## 2 Related Works
### Previous Research on Manchu Music and Its Characteristics  
Manchu music, a crucial part of Chinese ethnic music culture, has a rich historical background and unique artistic features [52]. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Jurchen people. Over time and through cultural integration during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Manchu music developed into a distinctive musical system [53; 54]. Manchu music not only retains its traditional characteristics but also incorporates musical elementsfrom other ethnic groups, such as Mongolian and Han, reflecting cultural diversity and inclusiveness.  
Key Characteristics of Manchu Music: Manchu music is renowned for its unique instruments and diverse musical forms [55,56]. Chinese traditional folk musical instruments are shown in Figure 2[57]. The traditional instruments like drums, suona, bili, and transverse flutes play vital roles in various musical forms, while court instruments like guqin, pipa, and zheng hold significant positions in courtly music.  
Manchu music features diverse styles, from the vigorous drum music to the melodious folk songs, characterized by simple, bright melodies and strong rhythmic patterns, embodying a rich ethnic flavor. Manchu musical instruments and performance scenes are shown in Figure 3.  
Figure 2: Examples of Chinese traditional folk musical instruments.  
Summary of Previous Research: Existing studies have categorized and analyzed Manchu music's characteristics, exploring its historical evolution, cultural background, and presence in both court and folk music. Research has delved into the classification of Manchu music, tracing its development from early tribal traditions to its incorporation into imperial court ceremonies. Scholars have also investigated the interplay between Manchu court music and the broader musical landscape of the Qing Dynasty, highlighting its influence on court rituals and ceremonial practices. Additionally, traditional Manchu music has been studied through field investigations, which document and analyze local musical forms, performance techniques, and their connection to cultural customs and community life. These studies collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of Manchu music's unique role in preserving cultural identity and history.  
Research Limitations: Despite the comprehensive analysis in previous studies, there are limitations, including limited data, incomplete annotations, and insufficient technological methods [58; 59; 60]. Existing research relies heavily on field investigations and historical documents, lacking systematic and large-scale datasets, limiting research depth and breadth. Many Manchu music data lack detailed annotations, especially regarding instrument usage, performance techniques, and cultural background, restricting AI model training and application [61; 62]. Furthermore, traditional music research methods depend on manual analysis, lacking advanced technological approaches like machine learning and deep learning, limiting research innovation and efficiency.  
Research Significance: This study aims to address these limitations by constructing a Manchu music dataset. Through systematic music data collection, detailed metadata annotation, and high-quality data processing, we aim to create a rich, comprehensive, and accurate Manchu music dataset, providing a solid foundation for AI research in ethnic music. The study will integrate modern technological methods, such as machine learning and deep learning, to enhance the depth and breadth of Manchu music research, promoting the protection and transmission of ethnic music.