Lin Zexu (August 30, 1785 – November 22, 1850), courtesy name Yuanfu, is a Chinese scholar-official of the Qing dynasty best known for his role in the First Opium War of 1839–42.

He is from Fuzhou, Fujian Province.

Lin's forceful opposition to the opium trade is a primary catalyst for the First Opium War.

He is praised for his constant position on the "moral high ground" in his fight, but he is also blamed for a rigid approach that fails to account for the domestic and international complexities of the problem.

The Daoguang Emperor endorses the hardline policies advocated by Lin, but blames Lin for the resulting disastrous war.