Shihuangdi  Shihuangdi was Chinaís first emperor. He thought he and his dynasty would last forever. Actually, his empire only lasted fifteen years. Even though his rein was small, it had a great influence on China. To make his empire strong he set up lavish palaces, signs praising his achievements, and new buildings. He believed people could live forever. Shihaungdi sent children into the sea so they could find the ìmagic plant of long lifeî. He never succeeded in finding it. All the children drowned.  Shihuangdi only lived for forty nine years. He died while traveling in China. However, Shihuangdi left a lasting legacy. His tomb was a magnificent mirror image of ancient China. To find more about the contents of his tomb, go to the Shihuangdi Contributions Chart.    Shihuangdi Accomplishments:   The Terra Cotta Army   The Great Wall of China   Great Building Works   Standardize Chinese writing   Developed standard coins, weights, and measures   United China under under one imperial rule