Wild China

Six part series: Saturdays at 7 pm & Sundays at 5 pm starting April 24, 2010 on CBC News Network

China is one of the oldest civilizations on Earth, and its history is one of the most turbulent. For almost a century, its borders have been all but closed to the outside world. But finally, China is opening up to the world. This landmark series gains unprecented access into this most enigmatic of countries, to reveal a land of astonishing natural complexity, fabulous landscapes, rare and surprising wildlife, and colourful people.

The glittering peaks of the Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, loom over the desolate Tibetan plateau. Rivers snake through plains, roar through echoing limestone gorges and cascade down forested waterfalls. Deserts range from searing hot to mind-numbingly cold. Steaming jungles teem with tropical creatures some of which are still being discovered. Birds of prey circle over rolling grass steppe lands while some forests appear as familiar as any European garden where rhododendrons, camellias and buddleias thrive in their natural habitat.

This film journeys through China from the Himalayas to the Steppe, the sub-Arctic to the tropical islands. Pioneering images, including the latest aerial filming technology and high definition cameras capture the dazzling array of mysterious and wonderful creatures that live in China's most beautiful landscapes. Over six episodes, we travel the length and breadth of China to reveal the full extent and fabulous diversity of its natural wonders.

As China covers such a vast area, we move from place to place with the help of spectacular aerials and maps in a filmic style. The images exude an artistic feel - playing with time to create ghost-like visions of flocking birds, migrating herds and dancing cranes. Movement within scenes is highlighted by altering the speed of filming, from high-speed footage which reveals every rain drop splashing from a golden pheasant's back, to panoramic time-lapses which reveal the emergence of flowers in an alpine meadow or autumnal colour in a forest. Waterfalls become bubbling white brushstrokes and the lights of fishermen at sea at night leave lines oflight as they bob up and down. A magical and mysterious world revealed.

Wild China: Heart of the Dragon

A miao farmer and his cow plough prepare their rice paddy for planting.
credit: Phil Chapman

Viewers can explore China's vast and varied wildlife habitats from rivers that carved immense gorges through the world's loftiest mountain peaks to vast deserts ranging from searing heat to mind-numbing cold, wild horses galloping across grass steppe land and shallow seas teeming with life. Wild China: Heart of the Dragon explores how China's 1.3 billion people interact with their extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. more  >

Wild China: Shangri-La

The Baimashan range in the Hengduan mountains, Yunnam.
Credit: Kathryn Jeffs.

Beneath billowing clouds in China's far southwest, rich jungles nestle below towering peaks and jewel-coloured birds and ancient tribes share forested valleys where wild elephants still roam. Viewers get a rare glimpse into these remote forests that stretch into northern territories where normally deserts would not be found. Wild China: Shangri-La examines how these forests exist—does the rugged landscape hold the key? more  >

Wild China: The Tibetan Plateau

Everest sunset. The north face of Everest in late May.
Credit: Gavin Maxwell

This episode explores the vast windswept wilderness in one of the world's most remote places. The size of Western Europe, the Tibetan plateau covers a quarter of China. The region is home to wildlife such as rare chiru, brown bear and the wild yak and, more large creatures inhabit this region than anywhere else in China. Tibet has a unique culture, defined by over one thousand years of Buddhism. This fascinating religion has nurtured remarkable beliefs. Viewers learn why this landscape and ancient culture is the life support system for much of the planet. more  >

Wild China: Land of the Panda

Wild giant Panda at Changqing reserve in the Qinling mountains.
Credit: Gavin Maxwell

Travel across China's heartland where its Han people are the centre of a 5,000-year-old civilization. This land contains the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and Beijing's new Olympic Stadium. China has undergone significant development in the past 50 years and suffers from many environmental problems. But the relationship of the Chinese to their environment and its creatures is in fact deep, complex and extraordinary. Wild China: Land of the Panda explores this ancient relationship to understand what it means for the future of China. more  >

Wild China: Beyond the Great Wall

At the western-most point on the Great Wall of China, in Gansu Province, Jiayuguan Fortress was built by the emporers of the Ming Dynasty.
Credit: George Chan

Warrior nomads, bizarre wildlife and extreme weather conditions are found beyond the Wall, built by China's emperors. As viewers will discover, Northern China is a place of great beauty, rich with history. The legendary Silk Road drew traders across the deserts in search of fabulous wealth. Nomadic tribes hunt with golden eagles and racehorses. See how these extreme lands have shaped some of China's most colourful people and wildlife. more  >

Wild China: Tides of Change

Fishing festival dragon.
Credit: Charlotte Scott

From the eastern end of the Great Wall, China's coast spans 14,000 kilometres and more than 7,000 years of history. It is an area of huge contrast—from futuristic modern cities jostling traditional seaweed-thatched villages to ancient tea terraces and wild wetlands where rare animals still survive. Here white dolphins, red-crowned cranes, deadly vipers, giant sturgeon and sabre-wielding monkeys struggle to survive faced by competition from 700 million people, widespread pollution and over-fishing. more  >

Wild China is produced by the BBC.