Kangxi Emperor

The Kangxi Emperor (1654-1722) was the fourth emperor of China's Qing dynasty, reigning from 1661 to 1722, the longest reign of any Chinese emperor in history at 61 years. Coming to the throne as a child, he later took personal control of government, suppressed the Revolt of the Three Feudatories that threatened the young dynasty, and extended Qing control over Taiwan, Mongolia and parts of Central Asia. His reign is remembered as a period of consolidation and cultural flourishing, during which he sponsored major scholarly projects, including the Kangxi Dictionary, still an important reference work for Chinese characters. Along with his grandson the Qianlong Emperor, his rule is often considered part of a high point of Qing dynasty power and stability known as the High Qing era.