Song Taizu ( 宋太祖 ) was the founder of the Song Dynasty of China , and the first emperor of this dynasty from 960 to 976 . He reunited China after years of fragmentation and rebellion after the fall of the Tang dynasty ( 唐朝 ) in 907 .

The Song Dynasty is known for its economic and cultural prosperity. These achievements were due to the policies adopted when the Song Dynasty was established. Zhao Kuangyin, the emperor who founded the Song Dynasty, was one of the important figures who opened up a new era.   He is remembered for his reform of the examination where the bureaucracy favours individual who demonstrate abilities rather than birth. He also created political institutions that advocates freedom of discussions and thoughts, which faciliated the pioneering of scientific advances, economic reforms as well as achievements in arts and literature. After established the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin ( 赵匡胤 ) place the national capital in Kaifeng ( 开封 ) , which was one of the largest and most prosperous metropolises in the world.

In A.D. 927, Zhao Kuangyin was born in Luoyang ( 洛阳 ) . The Tang Dynasty had disintegrated in fierce armed conflicts and China had once again entered into a period of separate regimes historically known as the period of "Five Dynasties and Ten States", in which produce their heroes. In A.D. 960, Zhao Kuangyin, commander of the Later Zhou's imperial army, suddenly launched a mutiny at Chenqiao ( 陈桥 ) near Kaifeng. His troops stormed into the city of Kaifeng . Zhao Kuangyin became the first emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty.

s soon as he mounted the throne, Zhao Kuangyin began his cause of reunification. Before his death, the Song court had conquered the separate regimes south of the Yellow River . China was reunified after many years of separation.  

Zhao Kuangyin was most afraid that his dynasty would be another short － lived one after the Five Dynasties. He played clever political tricks to weaken the power of those who had rendered outstanding services. He put civil officials in important positions of administration, removing the hidden danger of an internal split.

He also adjusted economic policies. He made soldiers work in the fields to reduce unpaid labour of peasants. After years of war, agricultural production grew rapidly.

 Zhao Kuangyin initiated a practical style of moderate and rational government. Such a style was followed for the most part of the Song Dynasty. The unrestrained political environment made it possible for scholars to participate in and discuss state affairs. This was very significant for the development of all cultural undertakings. Many Chinese writers, philosophers and historians distinguished themselves during the Song Dynasty for more than 300 years. Some important scientific and technological innovations were recorded in those days.    

hen Zhao Kuangyin was born, China had just entered an era of chaos. When he passed away, an era of political unity and economic prosperity had begun. As a key figure at the turning point of history, Zhao Kuangyin performed immortal feats. Zhao Kuangyin's ruling strategy influenced his descendents, and succeeding Song emperors also emphasized economic and cultural development at the cost of military defense. He reigned for 16 years and died in 976 at the age of 49, and he was succeeded by his younger brother.