Qin Shi Huang (259 BC – 210 BC) was the first emperor of a unified China's between 221BC and 210BC. Born in Han Dan, capital of Zhao Guo, he was the emperor of the Chinese State of Qin from 246 BC to 221 BC, during the Warring States period. After Qin conquered the other six warring states, he became the first emperor of a unified China in 221 BC and ruled until his death in 210 BC at the age of 49.

Regarded as a strong politician, strategist and reformer, Qin Shi Huang was a pivotal figure in Chinese history, ushering in nearly two millennia of imperial rule. After unifying China, he and his chief advisor Li Si passed a series of major economic and political reforms. He undertook gigantic projects, including building and unifying various sections of the Great Wall of China, the now famous city-sized mausoleum guarded by the life-sized Terracotta Army in Xian, and a massive national road system. To ensure stability, Qin Shi Huang outlawed and burned many books and buried some scholars alive.