
Parent
Emperor Xiaozong of Song

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Emperor Guangzong of Song's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Emperor Guangzong of Song?

emperor of the Song Dynasty

When was Emperor Guangzong of Song born?

Emperor Guangzong of Song was born on 7 October 1147 in Hangzhou.

When did Emperor Guangzong of Song die?

Emperor Guangzong of Song died on 24 September 1200.

What was Emperor Guangzong of Song's occupation?

Emperor Guangzong of Song was a ruler.

What nationality was Emperor Guangzong of Song?

Emperor Guangzong of Song was Chinese.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Emperor Guangzong of Song

· Wikidata: Q7494

· DBpedia: Emperor Guangzong of Song

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Emperor Guangzong of Song. https://biography.guide/emperor-guangzong-of-song/

MLA: "Emperor Guangzong of Song." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/emperor-guangzong-of-song/.

Chicago: "Emperor Guangzong of Song." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/emperor-guangzong-of-song/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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