Yong Ying

The Yong Ying (brave camps) were regional armies established during the 19th century in the Qing dynasty, emerging from earlier Tuanlian militias. Tuanlian, local village defense forces dating back to the Zhou dynasty, gained prominence under Qing rule when they were organized by local gentry and landowners to combat rebellions like the White Lotus Rebellion due to the ineffectiveness of the Manchu Eight Banners and Green Standard Army.

The Yong Ying, composed of Han Chinese recruits called "Yong" (braves), were not part of the official imperial army but were funded and controlled by civilian society. They used modern weapons and had more stable leadership compared to the Eight Banners and Green Standard forces. Despite this, soldiers often faced poor equipment, living conditions, and some resorted to opium and gambling. Nevertheless, Yong Ying commanders gained significant power, with many becoming high-ranking officials, including 20 out of 44 governor-generals and over 52 of 117 governors appointed between 1861 and 1890.

Notable Yong Ying armies included the Chu Army, Xiang Army, Huai Army, and Kansu Braves.