First Emperor Theatre Break

This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition will explore one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and provide an insight into China’s First Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, and his legacy.

Objects featured in the exhibition will include a number of the world-famous terracotta warriors from Xi'an, China, which were buried alongside the First Emperor in readiness for the afterlife, as well as some of the most striking recent discoveries made on the site.

In introducing the idea of a unified state and effectively creating China in 221 BC, the First Emperor of Qin created what is today the oldest surviving political entity in the world. How that state has survived, developed and is viewed today will be explored through events, lectures and debates around the exhibition.

Please note: Time slots are every 10 minutes with an approximate viewing time of 1 hour.

An audio tour guide is recommended for this exhibition which can be purchased on arrival at the British Museum for £3.50 per person.

First Emperor Theatre breaks by train ... Make it easy on yourself and take a theatre break by train. Our train prices are very competitive so after you have picked the hotel for your theatre break, click on the "Add a rail journey" link in the "Optional Extras" section. You will be speeding your way to First Emperor before you know it and you'll avoid the congestion charges too! (Train journeys are supplied by a number of different operators).