The six-episode documentary series The Great Wall was initiated by the China Intercontinental Communication Center and jointly produced by media organizations from China, the UK, the Netherlands, Singapore, and other countries. It premiered on November 12th at 8 pm on the Special Presentation program of the CCTV Documentary Channel. The program will also be broadcast in 53 countries through InsightTV in February 2024, and will be available on internet platforms such as Tencent Video.
The six-episode documentary series The Great Wall invites young British explorer Ash Dykes to lead the audience on a journey along the Great Wall from east to west, allowing them to experience the rich historical and cultural resources, stunning regional landscapes, and pristine natural ecology along the Great Wall. The documentary revolves around the theme of "The Great Wall: The Backbone of the Chinese Nation," showcasing the significant value and status of the Great Wall in the history of Chinese civilization and the development of traditional Chinese culture.
This documentary was filmed over a period of more than 100 days, spanning multiple provinces including Henan, Hebei, Beijing, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, and Gansu. The crew traveled over 20,000 kilometers, selecting the oldest Chu Great Wall, the most treacherous Jiankou Great Wall, and the most magnificent Jiayuguan Pass as the most representative sections of the Great Wall.
The host, Ash Dykes, is a British adventurer and extreme sports athlete born in the 1990s. He holds three world records and has completed a full-length trek along the Yangtze River. Ash's journey begins at the Chu Great Wall in Henan Province. At the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, he experiences the cultural heritage behind Chinese martial arts. In Chengziyu, he learns about how the local people protect and inherit the culture and spirit of the Great Wall. At Panjiakou Reservoir, he witnesses the wonders of the underwater Great Wall in China.
While cycling along the Great Wall in Beijing, Ash learns about China's commitment to ecological conservation and the opportunities that Great Wall protection brings to local development. In Qingbiankou, Zhangjiakou, Ash discovers the deep historical significance of Zhangjiakou as a museum of the Great Wall throughout different dynasties, and experiences local traditional intangible cultural heritage. At Xiaoshe Taiqin Great Wall in Inner Mongolia, Ash immerses himself in the local culture and charm at the Nadam Fair. He then visits Guidengou Great Wall in Ningxia with American photographer Dan, experiencing the unique natural landscapes and cultural fusion of the area. The final stop of the journey is the Han Great Wall in Dunhuang, Gansu, where Ash learns about the glorious history of the Han Great Wall and the Silk Road amidst the sound of camel bells.
