1898 – 1976
The first Premier of the People's Republic of China, serving from 1949 until his death in 1976 and playing a key role in Chinese diplomacy. He was instrumental in establishing China's foreign relations, including the historic opening to the United States in the 1970s.
1926 – 2022
General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 1989 to 2002, who led China through a period of rapid economic growth and international integration. His leadership spanned the aftermath of Tiananmen Square through China's entry into the World Trade Organization.
1893 – 1976
Chinese revolutionary leader who founded the People's Republic of China in 1949 and served as Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party from 1943 until his death. His political philosophy, known as Maoism, transformed China through land reforms, the Great Leap Forward, and the Cultural Revolution.
1955 – 2017
Chinese writer and human rights activist who won the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China. He co-authored Charter 08, a manifesto calling for democratic reforms, and died in custody while serving an 11-year prison sentence.
1906 – 1967
The last Emperor of China, who abdicated the Qing dynasty throne in 1912 at age six and later served as puppet ruler of the Japanese-controlled state of Manchukuo. After World War II, he was imprisoned and later worked as a gardener and museum archivist in Beijing.
1904 – 1997
Chinese leader who initiated economic reforms and opened China to foreign investment after Mao's death, serving as the country's paramount leader from 1978 to 1992. His market-oriented policies transformed China from a planned economy into a mixed economy and lifted millions out of poverty.
1942 – Present
General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party from 2002 to 2012 and President of China during the same period. He oversaw China's rapid economic growth and hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics, while promoting the concept of 'harmonious society.'
1942 – Present
Premier of the People's Republic of China from 2003 to 2013, who led the country through the 2008 global financial crisis and major natural disasters. Trained as a geologist, he was known for his hands-on approach during crises and advocacy for the disadvantaged.
1954 – Present
Hong Kong martial artist and actor known for performing his own dangerous stunts in action-comedy films like Police Story and Rush Hour series. He has appeared in over 150 films and is one of the most recognizable stars in both Asian and Hollywood cinema.
1955 – 2023
Premier of the People's Republic of China from 2013 to 2023, who oversaw economic policy during a period of slower growth and increased focus on domestic consumption. He held a doctorate in economics and was considered a leading voice for market-oriented reforms.
1979 – Present
Chinese actress who rose to international prominence in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and later starred in Memoirs of a Geisha and House of Flying Daggers. She is one of the most successful Chinese actors in Hollywood and serves as a cultural ambassador between East and West.
1935 – Present
The 14th Dalai Lama and spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his non-violent campaign for Tibetan autonomy. He has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet during the 1959 uprising.
1953 – Present
General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party since 2012 and President of China since 2013. He has consolidated power through anti-corruption campaigns and constitutional amendments that removed presidential term limits.
1955 – Present
Chinese novelist who won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature for his surrealistic novels that blend folk tales, history and contemporary life. His works include Red Sorghum and Big Breasts and Wide Hips, often depicting rural Chinese life with magical realism.
1964 – Present
Chinese entrepreneur who co-founded Alibaba Group in 1999, building it into one of the world's largest e-commerce companies. He transformed online commerce in China and became one of the country's wealthiest individuals before stepping back from business operations.
1921 – 2008
Mao Zedong's designated successor who briefly led China as Chairman of the Communist Party from 1976 to 1981 before being outmaneuvered by Deng Xiaoping. His short tenure marked the transition period between the Mao era and China's economic reform period.
1930 – Present
Chinese pharmaceutical chemist who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering artemisinin, a crucial antimalarial drug. Her research, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has saved millions of lives worldwide and revolutionized malaria treatment.
1150 – 1210
Founded of the Mamluk Dynasty (1150-1210)
-454 – -394
Chinese philosopher
-400 – -309
Ancient Chinese physician
-110 – -87
Noblewoman; consort of Emperor Wu of Han
479 – 501
Chinese courtesan and poet
221 – 300
Chinese scholar and poet (221-300)
355 – 434
Chinese Buddhist monk
223 – 262
Chinese writer, poet, philosopher, musician and alchemist (223–262)
