Some believe it has something to do with astrology, and others think it's to do with numerical hexagrams. Whatever the explanation, one thing is for sure, the civilization which has produced this is worth tasting. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
If, in fact, these "pig dragons" are indeed the ancestors of the Chinese dragon, the symbol of China, what we see here is the very first stirrings of a national self-consciousness, an identity - in that sense, they're our ancestors too. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
More than two decades ago, the American cycling photographer Peter Crosby completed a 2,000-kilometer journey from Beijing to Hong Kong. On his second expedition in 2021, Crosby finds himself in the small town of Biancheng just in time for the Dragon Boat Festival. Encouraged by some newfound friends, he will undertake the experience of a lifetime: training for the actual dragon boat race. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying...
In 1994, as American cycling photographer Peter Crosby rode through Badong County in Hubei Province, he came across the Liu family, who offered him their warm hospitality. When he returned 27 years later, he couldn’t miss the opportunity to catch up with his old friends and observe the many changes that have taken place along the Yangtze River since then. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
Wherever you look, the emergence of culture and civilization has always been heralded by mastery of the art of pottery. But there's something different about the black pottery produced by the Longshan Culture. Check out the fourth episode of the first season of the documentary series "Every Treasure Tells a Story." Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
Hawk-shaped Cauldron - Masterpiece from 6,000 years ago. Overall, it's a curious composition - cute, noble and severe all at the same time, showing just how exquisite craftsmanship can speak to us, and move us, even after 6,000 years. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
Yangshuo, in southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, was one of the first counties in the country to receive international backpackers and tourists. In 1994, photographer Peter Crosby came across Lisa’s Café here on his cycling trip, and was treated to such warm hospitality by its owner Li Sha. 27 years later, he’s come back, hoping to recapture that fleeting friendship and reminisce on old times. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Superviso...
Musician Ding Xiaokui owns a duplicate of the crane bone flute. The original, made between 7,800 and 9,000 years ago, was unearthed at the Jiahu Neolithic Site in central China's Henan Province. It was one of more than 20 such flutes found there in 1986 and 1987. They are the oldest musical instruments ever discovered in China. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
In 2012, "Piao", a chair constructed out of paper, won the top prize at the Salone Satellite of Milan Furniture Fair. The designers of the artwork, German designer Chistoph John and his Chinese partners, took the crafting technique from one of China's intangible cultural heritages — the Yuhang oil-paper umbrella — and created this award-winning piece of art. From a regular oil-paper umbrella to a chair brimming with creativity, this is a project that unites traditional Chinese craftsmanship with...
The series features some of the most remarkable ancient treasures in China. Today, it's the Human Head Pottery Jar, which has a history of over 6000 years. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying
Randrianomearisoa Nataniela, an international student from Madagascar, travels to Nanzhi Village in Yunnan Province, where he discovers the Bulang people's profound connection to ancient beekeeping and the art of bamboo tube tea brewing. He introduces viewers to the rhythms of the bee-barrel drums and the dynamic moves of the local dancers. Amidst this cultural tapestry, the Bulang community's dedication to preserving its traditions aligns with its aspirations for a flourishing future. Editor: L...
German vlogger Robert Adolf documents his journey to the Dulong River, showcasing the Dulong’s traditional houses, crossbows that were once an essential tool for Dulong men, and their colorful attire. He learns to make the Dulong blanket, and tries the ziplines, a historically crucial form of local transport. Adolf also finds out how a new tunnel connecting the village to the outside world has brought a transformative effect on local life. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Ch...
Peeraya Sathit, a Thai student at Yunnan Normal University, feels a deep connection to Xishuangbanna, because its landscapes and culture resonate with those of her homeland. There, she gets the chance to wear traditional Dai clothes and learn how these exquisite costumes are made. She also discovers the ancient Dai sleeping medicine therapy and experiences its comforting warmth and therapeutic aroma. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Ch...
Robert Adolf, a German vlogger who is passionate about Chinese ethnic minority cultures, travels to Dali in Yunnan Province. He visits Zhoucheng Village, the hometown of tie-dyeing, to explore the intricate process that uses eco-friendly principles and creates his very own pattern. In Xizhou Ancient Town, he tastes rushan cheese, a special Bai dairy product, and tries his hand at making some himself. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Ch...
Martina Gdovinova, a young influencer from Slovakia, explores the traditions of the Jinuo people in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. She discovers their unique clothing, enjoys the sounds of the Qike, their traditional musical instrument, and learns about the special Jinuo machete cloth. At the Longpa Ancient Tea Garden, she makes her first attempt at picking tea leaves. Martina hopes more young people in the world will connect with China’s diverse ethnic cultures. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Pro...
Katherine Olson is a US travel vlogger who explores life in different parts of China, especially among ethnic minorities. Her latest journey takes her to Lijiang in Yunnan, known for its rich history and the Naxi people's unique culture. During her visit, she delves into the intricate art of traditional Dongba paper-making with local expert, and learns about the ancient Dongba script from a Naxi priest. Through hands-on experience, she gains a profound respect for the Naxi's dedication to preser...
