Imperial Concubine Ranking

1. Huánghòu (皇后) – Empress (Sole Position)

The Empress is the only legitimate wife of the emperor.

2. Huáng Guìfēi (皇贵妃) – Imperial Noble Consort (Primary First Rank)

The highest-ranking consort below the Empress.

3. Guìfēi (贵妃) – Noble Consort (Secondary First Rank)

Second only to Huáng Guìfēi, but still extremely powerful.

Usually one or two women hold this title at a time.

4. Fēi (妃) – Consort (Primary Third Rank)

The most common title among high-ranking concubines.

Shūfēi (淑妃) – Consort of virtue.

Défēi (德妃) – Consort of morality.

Xiánfēi (贤妃) – Consort of wisdom.

5. Zhāoyí (昭仪) – Imperial Consort of Bright Righteousness (Primary Second Rank)

A high-ranking title, but with less power than Guìfēi.

Typically two to four women hold this rank at a time.

6. Chonghua (充华) – Sixth Rank Concubine

A mid-ranking consort below Zhaoyi, but above Pin.

7. Pín (嫔) – Imperial Concubine (Mid-Ranking Consort)

A respectable title, but with less influence than Fēi.

Typically six to ten women hold this rank.

8. Càirén (才人) – Talented Person (Lower-to-Middle Rank)

A common rank for newly selected concubines.

9. Wényuán (文媛) – Literary Origin (Middle Rank)

This title is given to women who are educated and skilled in literature.

10. Yírén (仪人) – Noble Lady (Middle Rank)

A step above Zhaoyuan, often held by daughters of noble families.

11. Zhàoyuán (昭媛) – Imperial Consort of Bright and Beautiful (Mid-Rank)

A lower consort title granted based on beauty and charm.