The Manchu Qing dynasty then allied with former Ming general Wu Sangui and seized control of Beijing and quickly overthrew Li 's short - lived Shun dynasty .
In 1644 Beijing was sacked by Li Zicheng 's rebel forces and the Chongzhen Emperor committed suicide when the city fell .
The Manchu Qing dynasty then allied with former Ming general Wu Sangui and seized control of Beijing and quickly overthrew Li Zicheng 's short - lived Shun dynasty .
In 1644 Beijing was sacked by Li Zicheng 's rebel forces and the Chongzhen Emperor committed suicide when the city fell .