Biography of Puyi

Biography of Puyi The Last Emperor

Learn about the biography of Puyi, the last emperor of China, including his early life, revolution, life after losing the throne, and interesting facts

Biography of Puyi

• Occupation: Emperor of China
• Born: February 7, 1906 in Beijing, China 
• Died: October 17, 1967 in Beijing, China
• Reign: December 2, 1908 to February 12, 1912 and July 1, 1917 to July 12, 1917
• Best known for: He was the last emperor of China

Biography of Puyi

Life story : Biography of Puyi

On February 7, 1906, Puyi was born into the Chinese royal family. Princess Youlan was his mother, and Prince Chun was his father. Puyi was raised in the imperial palace and had limited exposure to the outside world.

Child Emperor

When Puyi was made the emperor of China at the age of two, he had no idea what was happening. He shed many tears during the event. Puyi’s four years as emperor were spent having a regent govern China instead of him personally. However, he was treated like an emperor. Everywhere he went, the servants bowed before him and followed his every directive.

Revolution

China’s populace rose up in rebellion against the Qing Dynasty in 1911. China’s government was replaced by the Republic of China. Puyi was forced to abandon his reign in 1912 and lost all of his authority as a result. Despite having no formal position in the government, the authorities permitted him to retain his title and reside in the Forbidden Palace.

Emperor Again

For a short period of time in 1917, Puyi was restored to the throne by the Chinese warlord Zhang Xun. He only ruled for twelve days (July 1 to July 12), however, as the republican government quickly took back control.

Out of the Forbidden City

Puyi continued to live a quiet life in the Forbidden City for many years. In 1924, everything changed when the Republic of China formally took away his title as emperor. They also forced him to leave the Forbidden City. Puyi was now just a regular citizen of China.

Ruler of Manchukuo

Puyi went to live in the Japanese controlled city of Tianjin. He struck up a deal to become the leader of the country of Manchukuo in 1932. Manchukuo was a region in Northern China controlled by Japan. Puyi had little power and was mostly a figurehead for the Japanese.

World War II

When the Japanese lost World War II in 1945, Puyi was captured by the Soviet Union. They held him captive until 1949, when he was sent back to Communist China. Puyi spent the next 10 years in prison being reeducated in the ways of communism.

Becoming a Citizen

In 1959, Puyi became a regular citizen of the People’s Republic of China. He first went to work as a gardener and then as a literary researcher. He also wrote an autobiography of his life called From Emperor to Citizen.

Death

Puyi died in 1967 from kidney cancer.

Facts about Puyi (The Last Emperor)

• His great-grandfather was the Xianfeng Emperor who ruled from 1850 to 1861.
• The movie The Last Emperor tells the story of Puyi’s life. It won nine Academy Awards including Best Picture.
• His official title was the Xuantong Emperor.
• He had five wives, but no children.
• He sometimes went by the western name “Henry.”

Biography of Puyi

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