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The Qin Empire

The Qin Empire

20098
DramaKrig & Politik
Udgivet
18. dec. 2009
Land
Kina
Fremkomsten af Qin-staten i De Stridende Staters periode under hertug Xiao af Qins regeringstid.

About

A concise look at the 2009 Chinese drama about Qin's rise in the Warring States period.

The Qin Empire follows Duke Xiao of Qin and statesman Shang Yang as they implement sweeping reforms that transform a weakened Qin into a formidable power. Set in the mid‑fourth century BC, the series chronicles political intrigue, legalism, and the struggle to rebuild a nation that will eventually unify China. With 51 episodes of 45 minutes each, the drama blends historical detail with character‑driven storytelling.

What to know

  • 51 episodes, 45‑minute runtime
  • Set during the Warring States period (mid‑400 BC)
  • Main characters: Duke Xiao (Ying Quliang) and Shang Yang (Wei Yang)
  • Based on Sun Haohui’s novel
  • Features political reform, legalism, and military expansion
  • Language: Mandarin; subtitles often available
  • Produced by Shaanxi TV and Shanghai Media Group
  • Won Flying Goddess Award and Golden Eagle Prize

Watch if

If you enjoy detailed historical dramas that explore statecraft, law, and the rise of a powerful dynasty, The Qin Empire offers deep political analysis, nuanced characters, and period‑accurate production values.

Skip if

If you prefer light romance or action‑packed fantasy, this series’ slow pacing, heavy dialogue, and focus on political manoeuvres may feel deliberate and less thrilling.

war themespolitical themesintense actionslow burndialogue heavy
Historical Context
The series opens in the mid‑fourth century BC, a time when the six major Chinese states vie for power. Qin, once a peripheral state, faces internal decay and external threats, setting the stage for sweeping reforms.
Reform Legacy
Shang Yang introduces legalist principles: strict law, land redistribution, and merit‑based appointments. These measures strengthen Qin’s economy and army, laying groundwork for eventual unification.
Character Dynamics
Duke Xiao, a young ruler, partners with the pragmatic Shang Yang. Their partnership balances imperial ambition with legalist practicality, driving Qin’s transformation.
Political Intrigue
The court is a battleground of factions, each seeking influence over the ruler. Alliances form and collapse, reflecting real‑world power struggles of the era.
Military Expansion
Reforms extend to the army: conscription, standardized training, and disciplined logistics. Military campaigns against rival states showcase Qin’s growing might.
Production Quality
Filmed in 2006, the series boasts detailed costumes, authentic sets, and period‑accurate props. The 45‑minute format allows for in‑depth storytelling without rushing key events.

