Li Xiong

Li Xiong (李雄) (died 334), courtesy name Zhongjun (仲儁), was the founder and first emperor of the Cheng Han dynasty during the Sixteen Kingdoms period of Chinese history.

Li Xiong was a member of the Ba-Di (巴氐) ethnicity, a non-Han Chinese people from present-day Sichuan and Chongqing. His father, Li Te, led a major rebellion against the Jin Dynasty (266-420) government in Yi Province (益州, modern Sichuan) due to heavy taxation and mistreatment of Ba-Di migrants. After Li Te was killed in battle, Li Xiong continued the rebellion.

In 303, Li Xiong declared himself Grand General, Great Governor of Liang Province, and Duke of Chengdu. In 304, he declared himself King of Chengdu. He captured Chengdu in 306 and formally declared himself emperor, establishing the Cheng Han dynasty.

Li Xiong's reign was marked by relative stability and economic growth compared to the preceding Jin Dynasty administration in the region. He focused on agricultural development and lowered taxes. He also attempted to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring Jin Dynasty forces where possible.

Li Xiong's successor was his nephew, Li Ban.