Emperor Xingzong of Liao (3 April 1016-28 August 1055) was the Emperor of the Liao dynasty from 1031 to 1055, succeeding Emperor Shengzong of Liao and preceding Emperor Daozong of Liao.
Biography[]
Yelu Zongzhen was born in 1016 to the Buddhist Khitan House of Liao, and he was the son of Emperor Shengzong of Liao. In 1031 he succeeded his father at the age of 15, and it was during his reign that the Liao dynasty began to fall apart, following a golden age under Shengzong. Xingzong was a constant fighter, conquering the Yenisei Kirghiz in 1040 and attacking Xi Xia and the Song dynasty many times. His people were angry at his constant warfare and his lavish self-spending. He died in 1055, and he was succeeded by Emperor Daozong of Liao.