Ali, an Afghan international student at Yunnan University, was captivated by the Yuanyang Terraced Fields in Yunnan Province. This 1,300-year-old mountainside landscape, crafted by the Hani and other ethnic groups, have been recognized as a World Heritage Site. During his visit, Ali gets an up-close lesson about the harmonious integration of forests, water systems, villages, and terraces. He immerses himself in Hani agricultural practices and has a brief hands-on experience transplanting seedlin...
Arifin Islam, a Generation Z medical intern from Bangladesh, explores the rich intangible cultural heritage of Guandu Ancient Town in Yunnan. He checks out Wutongzouyin, a unique form of metal craftsmanship that involves intricate silver inlay on black copper. He discovers special Yunnan-made Weiqi pieces known as Yunzi. He also learns about the Yunnan school of inner bottle painting, showcasing the integration of Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: L...
At the end of 2020, a young man from Litang County named Tamdrin suddenly went viral, and his hometown became the focus of attention. Then more and more local people joined to promote an integrated development model of culture, tourism and commerce. Drolma Lhamo was one of them. Episode two tells how she overcame great difficulties to start a successful business, helping more local housewives reach a new level of independence. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Z...
Batang in Sichuan Province boasts bountiful resources and beautiful natural scenery. But the most impressive thing about it is the hard-working nature of its people. In episode one, Gering Drolma tells her story of how she struggled through unimaginable hardships. After her husband’s untimely death when she was only 32 years old, she raised her three sons and looked after her father-in-law all by herself. Through her own experience, she proves that willpower and diligence are the foundations of ...
Christoph John is a German designer who has embraced local culture since moving with his family to Qingshan, a small mountain village in China’s coastal province of Zhejiang. In collaboration with Tianjin native Zhang Lei, with whom he studied in Europe, he reinvented traditional oil-paper umbrellas, integrating them into contemporary design and daily life. Other creative efforts from the duo have incorporated Chinese cultural heritage and attracted global acclaim. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu...
In 1962 the Chinese government established a mechanized forest farm to transform the barren land of Saihanba, with great success. Since then, successive generations have carried that legacy forward, guarding the precious woodland under their charge with pride and diligence. Now, in the new era of development, a new generation of foresters have focused their attention on forest management, ecological protection, and improving people’s livelihoods in the process. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Rui...
Over the span of six decades, three generations of forestry workers in Saihanba have cultivated more than 200 square kilometers of forest made up of over 300 million thriving trees. Continuing in their footsteps, a new generation of workers have also answered the call, assuming vital roles such as fire prevention and pest control. Empowered by cutting-edge technology, they are fully committed to safeguarding the forests they have been entrusted with. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer...
2023 marks the 61th anniversary of Saihanba National Forest Park, where expansive woods drape the mountains of northern China in a luxurious cloak of vibrant green. Few people who visit it, however, know that half a century ago they would have been presented, instead, with barren wasteland. The pioneers who restored it were 127 young graduates and 242 forestry workers who, in just a few decades, achieved the almost impossible task of establishing a large-scale mechanized forest farm in the deser...
The adventure continues. In Jilin Province, China, French snowboard Olympian Thomas Mermillod-Blondin is having the time of his life in Jilin city - learning to drive a horse-drawn sleigh on Wusong Island before hotfooting it to stay with a Manchu family in the ancient village of Hantun. Meanwhile, over in Savoie, Wang Lei is getting to grips with dog sledding and trying his hand at something he’s never done before - milking and cheese-making! Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xi...
Three intrepid men and an epic winter expedition - one that will take them from the mysterious Changbai Mountains in northeast China to the mighty Alps! In this episode, Chinese national snowboarding team coach Nino de Silvestri travels to Jilin in northeast China’s Jilin Province to pit himself against the winter snow drifts and get a glimpse of the bountiful natural resources of the Changbai Mountains. Meanwhile, over in Savoie, France, top Chinese professional snowboarder Wang Lei takes a dee...
As an ancient city with a history of over 800 years, Beijing still retains remarkable vigor, the secret of which is the harmonious integration that has taken place along its Central Axis. In episode 3, a foreign architect who participated in the Beijing Olympics and acted as an adviser on Beijing’s urban planning projects shares, from his own experience and understanding of the city, how the Central Axis integrates different people, different periods and different cultures, and bridges tradition...
What does Beijing’s Central Axis really mean to the city and its people? This is a question that has intrigued sound designer Huang Ruogu for years. One day she hit on the idea of recording the various sounds to be found along the axis for an immersive sound experience project, and her Walk Along the Central Axis came into being. Her aim in putting them together has been to rediscover the history, culture and human kindness behind everyday activities along the axis, in an authentic presentation ...
Throughout history, humans have built cities and given each of them a unique character. In this regard, nothing distinguishes Beijing more than its north-south Central Axis. Extending for 7.8 kilometers, the axis bisects the city and defines its layout. In episode one, foreign architects, urban planners, visual artists and sinologists share their interpretation of this meridian, along which the capital’s buildings and urban space are arranged so as to express the Chinese ideal of national order....
Transformation side by side with unchanging values and traditions - that’s how the people of Xinjiang view their traditional culture! So, in Episode 3, we get a close-up of two time-honored and timeless traditions that are still going strong in Xinjiang: the art of falconry and fur skiing. For many Xinjiang locals, falconry is seen as a way of reaching up into the skies and heavens, while fur skiing is emblematic of the wisdom their ancestors made use of to conquer hardship. Editor: Luo Wen Oper...
