and zhou, emperor kangxi, noble merits, qing dynasty, shang, sun qizhan, three dynasties xia, wanshou jie

Emperor Kangxi, Who Ruled by Heaven’s Will, Loved the World as He Loved Himself

In the ninth year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign, the highly ranked court scholar Sun Qizhan, who served as an attendant and secretary beside the Emperor, recorded some character traits he had observed about Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Kangxi’s character traits Modest and diligent, respects Heaven, and loves the people Emperor Kangxi pondered: “How can I surpass ...

Michael Segarty

Emperor Kangxi.

The Emperor’s Dilemma: Selecting a Successor in Ancient China

In ancient times, an emperor’s selection of a successor was a matter of paramount importance, a decision that could not be taken lightly. The future of the “realm” rested on this choice: Which son would inherit the throne? Who possessed the capability and wisdom to sustain a nation? With only one crown for the taking, ...

Michael Segarty

'The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour.'

A Scholar Who Failed the Imperial Exam Became the Emperor’s Teacher

During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, there was once a scholar who traveled a great distance from his hometown to reach the capital in order to sit for the Imperial Exam. Although he was knowledgeable, he failed to pass the exam. People who knew him felt sorry for him. Annoyed at this outcome, ...

Mikel Davis

Chinese landscape painting with a pavilion on a lake next to a bridge.

The 5 Most Outstanding World Emperors

The history of China spans 5,000 years, from the Xia Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. There have been more than a dozen dynasties in rotation and hundreds of emperors in one generation, including all the Ming kings and tyrants. If we look at history books and compare the achievements made in all ...

Max Lu

Emperor Taizong of Tang.

Emperor Kangxi: The Longest Reigning Emperor in China

The longest reigning emperor in China’s history was Emperor Kangxi, who ruled for 61 years. Following the death of his father, Emperor Shunzhi, at the age of 22 from smallpox, Aixinjueluo inherited the throne on February 7, 1661, at age 7. The following year, he changed his name to Kangxi. He began the administration of state affairs at ...

Max Lu

Emperor Kangxi.

Emperor Kangxi’s Family Maxims Illustrate Traditional Chinese Civilization

Emperor Kangxi worked diligently all his life — cultivating himself, regulating the family, managing the state, and bringing peace to the world. Most of his offspring were blessed with both brains and physical prowess. He left in his teachings a maxim for future generations in which he summarized the way of teaching children and illustrated the Chinese ...

Helen London

A lotus flower.

Legend of How a Pre-Teen Emperor Outwitted a Powerful General

Chinese History tells of many incredible stories about great personalities who, through the merit of their moral character, would often portray almost inhuman abilities to withstand adversity and overcome tribulations. One such very striking story is about a young Chinese emperor, who was only a child at the time when this story begins to unfold. ...

Hermann Rohr

Emperor Kangxi.

Striking Similarities Between Emperor Kangxi and King Louis XIV

In China, the 130 years of strong Qing leadership began with Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) followed by Yongzheng (1678-1735) and then Qianlong (1711-1799). In France, the time during which King Louis XIV (1638-1718) ruled was regarded as the Grand Century. The reign of France’s Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, lasted 72 years, which is ...

Hermann Rohr

Kangxi and Louis XIV.