Emperor Kangxi has been compared to the Renaissance King, the Sun King, Louis XIV of France. Kangxi had the longest reign of all the Qing Dynasty Emperors. He ascended the throne in 1661. 

He took over his Dynasty from the regents appointed by his father.  Nearly immediately, the War of the Three Feudatories began. One of the feudatories rebelled in September 1673.  The other two joined.  For the first few years there was little resistance from the Manchus. Kangxi fought back.  By 1681, the war was over. 

Kangxi also rebuilt Peking.  He opened seaports to foreign trade. He welcomed Western culture, arts, and European refinements. He also worked on the infrastructure in China.  The Grand Canal is the longest, oldest, artificial river in the world and was built long before the Qing Dynasty.  Kangxi repaired it.  Trade flourished under him.  

He published the first Chinese atlas.  He promoted the use of smallpox vaccination. He had a close relationship with many Jesuit priests. He allowed Catholic churches in China and legalized the practice of Christianity.

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