About Zhao Defang
Lived 959 – 981 (aged 21–22). Zhao Defang was a Chinese military personnel.
Zhao Defang (; c. 959–981) was an imperial prince of imperial China's Song dynasty. He was the fourth son of Emperor Taizu and the younger brother of Zhao Dezhao.
He was the 3rd great-grandfather of Emperor Xiaozong of Song.
Biography In 976, Zhao Defang had his first official appointment as the Defense Commissioner of Guizhou, which was quickly followed by appointments of Prefect of Xingyuan (興元, today's Hanzhong), Military Commissioner of Shannanxi Circuit (山南西道, around today's Sichuan) and chancellor. In the winter of 978 he was named Grand Commandant of Inspection (檢校太尉). He died in 981 from an unnamed illness at the young age of 23. Emperor Taizong, his uncle, visited his coffin in tears and cancelled imperial court meetings for 5 days to commemorate him.
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Important facts
Family & relationships
People in Zhao Defang's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Zhao Defang's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Zhao Defang?
Song Dynasty prince
When was Zhao Defang born?
Zhao Defang was born in 959.
When did Zhao Defang die?
Zhao Defang died on 13 April 981.
What was Zhao Defang's occupation?
Zhao Defang was a military personnel.
What nationality was Zhao Defang?
Zhao Defang was Chinese.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Zhao Defang. https://biography.guide/zhao-defang/
MLA: "Zhao Defang." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/zhao-defang/.
Chicago: "Zhao Defang." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/zhao-defang/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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