In recent years, global interest in Manchu culture and script has grown, and Manchu cultural inheritor Ye Ming has dedicated himself to promoting this heritage. From his base in the United States, he has launched an online education platform offering courses in Manchu language, Manchu script, and Chinese calligraphy, attracting attention and acclaim from Manchu culture enthusiasts worldwide. As of March 2025, Ye Ming’s website, Manchu Culture, is live and offers a range of resources, including language and calligraphy courses, alongside a collection of Manchu historical and cultural materials.
A Manchu Noble Descendant with a Mission to Preserve Cultural Heritage
Ye Ming is a descendant of the Yehe Nara clan, the same lineage as Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing dynasty, making him her fifth-generation nephew. His ancestors were hereditary Manchu nobles during the Qing era. Raised with a deep appreciation for Manchu culture, Ye Ming developed a passion for Manchu script, language, and traditional Chinese calligraphy.
Over the years, he has worked to preserve Manchu literature and practiced calligraphy, authoring books such as "The Truth About the Twelve Empresses of the Qing Dynasty" and "Famous Figures of the Qing Dynasty." He has been recognized for his dedication to preserving Manchu culture and has held prominent positions, including:
Vice President of the Royal Academy of Calligraphy and Painting
Academician of the Chinese Academy of Calligraphy and Painting
Deputy Secretary-General of the Manchu Studies Professional Committee
Secretary-General of the Manchu Calligraphy Study Association
To make Manchu culture more accessible globally, Ye Ming has taken his courses online, overcoming geographical barriers to connect learners everywhere with this precious heritage.
Online Manchu Language and Script Courses: A Global Learning Platform
After settling in Houston, Ye Ming launched comprehensive Manchu language and script courses. These courses cater to students of all levels, covering topics from basic pronunciation to advanced grammar and conversational Manchu. The curriculum is offered in both Chinese and English, making it accessible to a diverse range of learners.
Key course highlights include:
Introductory and Advanced Manchu Script Courses: Covering Manchu alphabet, spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structures, these courses aim to help students master both reading and writing.
Manchu Speaking and Cultural Expression: Focused on practical communication and cultural expressions, this course helps students enhance their conversational skills.
Manchu Calligraphy Training: Drawing on Ye Ming’s exceptional calligraphy skills, this course teaches students the fundamentals of brushwork and creative techniques in Manchu calligraphy.
Courses are available in one-on-one lessons and small group classes, with live and pre-recorded options, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. The platform also offers quizzes and assessments to track students’ development.
Chinese Calligraphy Courses: Promoting the Beauty of Eastern Art
In addition to Manchu courses, Ye Ming offers Chinese calligraphy training, specializing in multiple script styles, including regular script, semi-cursive, and cursive. The calligraphy course covers:
Fundamentals of Chinese Calligraphy: Focusing on brush techniques and character structure.
Techniques for Five Major Script Styles: Including seal script, clerical script, regular script, semi-cursive script, and cursive script.
Calligraphy Composition: Exploring layout and creative skills.
This course gives students an opportunity to combine Manchu and Chinese calligraphy, creating unique, culturally rich artworks.
Manchu Culture Website: A Hub for Learning and Cultural Exchange
Since its launch in March 2025, Ye Ming's Manchu Culture website has quickly become a key resource for Manchu culture enthusiasts globally. The website offers:
Online Manchu Language Courses: Including both on-demand and live video lessons for interactive learning.
Manchu Calligraphy Section: Featuring artwork displays, instructional videos, and calligraphy showcases.
Manchu History and Culture Archive: Offering access to over 50GB of rare Manchu books, historical documents, and research papers, free for download.
Bilingual Learning Resources: Providing Manchu grammar guides, vocabulary lists, and cultural knowledge in both Chinese and English, supporting international learners.
Since its launch, the website has attracted learners from countries such as China, the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Germany, and many others.
A New Chapter in Global Manchu Cultural Promotion
Ye Ming has stated: "The Manchu language and script are precious cultural treasures of our people. As a Manchu descendant, I feel a deep responsibility to preserve and pass them on. Through online education and the Manchu Culture website, I hope to introduce more people to the beauty of Manchu script, language, and history, contributing to the preservation and revival of this heritage."
Looking ahead, Ye Ming plans to expand the Manchu Culture website by adding:
Digital Art Sales: To promote and sell calligraphy works globally.
Online Calligraphy Exhibitions: Showcasing Manchu and Chinese calligraphy masterpieces.
Global Manchu Cultural Forums: Fostering dialogue and cooperation among enthusiasts worldwide.
Media Contact:
Manchu Culture
Website: https://manchuculture.net
Email: [email protected]