The first Chinese emperor’s warriors in the Budapest Museum of Fine Arts! – video, photos

Step into the epic world of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, at the stunning new exhibition in Budapest’s Museum of Fine Arts. We dove into his meteoric rise from a 13-year-old king to ruthless unifier of ancient China—and his eternal guardians, the legendary Terracotta Army. Discover this once-in-a-lifetime show in the heart of Budapest through our immersive video and photos below!

Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty and China’s inaugural emperor (ruling 221–210 BC), ascended as king at just 13 in 247 BC. His ambition knew no bounds: he forged a massive empire through conquest and cunning.

At the exhibition’s heart? Over 10 authentic terracotta soldiers—life-sized clay warriors crafted with unique faces modelled after real troops, standing eternal vigil for their master in the afterlife. Marvel at chariots designed to ferry the dead to the underworld, plus 150+ artefacts from China’s Shaanxi province: gleaming weapons, ritual bronzes, and symbols of immortality that bring his world alive.

Explore how he revolutionised warfare, bureaucracy, and even weights and measures to rule his vast realm. This is history you can almost touch!

Open until 25 May —don’t miss it!

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