I think it's more the case that those who really wanted to reform the dynasty from within never had a real chance in making those changss. From the opium wars in the 1840's to the fall of the Qing in 1912, it was over half a century facing Western nations, ample time one would think to make the drastic reforms, but the Qing was always seized by a strong conservative reactionary streak. There were emperors (PuiYi was not the first-and he was a mere figurehead/puppet anyway) and his mandarins who tried to change the system, but it was always shot down by the Dowager CiXi, the real person in control of the dynasty in the late 19th century.
Compared this to Japan. It was just as closed-off and rigidly conservative up until the 1850's. But the Japanese realize the power (and opportunity) that the West represents and wholeheartedly embrace reforms and modernizarion. They started with the Meji restoration which swept away the Shogunate and embark upon rapid industrialization.