Who was the First Emperor of China?
Qin Shi Huang (嬴政) unified the Warring States in 221 BCE. He introduced nationwide standards for script, weights and measures, coinage, and roads; he centralised administration and linked defensive walls. His legacy endures at Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and the unexcavated mausoleum at Lintong.
221 BCE
From seven major states to one empire.
246–210 BCE
Ascended in Qin at 13; ruled as Emperor from 221 BCE.
Xianyang
Near modern Xi’an, the Qin administration hub.
Lintong, Xi’an
Terracotta Army museum sits to the east of the burial mound.
What made him “the First Emperor”
Beyond conquest, Qin Shi Huang declared a new title—Huangdi—to distinguish imperial sovereignty from earlier kings. He then locked unification in place through standards and administration.
Unified script
The Qin script reform unified writing across the empire, easing governance and trade.
Standard currency & measures
Weights, measures, coin types, and axle widths were standardised to streamline logistics.
National roads
Radial highways and postal relays linked the capital to frontier commanderies.
Linked walls
Existing regional walls were connected to guard northern approaches—precursors to later Great Wall routes.
Qin Shi Huang: a quick timeline
Birth of Ying Zheng
Born in Handan; later becomes King of Qin at age 13.
Conquests of six states
Qin eliminates Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, Qi—ending the Warring States period.
Proclaims “Emperor” (Huangdi)
Establishes the Qin Dynasty; standardises script, measures, and administration.
Frontier works & roads
Orders linking of northern walls and expands national highways.
Book burning & scholar punishments
Controversial measures target dissent; many texts survive in other traditions.
Death on inspection tour
Dies near the eastern seaboard; buried at Lintong. The Terracotta Army guards nearby pits.
See Qin sites around Xi’an
Plan a day trip to Lintong: tour the Terracotta Army pits, then continue to the burial mound and nearby heritage parks.
Legend
- Terracotta Army / museum
- Mausoleum mound / protected area
Frequently asked questions
Was the Yellow Emperor the first ruler?
The Yellow Emperor is a legendary figure. The first historically verified emperor was Qin Shi Huang, who unified the states in 221 BCE.
Did he build all of the Great Wall?
No. Qin linked earlier regional walls and built new segments; most of today’s visible brick walls date to the Ming Dynasty.
Can you enter the tomb?
No. The main burial mound remains sealed. You can visit the Terracotta Army pits and museum next door, plus surrounding heritage parks.
Plan your Qin heritage day
Map out Xi’an’s imperial highlights—combine museum halls with city routes.
- Terracotta Army facts — what to see and how to visit.
- Xi’an city playbook — tickets, transport, nearby tombs.
- Great Wall length — how Qin’s walls evolved later.