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FAQ

Who played Wei Yang in The Qin Empire?
The role of Wei Yang in The Qin Empire series was portrayed by Zhang Tong.
Who was Wei Yang?
Wei Yang, also known as Lord Wei, was a prominent politician and reformer in the Qin state.
How did Qin become a powerful state?
Qin became a powerful state through effective leadership, military strength, and legalist reforms that improved its administration and economy.
How does The Qin Empire portray its historical figures?
The Qin Empire portrays its historical figures with a focus on their political and military actions, often highlighting their ambition and strategic thinking.
Who are the most important characters in The Qin Empire?
Key characters include rulers like Duke Xiao and King Zhaoxiang, reformers like Shang Yang, and strategists like Lu Buwei, all central to Qin's rise.
What happens at the end of The Qin Empire?
The series concludes with the Qin state achieving dominance and laying the groundwork for the unification of China under Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Are the seasons of The Qin Empire connected?
Yes, the seasons of The Qin Empire follow a chronological order, detailing the rise of the Qin state across different historical periods.
Who was Lao Ai?
Lao Ai was a figure involved in a scandal during the reign of King Zhuangxiang of Qin, attempting to seize power.
Who was Duke Xiao of Qin?
Duke Xiao of Qin was a ruler known for his support of Shang Yang's reforms, which significantly strengthened the Qin state.
What are the main challenges faced by the Qin state?
Qin faced challenges from rival states, internal political struggles, and the need to manage its growing territory and population.
Is The Qin Empire historically accurate?
The Qin Empire aims for historical accuracy but takes dramatic liberties to tell its story, focusing on major events and key figures.
How was the TV show The Qin Empire made?
The TV show was produced with a large budget, focusing on historical detail in costumes, sets, and epic battle sequences.
Who is Ying Zheng?
Ying Zheng is the future Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, who appears as a central figure in the later parts of the series.
What are the different seasons of The Qin Empire about?
The seasons cover different eras, starting with the reforms that strengthened Qin and progressing through its wars and eventual unification of China.
What is the main story of The Qin Empire?
The main story is the rise of the state of Qin from a relatively weak power to the dominant force that unified China.
Who was King Zhaoxiang of Qin?
King Zhaoxiang of Qin was a significant ruler during the Warring States period, whose reign saw Qin expand its territory and influence.
Who was Lu Buwei?
Lu Buwei was a powerful merchant and politician who served as regent and later chancellor of Qin, influencing its early development.
How did Qin unify China?
Qin unified China through a combination of military conquest, effective governance, and the implementation of Legalist policies.
Where does The Qin Empire take place?
The series is set in ancient China during the Warring States period, primarily focusing on the state of Qin.
What is the significance of the Warring States period in The Qin Empire?
The Warring States period is significant as the era of intense conflict and political maneuvering that led to Qin's eventual dominance.
What role did the female characters play in The Qin Empire?
Female characters often played roles as consorts, mothers, or influential figures behind the scenes, impacting political decisions and royal successions.
Who played Ying Zheng in The Qin Empire?
Ying Zheng was played by Zhang Ruoyun in The Qin Empire series.
Who acted as Duke Xiao of Qin?
The role of Duke Xiao of Qin was portrayed by Li Xuejian.
What were Shang Yang's reforms?
Shang Yang's reforms were a set of Legalist policies that modernized Qin's government, military, and economy, strengthening the state.
What was the Battle of Changping?
The Battle of Changping was a major military conflict between the states of Qin and Zhao, resulting in a decisive Qin victory that weakened Zhao significantly.
How long is The Qin Empire series?
The Qin Empire is a TV series that has multiple seasons, with the total runtime spanning over 100 episodes.
What is the timeline of events in The Qin Empire series?
The series covers the Warring States period, focusing on the rise of the Qin state from the 5th century BCE to its eventual unification of China in 221 BCE.
Who are the main antagonists in The Qin Empire?
The main antagonists are other rival states during the Warring States period, such as the states of Zhao, Wei, Chu, and Yan, who compete with Qin for dominance.
What historical novels is the show based on?
The show is inspired by historical events and figures, rather than being directly based on specific novels. It draws from the historical records of China's Qin Dynasty.
How did the Qin Dynasty change China?
The Qin Dynasty unified China, standardized weights and measures, created a unified currency, built infrastructure like roads and the Great Wall, and established a centralized government.
Where was The Qin Empire filmed?
The series was filmed in various locations in China, utilizing historical sites and studios to recreate the ancient settings.
Are the battle scenes in The Qin Empire realistic?
The battle scenes aim for a degree of historical accuracy in tactics and scale, but like many historical dramas, they may also include dramatic elements for entertainment.
Why are there different actors in different seasons?
Different actors may play the same characters in different seasons to reflect the passage of time and the aging of the characters throughout the series' long historical span.
How does the show depict warfare?
The show depicts warfare through large-scale battles, sieges, and military strategies, highlighting the conflicts between the various states vying for control.
What is the difference between the TV series and the Kingdom manga?
The Qin Empire is a historical drama television series. Kingdom is a separate Japanese manga series with a similar historical setting but a different narrative and characters. They are distinct works.
What is the significance of Legalism in The Qin Empire?
Legalism is a philosophy that heavily influenced the Qin state's governance, emphasizing strict laws, rewards, and punishments to maintain order and strengthen the state.
What are the main themes in The Qin Empire?
Main themes include state building, political strategy, military conflict, the pursuit of unification, and the impact of philosophical ideas on governance.
What is the role of political intrigue in the show?
Political intrigue is a significant element, with characters engaging in diplomacy, espionage, alliances, and betrayals to gain power and influence the course of history.
What is the overall message of The Qin Empire?
The overall message often explores the arduous process of unification, the sacrifices made for a strong state, and the lasting impact of the Qin Dynasty on Chinese civilization.
Who directed The Qin Empire?
The Qin Empire has had multiple directors across its various seasons, with directors like Zhang Jianrong and Guan Hu being associated with different parts of the series.

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