As the last feudal dynasty in Chinese history, the Qing Dynasty had an extensive territory during its heyday, covering most of today's China as well as Outer Mongolia, Xinjiang, and other regions. However, towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, due to internal and external factors, changes occurred in the border areas of the Qing Empire. This article will explore the territorial area and its changes at the time of the Qing Dynasty's demise.

I. The Peak of the Qing Dynasty's Territory

During the reigns of Kangxi and Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, the territory of the Qing Dynasty reached its largest historical extent. During this period, the Qing Dynasty not only possessed most of the territory of today's China, but also included parts of Russia's Far East, the entire territory of Mongolia, and some regions of Central Asia. According to historical records, the territorial area of the Qing Dynasty during its heyday was approximately 13 million square kilometers.

II. The Contraction of the Border Areas in the Late Qing Dynasty

After entering the 19th century, the Qing Dynasty began to face internal and external troubles. The aggression of Western powers, as well as internal ethnic conflicts and uprisings, led to the gradual contraction of the Qing Dynasty's border areas. Especially after the Opium War, Britain forced the Qing government to cede Hong Kong, and other powers also occupied land or established concessions through unequal treaties, leading to a reduction in the territorial area of the Qing Dynasty.

III. The Territorial Situation Before the Demise of the Qing Dynasty

Towards the end of the Qing Dynasty, especially on the eve of the 1911 Revolution, significant changes had occurred in the territory of the Qing Dynasty. The territorial area no longer included Taiwan (ceded to Japan in 1895), the Liaodong Peninsula (ceded to Russia in 1895 and later redeemed in 1896), and the area east of the Ussuri River (ceded to Russia in 1896). In addition, the rule of Tibet, Mongolia, and other regions also faced severe challenges.

IV. Estimation of the Territorial Area at the Time of the Qing Dynasty's Demise

Although it is difficult to give an exact figure, based on historical data and scholarly research, the territorial area of the Qing Dynasty on the eve of the 1911 Revolution was approximately 9 to 10 million square kilometers. This figure reflects the process of the Qing Dynasty's territory from its heyday to its decline, as well as the territorial losses and sovereignty challenges experienced by China since modern times.

Conclusion:

The rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty is an important chapter in the long history of China. From the expansion of its territory to its ultimate contraction, it is not only a reflection of changes in political and military strength, but also a historical witness to the struggle and perseverance of the Chinese nation. Understanding the territorial area at the time of the Qing Dynasty's demise helps us better understand the development of history and the fate of the country, thus enabling us to move forward more firmly and confidently on the road ahead.

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