The first emperor of a unified China was Qin Shi Huang, who began his reign in 221 BCE after successfully unifying various warring states. As the founder of the Qin Dynasty, he implemented significant reforms in governance, standardizing weights, measures, and writing systems. He is also famous for initiating the construction of the Great Wall of China and creating the Terracotta Army to accompany him in the afterlife. Qin Shi Huang’s aggressive policies and centralized authority laid the groundwork for imperial rule in China, despite his often harsh methods.