Shi Hong

Shi Hong (石弘, 334 – 339) was the third emperor of the Later Zhao dynasty of China, a state of the Sixteen Kingdoms period. He reigned briefly from 337 to 339.

Shi Hong was the son of Shi Hu, the effectively independent ruler of Later Zhao, and Empress Zheng Yingtao. He was installed as emperor by his father in 337, after Shi Hu deposed and killed Shi Hong's older brother Shi Shi. However, Shi Hong held no real power; Shi Hu maintained complete control of the government as regent.

Shi Hong's reign was marked by increasing instability and the consolidation of power in Shi Hu's hands. He was largely a figurehead ruler, used by his father to legitimize his own rule. In 339, Shi Hu finally forced Shi Hong to abdicate, claiming that Shi Hong was unfit to rule. Shi Hu then poisoned Shi Hong, ending his short reign and consolidating his own claim to the imperial title.

Shi Hong's reign is generally viewed by historians as a period of puppet rule, characterized by the cruelty and ambition of Shi Hu. He left no lasting impact on the Later Zhao dynasty. He was given the posthumous name Emperor Yin (隱皇帝, meaning "the hidden emperor") by Shi Hu.