Emperor Shunzong of Tang (761 – February 11, 806), personal name Li Song, is an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty.
He is created crown prince in 779 and becomes emperor in 805 after the death of his father Emperor Dezong, of whom he is the oldest son.
His reign lasts less than a year, as, due to his illness, the powerful eunuchs are able to get him to approve a transfer of the throne to his son Li Chun, who takes the throne as Emperor Xianzong.
Emperor Shunzong is honored with the title of Taishang Huang (retired emperor).
He dies in 806, with some later historians suspecting that he was murdered by the eunuchs who arranged for Emperor Xianzong's succession.
During his short reign, Emperor Shunzong and his close associates Wang Shuwen and Wang Pi employ individuals such as Liu Zongyuan, Liu Yuxi, Han Ye, and Han Tai, in trying to reform and rejuvenate the administration.
His reforms, intended to strengthen imperial power over regional warlords and eunuchs, are later known as the Yongzhen Reformation, named after his era name of Yongzhen.
While Emperor Shunzong's associates lose power after his yielding of the throne, Emperor Xianzong's subsequent reign is known for its reassertion of imperial power.
