The Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) was a period of prosperity and cultural growth for China. The Ming rebuilt portions of the Great Wall, constructed the Forbidden City in Beijing, and completed the Grand Canal for transporting grain. Admiral Zheng He led naval expeditions that extended Chinese influence throughout Southeast Asia and into the Middle East. However, the Ming Dynasty later declined due to inviting the Manchu people to help defeat rebels, only to have the Manchu seize power and establish the Qing Dynasty as the last imperial dynasty of China.