While the monarchist movement in China was quite active after the establishment of the Republic, its history is only known to European scholars in general terms. Among all efforts to restore the Qing monarchy, the 1917 attempt undertaken by General Zhang Xun was closest to success. He managed to capture Beijing and restored Emperor Pu Yi (Xuantong) to his imperial status, but for less than two weeks. The present paper analyzes General Zhang Xun’s 1917 attempt at restoration of the Qing monarchy based on newly disclosed archives, namely contemporary Chinese and Russian press and Russian diplomatic and intelligence reports previously not introduced into scientific circulation. The paper also provides information on the activities of the monarchist Zongshedang Party branches in Manchuria and Inner Mongolia. The main cause of Zhang Xun's failure was poor preparation, primarily lack of support from major Chinese warlords. As a result, there was little notable aid from any foreign actors, especially from Japan. We also provide biographic information about persons mentioned in the documents, often unknown or little known to Sinologists.