Emperor Gaozu of Han ( Chinese : æ 1\/4 cents é `` ç -- 256 BC or 247 BC â `` 195 BC ) was the founder of Han Dynasty and he reigned China from 202 BC until 195 BC . His name was Liu Bang and Ji was his courtesy name . Emperor Gao ( 256 BC or 247 BC â `` 1 June 195 BC ) , commonly known within China by his temple name Gaozu ( , Wade-Giles : Kao Tsu ) , personal name Liu Bang , was the first emperor of the Han Dynasty , ruling over China from 202 BC to 195 BC .