Yuan Shao (died June 28, 202) is a warlord during the late Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.

He occupies the northern territories of China during the civil war that occurs towards the end of the Han Dynasty and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms era.

He is also the older half-brother of Yuan Shu, a warlord who controls the Huai River region, though the two are not on good terms with each other.

One of the most powerful warlords of his time, Yuan Shao spearheads a coalition of warlords against Dong Zhuo, who holds Emperor Xian hostage in the capital Luoyang, but fails due to internal disunity.

In 200, he launches a campaign against his rival Cao Cao but is defeated at the Battle of Guandu.

He dies of illness two years later in Ye.

His eventual failure, despite his powerful family background and geographical advantages, is commonly blamed on his indecisiveness and inability to heed his advisors.