History and Literature

Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang

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The Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is the largest existing ancient emperor’s tomb. According to records, the mausoleum, which was started in 247 BC, took nearly 800,000 workers 39 years to finish construction. The number of workers engaged was almost eight times that of the workers during the construction of the pyramid of Khufu. The mausoleum covers an area of 56.25 square kilometers. The architecture within the mausoleum, featuring carved girders and ridgepoles, is grand and awe-inspiring. The inner city around the tomb covers an area of 2.13 square kilometers. And below the 50-meter-deep earth is an underground palace, where Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s coffin was placed.

Qin Shi Huang

Ying Zheng, the first emperor that united China over 2000 years ago, declared himself Shi Huangdi, meaning the first emperor. He was called "Qin Shi Huang" by later generations.

Unification of Currency

Unification of Currency

Emperor Qin promulgated China's earliest Currency Act, which prescribed the nationwide use of the Qin State currency, called half-liang coin, circular and with a square hole in the center.
Unification of Weights and Measures

Unification of Weights and Measures

Emperor Qin unified weights and measures.
Vehicles of the Same Track

Vehicles of the Same Track

Before Emperor Qin unified China, the size of vehicles and width of the road were not the same among different states, either were the written characters.
Three Major Water Conservancy Projects

Three Major Water Conservancy Projects

During Emperor Qin's reign, three major irrigation works were constructed, namely, the Lingqu Canal, Dujiangyan Reservoir, and Zhengguo Canal.
Construction of the Great Wall

Construction of the Great Wall

The Great Wall was first built in the Warring States period.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Qin Terracotta Army Pits were discovered in 1974 east of the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin.
Books with the Same Characters

Books with the Same Characters

In order to unify the characters, the government promulgated that "Xiao Zhuan" font (mini-seal script, an ancient style of calligraphy) to be the national standard font.
Fen Shu Keng Ru (To burn books and burying Confucian scholars alive)

Fen Shu Keng Ru (To burn books and burying Confucian scholars alive)

In 213 B.C., Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first emperor in China accepted Li Si's suggestion and ordered to burn the books.
Inscribed Stone at Langya Terrace

Inscribed Stone at Langya Terrace

Established during Emperor Qin Shihuang's trip on Mount Langya in the 28th year of his reign, the stele was meant to pay a tribute to the virtuous of the emperor.
Sacrifice to Heaven on Mount Tai

Sacrifice to Heaven on Mount Tai

In 219 B.C. on Emperor Qin Shihuang's trip to Mount Tai during his second inspection tour to the east, a ceremony was held to offer sacrifices to heaven, with stone inscribed to make eulogiums.
Straight Road Site of the Qin Dynasty

Straight Road Site of the Qin Dynasty

The straight road site of Qin is located in Guyang Village of Shaanxi.