Hong Xiuquan Biography: Height, Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Cause of Death, Children

Hong Xiuquan, born in 1814 in Huaxian, Guangdong province, China, was a significant figure in Chinese history due to his leadership role in the Taiping Rebellion, a massive civil war against the Qing dynasty.

  After experiencing a series of visions, he proclaimed himself the younger brother of Jesus Christ and established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, aiming to reform Chinese society and religion.

His movement attracted millions and led to one of the deadliest conflicts in history.

Profile

• Full name: Hong Xiuquan
• Nickname: Hong Huoxiu
• Date of birth: January 1, 1814
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Huaxian (now Huadu), Guangdong province, China
• State of origin: Guangdong
• Nationality: Chinese
• Profession: Religious leader, revolutionary
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Father: Hong Jingyang; Mother: Madam Wang
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Lai Xiying
• Children: Hong Tianguifu
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christianity (self-proclaimed interpretation)
• Ethnicity: Hakka
• Net worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Hong Xiuquan was born on January 1, 1814, in Huaxian, Guangdong province, into a poor Hakka family. His father, Hong Jingyang, and mother, Madam Wang, supported his education despite financial hardships. At the age of five, he began studying at a primary school in his village, where he learned to recite the Four Books, essential Confucian texts.

His family hoped he would pass the imperial civil service examinations to secure a stable government position. Hong took the examinations multiple times but failed each attempt, leading to a nervous breakdown after his third failure in 1837. During this period, he experienced visions that would later form the basis of his religious beliefs.

Personal Life

Hong Xiuquan was married to Lai Xiying, and they had a son named Hong Tianguifu. Details about his personal life are limited, but his family played roles within the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. After Hong’s death, his son was named his successor, although the movement soon collapsed.

Career

Following his visions, Hong Xiuquan believed he was the younger brother of Jesus Christ, tasked with establishing a new, heavenly kingdom on earth. He founded the God Worshipping Society, which attracted many followers, particularly among the Hakka people and other marginalized groups.  

In 1851, he launched the Taiping Rebellion against the Qing dynasty, proclaiming the establishment of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. The movement aimed to overthrow the Qing government and implement radical social reforms, including communal property, gender equality, and the abolition of practices such as foot-binding.  

At its height, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom controlled significant portions of southern China, with Nanjing as its capital. However, internal conflicts and external pressures eventually led to its downfall.

Net Worth

Hong Xiuquan’s net worth in today’s money would be around $1 million.

Death

Hong Xiuquan died on June 1, 1864, in Nanjing during the final stages of the Taiping Rebellion. Reports suggest he died from illness, possibly exacerbated by malnutrition, as he resorted to eating wild herbs during a siege. His death marked the beginning of the end for the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, which fell shortly thereafter.

Controversy

Hong Xiuquan’s life and leadership were fraught with controversy. His claim to be the younger brother of Jesus Christ was met with skepticism and opposition from both traditional Chinese and Christian missionaries.

The Taiping Rebellion, under his leadership, resulted in the deaths of an estimated 20 million people, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in history. Critics argue that his rigid policies, including strict moral codes and the destruction of traditional Chinese cultural artifacts, alienated many and contributed to the movement’s downfall.

Additionally, internal power struggles and his withdrawal from active leadership in later years led to administrative chaos within the Taiping regime. These factors, combined with military defeats, ultimately led to the collapse of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

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