The 만주족, or Manchu people, are an ethnic group originally from northeastern China, particularly the region known as Manchuria. They are known for their distinct language, culture, and history, which played a significant role in the formation of the Qing Dynasty. Historically, the 만주족 were nomadic hunters and gatherers before establishing a powerful empire in the 17th century. The Qing Dynasty, founded by the Manchus, ruled China from 1644 to 1912, marking the last imperial dynasty in Chinese history. Today, the Manchu people continue to preserve their unique cultural heritage despite significant assimilation into Han Chinese society.