Was Wu Zetian called the 'Daughter of Heaven'?

No. And not because “天子” is a gender neutral word as other answers suggested. It is true that the word “子” could be translated as “child" in some context, and in these context it could be used in gender neutral situations to describe both men and women. read more

Empress Wu Zetian (also known as Empress Consort Wu, Wu Hou, Wu Mei Niang, Mei-Niang, and Wu Zhao, 624-705 CE, r. 690-704 CE) was the only female emperor in the history of China. She reigned during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and was one of the most effective and controversial monarchs in China's history. read more

Zetian means “emulator of heaven,” a claim that, if true, would indicate that there’s a wild time going on behind the pearly gates. Namely, her sister, her niece, and possibly her son Li Hong (although some historians maintain Li Hong died of natural causes). read more