Chinese emperor of the Tang dynasty. Born 685, died 761. Reigned 712-756.
Representing the peak of the Tang dynasty's power, Emperor Xuan Zong strengthened centralised government; reduced corruption in the bureaucracy; directed the construction of grand canal projects; and reformed the military. He also contributed to the arts and music] by his patronage.
From 740 on, Xuan Zong gradually lost control over his government, as his concubine Yang Guifei managed to secure the placement of her relatives in influential government positions. In 756, the emperor had to flee to Sichuan to escape the rebellion of the provincial governor An Lushan. In exile, Xuan Zong abdicated.