Liu Bang, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, was born into a peasant family living in what is now known as Jiangsu Province. According to Chinese history, he was called emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty.

In 206 BC, Liu Bang rebelled against the despotic rule of the Qin Dynasty and together with Xiang Yu, led the uprising army against the Qin. In Oct of 206 BC, Liu Bang and his army attacked Xianyang, then the capital of the Qin and overthrew the Qin Dynasty. His first step was to abolish the harsh law of the Qin and establish a new one that was supported by the people.

During the next four years, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu vied for control of the throne. After a series of battles, known as the Chu-Han War, Liu Bang emerged as the victor. Credited with his ability to both adopt his subordinate's good advice as well as with the political acumen to unite other anti-Xiang Yu forces, he eventually won the war.

In 202 BC, Liu Bang established the Han Dynasty with the capital of Chang'an (present Xian). In the history books, the dynasty was called the Western Han Dynasty.

As emperor, Liu Bang took a series of measures that were good for his people. He ordered the reduction of field taxes levied on the peasants and let the armies go back to farming. Because of his strong leadership and effective measures, the economy recovered quickly and stability returned to the society. In the annuals of Chinese history, Liu Bang was regarded as an emperor who contributed a tremendous amount to the prosperity of the Han Dynasty.