Tan Sitong

Chinese social reformer

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July 14, 2026

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Tan Sitong was a Chinese social reformer and a key figure in the Hundred Days of Reform in 1898. He emphasized people's rights and independence, drawing heavily on Buddhism in his reformist thinking. This period was an attempt by the Chinese state to modernize and reform its social systems following defeats in the Sino-Japanese War and increasing pressure from Western powers. The reform movement, led by Emperor Guangxu and reformers like Kang Youwei, aimed to implement sweeping changes across Chinese society, including educational and governmental reforms. However, conservative forces, led by Empress Dowager Cixi, staged a coup, ending the reform and leading to the execution of six reformers, including Tan Sitong.123

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The Hundred Days of Reform of 1898
Another important reformist thinker, Tan Sitong, relied more heavily on Buddhism than Kang did and emphasized the people’s rights and independence. Liang Qichao was an earnest disciple of Kang but later turned toward people’s rights and nationalism under the influence of Western philosophy.
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Another important reformist thinker, Tan Sitong, relied more heavily on Buddhism than Kang did and emphasized the people’s rights and independence. Liang Qichao was an earnest disciple of Kang but later turned toward people’s rights and nationalism under the influence of Western philosophy.
Read More