Guan Zhong (c. 720-645 BC) was a chancellor and reformer of the
State of Qi during the
Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history. His
given name was
Yíwú (夷吾).
Zhong was his
courtesy name. Recommended by
Bao Shuya, he was appointed Prime Minister by
Duke Huan of Qi in 685 BC. Through Guan Zhong's reforms and skilful diplomacy Qi became the most powerful of the feudal states and Duke Huan lord protector over the feudal lords. Though knowledge of his reforms is limited, in particular he instituted a famous fiscal policy known as "balancing the light and the heavy", associated with salt and iron monopolies. Though otherwise a diverse work, the
Guanzi compilation making use of his name makes similar such recommendations.