Kangxi Emperor

The Kangxi Emperor (4 May 1654 – 20 December 1722), also known by his temple name Emperor Shengzu of Qing, personal name Xuanye, was the third emperor of the Qing dynasty and the second Qing emperor to rule over China proper. His reign lasted 61 years, making it the longest in Chinese history and one of the longest recorded for any ruler globally. He is recognized as one of China's historical monarchs.

Born in Jingren Palace within the Forbidden City in Beijing, he was the third son of the Shunzhi Emperor and Empress Xiaokangzhang. His birth date is recorded as 4 May 1654. He was initially given the Chinese name Xuanye (玄燁). Kangxi was enthroned at the age of seven (or eight by East Asian age reckoning) on 7 February 1661; however, the era name "Kangxi" began being used officially from 18 February 1662.

Prior to his accession, regents appointed by the Shunzhi Emperor—Sonin, Suksaha, Ebilun, and Oboi—exercised power during the early years of his minority. After assuming personal control, Kangxi undertook efforts to consolidate his authority, including attempting to revoke the fiefdoms of feudal princes, which led to the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. This rebellion was suppressed by his government. During his military campaigns, he compelled the Kingdom of Tungning in Taiwan and Mongol tribes in the north and northwest to submit to Qing rule. Additionally, he led expeditions that incorporated Tibet into the empire.

In terms of foreign relations, Kangxi initially welcomed Jesuit missionaries and supported Catholic propagation in China. His court benefitted from their technological and astronomical expertise. Nonetheless, his stance toward Christianity became more restrictive following conflicts over Chinese religious rites and the Papal condemnation of certain Chinese rituals; he issued policies that eventually curtailed Christian missions within China.

Kangxi's imperial administration included notable cultural and scholarly projects. These included the compilation of the Kangxi Dictionary, a comprehensive lexicon of Chinese characters, as well as collections of Tang poetry and classical texts such as the Complete Classics Collection of Ancient China. His court also engaged with Western technology and science, facilitated by Jesuit experts like Ferdinand Verbiest and Matteo Ripa, contributing to cartography, astronomy, and the arts.

During his reign, the empire experienced relative stability and economic growth after decades of conflict. The treasury records indicate an increase in the national wealth, reaching approximately 50 million taels during the early 1700s, before gradually declining in later years due to military expenditures and corruption.

Kangxi’s military achievements included the suppression of internal rebellions, notably the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, which lasted from 1673 to 1681. He employed primarily Han Chinese Green Standard Army soldiers and strategically used Manchu Bannermen. His campaigns extended into Taiwan, defeating the Ming loyalist Zheng family forces and incorporating Taiwan into Qing dominion in 1683. His border conflicts with Russia culminated in the Treaty of Nerchinsk in 1689, establishing a preliminary border along the Amur River.

In the Inner Mongolian regions, Kangxi subjugated revolting chieftains and consolidated Qing control over the Mongol tribes. He led military campaigns against the Dzungar Khanate, defeating Galdan Boshugtu Khan in 1696–1697. His policies aimed at integrating Inner Mongolia, Tibet, and other frontier regions into the empire.

Relations with Tibet were marked by military campaigns and political appointments. In 1701, Kangxi reconquered territory in western Sichuan, and he appointed Lha-bzang Khan as regent of Tibet after toppling the regent Sangye Gyatso in 1705. His forces retook Lhasa from the Dzungar invaders in 1720, establishing Qing authority over Tibet.

During his reign, Kangxi also dealt with internal succession disputes, notably over his crown prince, Yinreng, whom he deposed and reinstated multiple times due to misconduct and political rivalries. Upon his death in 1722 at age 68, his fourth son, Yinzhen, succeeded him as the Yongzheng Emperor.

Kangxi's posthumous name is extended to encompass his accomplishments in both governance and culture, reflecting his role in consolidating Qing rule and promoting Confucian ideals. He was buried at the Eastern Tombs in Zunhua, Hebei.