In ancient China, a ruthless and supernatural Dragon Emperor embarks on a relentless quest to become an eternal ruler by seeking out the secret of immortality. His tyranny is halted by a betrayal that leads to a curse, entombing him and his army in terra cotta for millennia. Fast forward to the post-World War II era, where retired adventurer Rick O'Connell and his wife Evelyn are drawn back into the world of the unknown when the British government enlists them to take a precious artifact back to China.

Upon their arrival, the couple's grown son, Alex, who is following in his parents' footsteps, unearths the Dragon Emperor's tomb. The accidental awakening of the Emperor sets off a chain of events that could unleash a wave of destruction upon the world. The O'Connells must once again use their knowledge of history and brave numerous perils to prevent the resurrected tyrant from achieving his goal of world domination. As they traverse through Shanghai and into the Himalayas, they encounter mystical creatures, engage in martial arts battles, and seek the help of ancient allies to stop an evil that threatens the balance of global power.