The Story of China episode 5 – The Last Empire: Michael Wood looks at China’s Qing empire, which lasted from 1644 to 1912. Under the Qing, China doubled in size and became arguably the world’s greatest economy. China’s last empire, the Qing, lasted from 1644 to 1912. It began in violence and war as the Manchus swept down […]
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The Story of China episode 4 – The Ming: The tale of the Ming dynasty begins with the amazing story of Hongwu, a peasant rebel. Michael Wood explores the history of the world’s newest superpower.  The tale of one of China’s most famous dynasties begins with the amazing story of Hongwu, a peasant rebel who founded one
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The Story of China episode 3 – The Golden Age: This episode tells the tale of what’s broadly considered China’s most creative dynasty – the Song (960-1279). Michael Wood heads to the city of Kaifeng, the greatest city in the world before the 19th century. Here in Twin Dragon Alley, locals tell him the legend of the baby
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The Story of China episode 2 – Silk Roads and China Ships: Michael Wood tells the tale of China’s first great international age under the Tang Dynasty (618-907). From the picturesque old city of Luoyang, he travels along the Silk Road to the bazaars of central Asia and into India on the track of the Chinese monk who brought Buddhism
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The Story of China episode 1 – Ancestors: Michael Wood explores the history of the world’s newest superpower, from its ancient past to the present day. Starting in Wuxi, Michael joins the Qin family reunion, when 300 relatives gather to worship their ancestors on Tomb Sweeping Day. ‘Like the nation, the family has been through so much,’ one says. ‘Now
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