Will the 2026 crypto bull market be able to achieve a feat like Emperor Qin Shi Huang unifying the world?

Will 2026 see a flourishing “unification” in the crypto market? Based on historical cycle patterns, this year indeed presents an ideal window for a bull market to start. However, unlike the absolute unification during the Qin Dynasty, this cycle will feature prominent differentiation and disparities in strength—not a全面疯狂, but structural prosperity.

Historical Cycle Laws: Why 12-24 Months After Halving Are Key Bull Market Windows

Bitcoin experienced its fourth halving in April 2024. According to on-chain historical data, the 12 to 24 months following a halving are typically the main upward phase of a bull market. 2026 falls right into this golden window, and from a cyclical perspective, the probability of an upward market trend is very high. This is not mysticism but a pattern repeatedly validated over the past decade—each halving triggers supply tightening, which in turn drives long-term demand-driven price discovery.

Federal Reserve Rate Cuts and Institutional Entry—Liquidity Double Engines in 2026

On the macro level, two forces are working in tandem. First, the influx of capital from traditional finance into Bitcoin spot ETFs continues to grow, with institutional allocations forming a solid foundation for the market. Second, the Federal Reserve may enter a rate-cutting cycle. Once the global liquidity environment shifts toward easing, crypto assets—high-risk, high-reward instruments—will enjoy a relative advantage. The simultaneous influence of these two variables resembles the political unification and economic prosperity that accompanied the Qin Dynasty’s consolidation.

Layer2, RWA Leading Rotation, Altcoins Show “Kings” and “Cannon Fodder”

In specific sectors, Layer2 scaling solutions for Ethereum, RWA (Real-World Asset on-chain), and Bitcoin ecosystem projects are already seeing real-world deployment and capital inflows. This indicates that the 2026 market will not be dominated solely by Bitcoin but will feature sequential rotations across multiple sectors. The first half of the year is expected to see oscillations and upward movements, with Bitcoin likely challenging and stabilizing above previous highs. Altcoins will experience noticeable rotation and differentiation—top projects will rise on momentum, while worthless tokens without real utility will continue to fall behind.

If liquidity and regulatory environments remain friendly, market enthusiasm could rise in the second half, leading to a wave of accelerated gains, with the bull market peak possibly extending into early 2027.

How to Handle Three Major Risks: Policy Surprises, Leverage Liquidations, Zeroing of Aircoins

However, hidden within this prosperity are risks. First, if the Fed delays rate cuts, dollar appreciation could suppress the entire risk asset sector. Second, tightening global regulatory policies could suddenly impact exchanges, DeFi protocols, and stablecoins, causing market turbulence. Third, high leverage concentrations may lead to staged liquidations and extreme corrections, resulting in sharp declines in the short term. Additionally, many worthless aircoins face the risk of being abandoned, leading to continuous zeroing or deep declines.

Bottom-Holding, Staged Building, Strict Leverage Control—The “Winning” Strategy for 2026

The wise approach combines caution with proactive positioning. Core holdings should be based on Bitcoin and Ethereum spot assets, serving as the market’s ballast. Incremental investments should be carefully selected in sector tokens—only projects with real deployment, capital inflows, and strong teams are worth participating in. Pure concept tokens should be avoided at all costs. In terms of building positions, staggered entry and partial profit-taking at high points are key—don’t gamble on catching the last crazy wave, as that is often the most vulnerable to being trapped. Finally, closely monitor three core variables: ETF capital flows, Federal Reserve rate decisions, and regulatory developments, as these will directly influence the market’s trajectory throughout the year.

In 2026, the crypto space will surely present profit opportunities, but whether it can achieve a “unification” like during the Qin Dynasty depends on the coordinated influence of liquidity, policies, and market psychology.