Watch China's Dragon Emperor

China's Dragon Emperor is a fascinating historical documentary series that takes viewers on an exciting journey through time to discover the secrets of ancient China's greatest emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. This series delves into the mind and rule of this emperor who led China through its golden age and made some of the most significant contributions to the country's social, political, and cultural spheres. It is an enthralling account of one of the most powerful rulers in Chinese history.

The series depicts the creator and the ruler of the Terracotta Army, the first emperor of China, as a man of immense vision and ambition. Through the series, we follow the life of Qin Shi Huang, from his rise to power in 246 BCE to his death in 210 BCE. We are given a glimpse into his extensive organizational skills, the creation of the Great Wall of China, and the unification of China into a powerful, centralized state.

With extraordinary visuals and stunning reenactments, China's Dragon Emperor showcases how Qin Shi Huang rose to power as a young prince and went on to lead a military campaign that would unite China's seven warring states into one powerful state. He introduced a comprehensive system of laws that made him one of the greatest political leaders in Chinese history.

The series presents the first emperor's iron-handed rule, his monumental construction projects, and his controversial burial complex. The show takes us on a journey through the creation of his legacy, the Great Wall of China, in tribute to his accomplishments. The walls' construction involved the labor of millions of people and thousands of prisoners, with many of them being forced to work under brutal conditions in order to achieve Qin Shi Huang's goal of linking all of China's separate walls into one unified massive system. We are shown the immense scale of these projects, which would eventually become one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

China's Dragon Emperor delves into the emperor's beliefs about his afterlife and the construction of an enormous mausoleum to ensure his immortality. The tomb was constructed with such secrecy and ingenuity that it took almost two millennia for it to be discovered. The mausoleum consisted of three terraced towers, the tallest of which houses the famous Terracotta Army, a collection of life-sized terra-cotta soldiers, horses, and chariots buried with the emperor to protect him in the afterlife.

Throughout the series, the story of the first emperor is told through both the dramatic recreations and through expert commentary from archaeologists, historians, and scholars. We're given insight into how Qin Shi Huang united China and created the foundation for the country's 4000-year history while also highlighting the inherent brutalities of his era, like his intolerance for opposition and his heavy-handed rule.

The documentary series also provides a fascinating look at the social, political, and cultural developments that took place during his reign. We are shown how his rule laid the foundation for China's present-day society, providing a reservoir of cultural and political influence that resonates to this day.

The series is an insightful glimpse into the mind of a ruler who was as brilliant as he was ambitious — a man whose dreams led to the creation of some of the most significant accomplishments in Chinese history. It is an excellent history lesson for anyone interested in Chinese history, culture, and civilization.

In conclusion, China's Dragon Emperor is a well-produced, insightful, and educational series that provides an interesting look into one of China's most exceptional emperors. With compelling storytelling, stunning visuals, and top-notch production quality, this series is a must-watch for history buffs and anyone interested in unraveling the mysteries of Chinese civilization's golden era.

China's Dragon Emperor is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between May 22, 2018 and on Smithsonian Channel Plus