The Chongzhen Emperor, born Zhu Youjian, faced relentless challenges during his reign, particularly from escalating domestic issues, including rampant famine, corruption, and heavy taxation. By 1644, resentment among the populace had grown to a boiling point, leading to significant uprisings. One of the most prominent leaders of this discontent was Li Zicheng, who rallied peasant forces under the banner of a revolution. As Li's army advanced toward Beijing, the Ming court was paralyzed by panic and confusion.

In a final act of desperation and disillusionment, the Chongzhen Emperor retreated to a garden near the Forbidden City with two of his loyal attendants. There, he hanged himself from a tree, reportedly leaving a note expressing regret for his failure to save his subjects. This act of suicide symbolized the collapse of the Ming dynasty, concluding nearly three centuries of imperial rule. His death opened the way for Li Zicheng to enter Beijing, where he briefly declared himself the new emperor of the Shun Dynasty.

However, Li's reign was short-lived. Shortly after, the Manchu forces, rival to the Ming and under the banner of the Qing Dynasty, would overtake the city, marking the beginning of a new ruling dynasty in China. The transition from Ming to Qing was not only a political change but also brought about significant cultural shifts and alterations in governance that would affect China for centuries to come.