Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911, was the last of the Chinese dynasties. The dynasty was founded by the Manchu (in northeast China today). It flourished in the 18th century and declined in the 19th. Throughout the reigns of Emperors Kang Xi, Yong Zheng and Qian Long, the Qing was known as the Kang Qian Sheng Shi (flourishing age from Kangxi to Qianlong).

During the early period, by implementing a series of policies to revive the social economy and alleviate the society contradiction, the Qing gradually gained stability, which enabled a steady development of economy, culture, industry and commerce. By the middle of the 18th century, its economy reached a zenith, and its culture and science were much more prosperous than any other time of Qing Dynasty.

In the late stage, all kinds of social contradictions increasingly emerged and the Qing Dynasty went into decline. Undermined by aggressive foreign powers, rural unrest, corrupt ruling and military weakness, Qing court faced troubles at home and invasion from abroad. Various rebellions and uprisings broke out, and with the Opium War, Qing became a puppet government.