Chang Hsien-Chung
Chang Hsien-Chung
Born 1606; died 1647. A leader of the Peasant War of 1628–45 in China.
In 1630, Chang Hsien-chung headed a rebel detachment in Shensi Province. In 1635, with Li Tzu-ch’eng, he conducted a campaign in Anhwei Province; he began independent operations in the province in the following year. In 1638 he surrendered to the government and was appointed garrison commander at Kuch’eng, in Hupeh Province. Chang raised another rebellion in 1639 and fought in Hunan and Hupeh. In 1644 he seized the city of Ch’engtu, the capital of Szechwan Province, and proclaimed himself “sovereign of the Great Western State.” In January 1647, Chang was defeated by Manchu and Chinese feudal lords.