Emperors of the Ming Dynasty
| Order | Name | Notes | Reign Time (years) |
| 1 | Ming Taizu (Zhu Yuanzhang) |
Founder of the Ming Dynasty; once entered a monastery and later a leader of the peasant's uprising army. In 1368, he proclaimed himself emperor in Nanjing. | 1368 - 1398 |
| 2 | Ming Huizong (Zhu Yunwen) |
Grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang; Originally, his father Zhu Biao was designated as the heir. He came to the throne because of Zhu Biao's early death. | 1399 - 1402 |
| 3 | Ming Chengzu (Zhu Di) |
The fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang; He usurped the throne by from the hands of Zhu Yunwen. His reign was said to be the most prosperous period of the Ming Dynasty. | 1403 - 1424 |
| 4 | Ming Renzong (Zhu Gaochi ) |
The eldest son of Zhu Di; His reign was short because of his early death. But he was remembered as an innovative emperor. | 1425 |
| 5 | Ming Xuanzong (Zhu Zhanji) |
Son of Emperor Renzong; ruled for ten years and died of illness | 1426 - 1435 |
| 6 | Ming Yingzong (Zhu Qizhen) |
Son of Emperor Xuanzong; He ascended the throne at eight and was later imprisoned by Mongols. After being house arrested for seven years, his launched a coup and regained his second reign. | 1436 - 1449, 1457 - 1464 |
| 7 | Ming Daizong (Zhu Qiyu) |
Younger brother of Yingzong; He was put on the throne after his brother was captured by Mongols. | 1450 - 1457 |
| 8 | Ming Xianzong (Zhu Jianshen) |
Son of Emperor Yingzong; He ascended the throne at 17 and was once infatuated with a consort who was 19 years old than he was. | 1465 - 1487 |
| 9 | Ming Xiaozong (Zhu Youtang) |
Son of Emperor Xianzong; He was the sole perpetually monogamous emperor in the whole of Chinese history. | 1488 - 1505 |
| 10 | Ming Wuzong (Zhu Houzhao) |
The eldest son of Emperor Xiaozong; He was irresponsible and indulged himself in playing with women. | 1506 - 1521 |
| 11 | Ming Shizong (Zhu Houcong) |
Cousin of Emperor Wuzong and nephew of Emperor Xiaozong; He was also infatuated with women as well as Taoist alchemical pursuits. | 1522 - 1566 |
| 12 | Ming Muzong (Zhu Zaihou) |
Son of Emperor Shizong; He was considered as an open-minded emperor since he used to adopt a series of positive policies the reverse the declining situation. | 1567 - 1572 |
| 13 | Ming Shenzong (Zhu Yijun) |
Son of Emperor Muzong; His reign was the longest one among the Ming emperors. He also received Matteo Ricci the first Christian missionary. | 1573 - 1620 |
| 14 | Ming Guangzong (Zhu Changluo) |
The eldest son of Shenzong; His reign was less than a half year due to his mysterious death which was probably caused by the so-called red pills. | 1620 |
| 15 | Ming Xizong (Zhu Youxiao) |
The eldest son of Guangzong; He came to the throne at 15 and his reign was controlled by a treacherous court official named Wei Zhongxian. | 1621 - 1627 |
| 16 | Ming Weizong (Zhu Youjian) |
Son of Guangzong and younger brother of Xizong; He reign was thought to hasten the end of the Ming Dynasty. In 1644, he committed suicide in Jingshan Park after Li Zicheng captured Beijing. | 1628 - 1644 |