The Qing dynasty (1636–1912) was established and ruled by the Manchu people. The Manchus form the largest branch of the Tungusic peoples (native to Siberia, China and Mongolia), and give their name to the region of Manchuria in Northeast Asia. Now distributed throughout China, they are officially recognized as the country's fourth largest ethnic group.
The Manchus are descended from the Jurchen people, who earlier established the Jin dynasty (1115–1234) in northern China. The Manchus also established a dynasty that ruled northern China from 1616 to 1636, known as the Later Jin.
© Haydn Thompson 2024