The Manchu people are an ethnic group from northeastern China, primarily known for their role in establishing the Qing Dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912. They originally lived in the region known as Manchuria, which includes parts of modern-day Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces. The Manchu language belongs to the Tungusic language family. Historically, the Manchu were skilled horsemen and hunters, and they developed a unique culture that blended elements from Mongolian and Chinese traditions. Today, the Manchu population is much smaller, with many having assimilated into the broader Han Chinese culture, but efforts are ongoing to preserve their language and cultural heritage.