Yan Chongnian was born in Penglai City, Shandong, China in 1934. He established Beijing Manchu Institute, the first academic institute focussed on the Manchu history.
His publications include Biography of Yuan Chonghuan (ISBN 7-101-04869-2), True Stories of the 12 Qing Emperors (正説清朝十二帝, ISBN 7-101-04445-X), and Fall of Ming and Rise of Qing in 60 Years (明亡清興六十年, ISBN 7-101-05267-3）.
Read more about Yan Chongnian: Face-slapping Incident