Written/Compiled and Reported by Li Xinyi, MOOK Travel Life Network
Qin Shi Huang, the immortalized emperor, has been portrayed in countless historical accounts, creating the legendary tale of China’s first imperial monarch. As a pioneer in many fields, he not only founded China’s first empire but also constructed for himself 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.
The mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang has not yet been excavated. This exhibition uses scientific archaeological methods to recreate the appearance of the underground palace and unveils many previously unknown secrets. (Image provided by the National Science Education Center)
History is filled with descriptions and legends about Qin Shi Huang and his underground palace, sparking endless curiosity among later generations. Legend has it that Qin Shi Huang, fearing tomb robbers, filled the palace with layers of traps and mechanisms; that it houses priceless night-shining pearls that illuminate the ceiling like a starry sky; and that it contains rivers of mercury and mountains of earth, reconstructing the Qin dynasty’s realm. Even the famous Hollywood film "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 Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum began in 1962 using remote sensing and geophysical exploration techniques. The survey revealed that the mausoleum complex spans 56.25 square kilometers — nearly 78 times the size of the Forbidden City — causing a sensation in the archaeological community. However, the underground palace remains buried under thick layers of earth and has yet to be excavated or opened to the public.
In this exhibition, Qin Shi Huang appears as an animated figure and shares insights about his governance and lesser-known secrets with visitors. (Image provided by the National Science Education Center)
This exhibition is the first to use scientific archaeological methods to simulate and recreate this grand and mysterious underground palace. By combining Qin dynasty history, culture, creativity, and technology, and utilizing animation, sound, and atmospheric design, it reinterprets the story of the Qin Empire, allowing visitors to travel through time into both the life and afterlife of Qin Shi Huang, uncovering many fascinating stories not found in history textbooks. For more information about the exhibition, please visit the official website at www.artexpo.com.tw.
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