Ancient civilizations: The Qin Dynasty

The Qin Dynasty (221 to 206 BC) was a short period in Chinese history but one of its most important.

Emperor Qin Shihuang succeeded in defeating the warring states of Yan, Zhao, Qi, Chu, Wei and Han to unify a previously fractious China. He went on to standardize the currency and written script and embark on construction of the Great Wall among other projects.

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Our knowledgeable specialists can create a unique itinerary that visits the very best historic sites, along with a few places that you might not have known about. We've suggested a couple of sites below to help you get started.

Almost 8,000 strong and still standing guard surrounding Emperor Qin’s subterranean tomb, the famous Terracotta Army, complete with individually crafted swordsmen, archers, battle horses and chariots, was created to protect the emperor’s body in the afterlife. UNESCO protected, it is now one of China's most visited and iconic sites.

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Despite its importance and vast influence on China through the ages, few historic sites remain from the Qin Dynasty. Those that do continue to draw in visitors from across the globe, and if you are planning a trip to see the Terracotta Army, our advice would be to visit in the afternoon on a week day as this may increase your chances of seeing this spectacle when the crowds are at their smallest.

Contact us to find out more about how we can create a personalized itinerary for you, including a visit to these sites. Or take a look at our suggested itineraries below, which can all be tailored to suit your own personal taste and budget.