Alternative Titles:
Empress Dowager, The Dragon Lady, Tz’u-hsi, Xiaoqin Xianhuanghou, Xitaihou, Yehenara
Cixi, Wade-Giles romanization Tz’u-hsi, also called Xitaihou, or Xiaoqin Xianhuanghou, byname Empress Dowager (born November 29, 1835, Beijing, China—died November 15, 1908, Beijing), consort of the Xianfeng emperor (reigned 1850–61), mother of the Tongzhi emperor (reigned 1861–75), adoptive mother of the Guangxu emperor (reigned 1875–1908), and a towering presence over the Chinese empire for almost half a century. Ruling through a clique of conservative, corrupt officials and maintaining authority over the Manchu imperial house (Qing dynasty, 1644–1911/12), she became one of the most powerful women in the history of China.
- Cixi, c. 1904.Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis
Cixi was one of ... (100 of 603 words)