Empress Dou (d. 135 BC), formally known as Empress Xiaowen, was the wife of Emperor Wen of the Western Han Dynasty and mother of Emperor Jing. She greatly influenced the reigns of her husband and her son with her adherence to Taoist philosophy. She contributed much to the peaceful rule of Emperors Wen and Jing, commonly viewed as one of the golden ages in Chinese history.

Empress Dou was born into a poor family. When she was young, she was summoned into the court of Emperor Hui to be a lady- in-waiting. On one occasion, Empress Dowager Lü, Emperor Hui’s mother, wanted to give some of the ladies- in- waiting to the imperial princes as gifts. Lady Dou was chosen for Liu Heng, Prince of Dai. Prince of Dai later became emperor in the aftermath of the Emperor Lü. Lady Dou, then a favorite consort of Prince Dai and the mother of Prince Qi, was promoted empress in 179 BC. Her son, Prince Qi, was named Crown Prince.

Empress Dou was a strict follower of Taoism, a school of traditional Chinese philosophy as encapsulated in the writings attributed to Laozi and the legendary Yellow Emperor. She urged her children, including Prince Qi, her grandchildren, and her clan members to study these writings to learn about the ideas of non-interference with nature and of thriftiness in living.

Empress Dou was one of the earliest political female figures in Chinese history. Unlike her stepmother-in-law Empress Dowager Lv who is viewed negatively in Chinese history, Empress Dou has been largely viewed positively for her influence over the reigns of her husband and son.