Emperor Xianzong Li Chun was the eldest son of Emperor Shunzong.

In August, 805, Li Chun ascended the throne under the help of the eunuch Ju Wenzhen and others. During his reign, he attached special attention to straighten out the financial condition of the Jianghuai area so as to increase state revenue. In the mean time, he imposed sanction against the separatist forces with legal means and squashed their rebellion by taking advantage of the conflicts among separatist forces, thus the authority of the court was greatly enhanced. After that, the domineering situation of the separatist force temporarily came to an end, and the country gained reunification in form. It is called "Resurgence of Yuanhe" in history.

Emperor Xianzong was diligent, intelligent and incorruptible, and could put himself in the position of common people when dealing with political affairs. He was a wise emperor after the "An-Shi Rebellion".