Taiping

Taiping most commonly refers to the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864), a massive civil war in Qing dynasty China. It was led by Hong Xiuquan and other leaders who proclaimed the heavenly kingdom of Taiping with its capital at Tianjing (Nanjing). The movement aimed to overhaul Qing rule and implement reforms such as land distribution, gender equality in some sectors, and social welfare, drawing millions of peasants, laborers, and soldiers. The rebellion disrupted southern and central China for a decade and became one of the largest and deadliest conflicts in the 19th century. It was ultimately suppressed by Qing forces with external assistance and internal rivalries; the fall of Nanjing in 1864 marked the defeat of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and the end of the rebellion. The conflict had lasting effects on Chinese society and Qing governance, influencing later reform movements and the perception of central authority.

Other uses: The name Taiping, meaning great peace in Chinese, appears in multiple geographic locations. Notable examples include Taiping, a town in Perak, Malaysia, known for its colonial-era tin mining and the Taiping Lake Gardens; Taiping Island (Itu Aba) in the Spratly Islands, claimed by Taiwan; and various towns named Taiping in China. In some cases the name honors the same concept of peace, independent of the rebellion.

Etymology and meaning: The term Taiping combines “tai” (great) and “ping” (peace). While most commonly tied to the rebellion, the name also appears in peaceful, non-rebellious place names and contexts where the meaning of peace is central.