From their Manchurian homeland, the Qing crossed Shanhai Pass in 1644 and seized China proper from the collapsing Ming. Through campaigns deep into Inner Asia, they brought Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang under one rule, forging one of the largest land empires in history at roughly 13 million km².

Under Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, the empire reached its peak — territorially stable at ~13–14 million km² and administratively sophisticated. A multi-ethnic domain spanning Han, Manchu, Mongol, Tibetan, and Turkic peoples flourished for over a century of relative peace and prosperity.

The 19th century brought internal rebellion and foreign aggression. Treaty ports, unequal treaties, and territorial concessions chipped away at sovereignty. While nominal borders remained vast, effective control eroded until the 1912 abdication ended over two millennia of imperial rule in China.