Rise

The Qing Dynasty rose to power in the 1600s after the fall of the Ming Dynasty. The rulers were the Manchus, who came from Dongbei (northeast China). They were skilled fighters who knew how to live both as horse-riding warriors and as organized city rulers.

The word “Qing” means “clear” or “pure.” The Manchus chose this name to show they would bring order and stability after years of chaos. When Ming leaders asked the Manchus for help fighting rebellions, the Manchus entered China—and then took control themselves, starting a new dynasty that would rule for nearly 300 years.