Huang Chao

It has been suggested that this article be split into a new article titled Huang Chao Rebellion. (Discuss) (February 2023)

Huang Chao
Emperor of Qi
Reign	January 16, 881[1][2] – July 13, 884
Born	835
Died	July 13, 884 (48–49) [1][3]
Full name Family name: Huáng (黃) Given name: Cháo (巢) Era dates Wángbà (王霸) 878–880 Jīntǒng (金統) 881–884 Regnal name Emperor Chengtian Yingyun Qisheng Ruiwen Xuanwu (承天應運啓聖睿文宣武皇帝)
House	Huang
Dynasty	Huang Qi (黃齊)[2]

Huang Chao (835 – July 13, 884) was a wealthy Chinese salt trader and soldier who rebelled against the Tang dynasty. In 878, he proclaimed himself emperor and the establishment of a new Qi dynasty. Huang Chao's rebellion severely weakened and almost defeated the Tang dynasty had he not been betrayed and assassinated by one of his own trusted nephews who had been bribed with money and positions of power by the Tang government.

Huang Chao had worked many years as a salt trader before joining Wang Xianzhi's rebellion against the Tang dynasty in the mid-870s. After splitting with Wang, his army turned south and conquered Guangzhou. In 881, his troops captured the Tang capital Chang'an, forcing Emperor Xizong of Tang to flee. Huang Chao then took the throne and reigned for almost four years, but was eventually defeated in battle by Tang army led by the Shatuo chieftain Li Keyong in 883 and forced to desert and escape Chang'an. Following successive defeats, including to former subordinates Zhu Wen and Shang Rang who had surrendered to Tang, Huang Chao was allegedly killed by his nephew Lin Yan, although the reports are inconclusive. Some other sources state that Huang Chao had escaped to safety with his family, servants, bodyguards and his imperial staff.