Person

Chen Shubao

553–604 · 6th century · Also known as Houzhu of Chen

Chen Shubao was the last emperor of the Chen dynasty, reigning from 582 to 589. Later historians portrayed him as devoted to poetry, banquets and palace favourites while neglecting defence. In 589 Sui armies crossed the Yangtze and took Jiankang almost unopposed, capturing him and ending the period of division between north and south China. He died in honourable captivity.

Chen Shubao
Image: Yan Liben · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Mentioned in 1 state history

Chen dynasty

See also

Cite this entry
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Chen Shubao. In The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/chen-shubao
MLA
“Chen Shubao.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/chen-shubao. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Chen Shubao.” The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/chen-shubao.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Chen Shubao’, The Epoch Institute Encyclopedia. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/encyclopedia/chen-shubao (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random entry ↻