Heshen or Hešen (1746 – February 22, 1799), from the Manchu Niohuru clan, is a Manchu official of the Qing Dynasty, a favorite of the Qianlong Emperor.

Born Shanbao, his given name is later changed to Heshen.

His courtesy name is Zhizhai.

He is a member of the Plain Red Banner, as well as one of the most corrupt officials in Chinese history.

Born as the son of a Manchu military officer, Heshen had been selected to go to the most privileged school for Manchu aristocratic boys.

He had lost his mother when he was young and it was said he and his younger brother had a hard life under his stepmother.

However, it was reported that Heshen was an excellent student, knowing several languages besides Mandarin and Manchu.

In 1772, he begins work in the Imperial Palace, assigned as an imperial bodyguard and stationed at the gates to the Forbidden City.