Pewter Chinese Qin ChessmenQin (pronounced Chin) was the first imperial dynasty in China's long and ancient history. Under the influence of the reformer Shang Yan, China was united for the first time under a system that centralized power, established military prowess, increased trade, exalted the rule of law, and decreased the power of the nobility. During the Qin dynasty the Great Wall of China was built and it is said modern China derives its name from this first dynasty.