China: Centuries of Mystery (2010)
2h 0min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
China is one of the world's oldest civilizations, dating back over 5000 years. It is the most populated country in the world. Around a fifth of the world's population (over 1 billion people) resides in China. Rich in history, culture and global arts, China is a world global leader. It was here that the art of printing was first invented. Gunpowder was first made and used in Chinese weaponry. Other notable inventions were the wheelbarrow, cast iron, the iron plough, the suspension bridge, the parachute, compass, matches, raised relief maps, the propeller, the cross bow and the cannon. The first dynasty in China was named Xia and it was considered mythical until recent excavations. The first emperor of China was the ruthless Shi Huang-Ti. He was responsible for beginning construction of China's most famous historical landmark, the Great Wall, as protection against barbarian invaders. The Wall also increased China's isolation from Western civilization, for better or worse. A series of dynasties followed; the most famous of which was the Yuan Dynasty, formed by the fearsome Mongol warlord Kublai Khan. At the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1947, constitutional rule was established, with the Communist Party of China controlling Mainland China. Mao Zedong led the Communist Party of China. Today, China is rapidly emerging as one of the world's leading economic, political and military superpowers. A fascinating program exploring this proud, ancient, and mysterious civilization. - Studio:
- Quantum Leap
- Genres:
- Children & Family, Documentary, Special Interest