Emperor Yizong of Western Xia
Emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty
About Emperor Yizong of Western Xia
Lived 1047 – 1068 (aged 20–21). Emperor Yizong of Western Xia was a Chinese.
Emperor Yizong of Western Xia (1047–1068), sinicized name Li Liangzuo , was the second emperor of the Western Xia dynasty of China, reigning from 1048 to 1067. Yizong was also known by his Tangut name Ningling Liangcha (寧令兩岔). "Ningling" (寧令, Tangut: ) was his Tangut title, which meant "Grand Prince", while "Liangcha" (兩岔) was his personal name.
After the death of his father, Li Yuanhao (Emperor Jingzong) in 1048, Yizong assumed the throne at the age of one, but most of the power laid in the hands of his mother the Empress Dowager. In 1049, the Liao dynasty attacked the Western Xia and forced it to become a vassal state. In 1056, the Dowager was killed and Yizong's uncle, Mozang Epang, became the regent. In 1061, Yizong's uncle and cousin plotted against him, so he had them executed and assumed direct control of the Western Xia.
Yizong expanded the central government, adding many offices. He made the armies more efficient and improved his control over faraway states. Yizong began to attack the Northern Song dynasty and raided their villages. He also forced the Turpan leader to surrender. In later years, Yizong began to improve diplomatic relationships with the Northern Song and Liao dynasties. He died suddenly in 1068.
Family Consorts and issues:
Empress, of the Mozang clan (皇后沒藏氏, d.1061), daughter of Mozang Epang Empress Gongsu, of the Liang clan (恭肅皇后梁氏, d.1085), personal name Luoyao (落瑤) Li Bingchang, Emperor Huizong (西夏惠宗 李秉常; 1060 – 1086), 1st son Princess Li (李氏), 1st daughter Married son of Dong Zhan (董毡), Dong Tongbi (董通比)
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Important facts
Family & relationships
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Emperor Yizong of Western Xia's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Emperor Yizong of Western Xia?
emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty
When was Emperor Yizong of Western Xia born?
Emperor Yizong of Western Xia was born on 5 March 1047.
When did Emperor Yizong of Western Xia die?
Emperor Yizong of Western Xia died in 1068.
What nationality was Emperor Yizong of Western Xia?
Emperor Yizong of Western Xia was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Emperor Yizong of Western Xia
· DBpedia: Emperor Yizong of Western Xia
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Emperor Yizong of Western Xia. https://biography.guide/emperor-yizong-of-western-xia/
MLA: "Emperor Yizong of Western Xia." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/emperor-yizong-of-western-xia/.
Chicago: "Emperor Yizong of Western Xia." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/emperor-yizong-of-western-xia/.
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