The monograph reveals the essence of the definition of "peasant war" (in relation to the history of not only China, but also other countries), characterized with an emphasis on the peculiarity of the transitional era that medieval China experienced from the middle of the VIII century, the general and specific reasons and prerequisites of the rebel movement 874-901. The manifestations of the rebel activity of the social lower classes of Tang China, which prepared the beginning of the peasant war, are considered in stages. The initial stage of the rebel movement (until the spring of 878) and its gradual development into a peasant war are analyzed in detail. A large place is given to the formation of the ideological principles of the movement, as well as the propaganda actions of its leadership. Much is revealed in the specific activities of the main characters of the rebel movement. The successes and failures of the latter are highlighted in the context of his opposition to the hostile camp, torn by sharp clashes between the central imperial power and the almighty rulers of the periphery - the governors-general.