Zhang Shicheng

Zhang Shicheng (1321-1367) was a native of Baijuchang, Taizhou (now Baiju, southwest Dafeng, Jiangsu) in the Yuan Dynasty. He was born in a salt dealer family.

In 1353, he and his brother called on the salt traders to rebel against the Yuan Government. They conquered Taizhou, Xinghua and Gaoyou. In January, 1354 of the lunar calendar, he declared himself king in Gaoyou, established the Great Zhou Kingdom, and changed the title of his reigning dynasty into "Tian". In 1356, he chose Pingjiang (now Suzhou, Jiangsu) as his capital.

Later on, defeated by Zhu Yuanzhang, he surrendered to the Yuan court and was appointed as Grand Official (Taiwei) in charge of military affairs. He then grew into a semi-independent ruler in West Zhejiang area. He had supplied Dadu with food by sea for several times.

In 1367, Pingjiang Town (now belonging to Hunan Province) was conquered by Zhu Yuanzhang's troops and Zhang Shicheng was captured. He committed suicide by hanging himself in the end.