CGTN Documentary

It cannot speak; its gaze is impossible to read. But it's a silence that speaks volumes: a pair of eyes that saw the very beginning, that witnessed the very first Chinese dynasty – eyes that, as a new era dawns, are watching still. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying

What can you read in these eyes gazing at us across the gulf of time? What hints do they give us of life in days long, long ago, and of the passions that dwelt in the hearts of the people who lived through them? Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chief Editor: Zhang Wan Supervisor: Liu Changying

The American documentary film producer Andrew Field has lived in China for 26 years, over which time he has participated in the production of many historical documentaries. Drawing on his deep knowledge of Chinese culture, he aims to explain Chinese history to the global audience from a third-person perspective. Today working as a professor of Duke Kunshan University, he takes his students around...

Eight years ago, Chen Zhenjie and his business partners made an important decision: to move their artificial intelligence start-up from Macao to Shenzhen. In the ensuing years their rise has been dizzying. What started off as just three student entrepreneurs doing what they do has now blossomed into a high-tech operation employing over 300 staff. This is their story. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu...

As Chinese New Year approaches, everyone is bewitched by the impending celebrations. Join us for an audio round-up to find out about the preparations that are taking place on Juehua Island in northeastern China’s Liaoning Province where absolutely nothing is allowed to get in the way as people rush to be with their families on the big day. Editor: Luo Wen Operation: Qiu Ruiqi Producer: Li Xin Chie...

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:...

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 Produ...

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 Super...

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 o...

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: Zh...

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...

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 ded...

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 bro...

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 aro...

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 himse...

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 t...

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 p...

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 immer...

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 t...

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 reac...

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...