Unveiling the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor: China’s Largest Underground Palace and the Rebirth of an Army

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network, Reported by Li Xinyi

Qin Shi Huang, the legendary emperor whose name has endured through the ages, has become the stuff of myth in countless historical accounts, marking the story of China’s first imperial ruler. As a pioneer in many fields, Qin Shi Huang not only founded China’s first empire but also constructed the largest underground palace and terracotta army in history. From now until October 7th, the special exhibition “Qin Shi Huang: The One and Only Emperor—A Grand Revelation of the Underground Palace and Terracotta Army” at the National Science and Technology Museum recreates the emperor’s subterranean tomb using archaeological reconstructions, revealing it to the public for the first time.

History is filled with descriptions and legends about Qin Shi Huang and his underground palace, sparking immense curiosity among later generations. Legend has it that Qin Shi Huang, fearing tomb robbers, filled the palace with intricate traps and mechanisms; that it houses priceless night pearls that illuminate the ceiling like a starry sky; and that rivers of mercury and mountains of earth were used to recreate the landscape of the Qin Empire. Even the famous Hollywood movie “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” was inspired by scenes from the underground palace, showcasing its timeless allure. The first comprehensive archaeological survey of the mausoleum was conducted in 1962 using remote sensing and geophysical exploration. The findings revealed that the mausoleum complex spans 56.25 square kilometers—nearly 78 times the size of the Forbidden City—sending shockwaves through the archaeological community. However, the burial site, buried under thick layers of earth for centuries, remains unexcavated to this day.

This exhibition is the first to use scientific archaeological methods to simulate and recreate this grand and mysterious underground palace. By combining the history and culture of the Qin Dynasty with creativity and technology, and utilizing animation, sound, and atmospheric design, it reinterprets the story of the great Qin Empire. Visitors can journey through time to explore both the life and afterlife of Qin Shi Huang, uncovering many fascinating stories never before found in history textbooks. For more information about the exhibition, visit the official website at www.artexpo.com.tw.

● Read More: Eastern and Western Royal Jewels Compete in Taiwan—A Dazzling Debut at the National Palace Museum

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