Emperor Kangxi (1654 AD–1722 AD)

The fourth ruler of the Qing dynasty was Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Kangxi held the throne for 61 years between 1661 and 1722 AD, making him one of the world's longest-serving monarchs. He ascended the throne at the age of seven and ruled under his grandmother, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, and four other regents.

After Kangxi became emperor, he quickly seized control from his regents and put an end to a significant insurrection in Southern and Western China. Later, he also stopped the Russian Empire's expansionist operations and put an end to the Anti-Manchu forces who were located in Southeast China. Emperor Kangxi was a prominent military commander who put an end to several rebel assaults. He formed the Tungning Kingdom in Taiwan after quelling the Three Emperors' Mongol uprising.

After years of conflict and unrest, Emperor Kangxi's reign produced a long-lasting calm and relative prosperity. He started the era known as the "Prosperous Period of Kangxi and Qianlong" or "Gao Qing," which continued for many generations after his passing. His court also produced literary works such as the Quan Tangshi poetry collection and the Kangxi Dictionary. When it was finished, this dictionary included more than 47,000 characters and served as the standard reference for all Chinese academics for the following 200 years.

In short, Emperor Kangxi of Qing:

• was one of the world's longest-serving monarchs who held the throne for 61 years between 1661 and 1722 AD.
• a prominent military commander who put an end to several rebel assaults.
• his reign produced a long-lasting calm and relative prosperity.