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Story of China
Ancestors
Season 1
Episode 1
Starting with a family reunion, when 300 relatives gather to worship their ancestors on 'Tomb Sweeping Day,' Michael explores ancient myths and archaeological sites to uncover the origins of the Chinese state; he examines the first Chinese writing, and tells the dramatic tale of the bloodthirsty First Emperor, before an amazing climax with a million pilgrims at a festival on the Yellow River.
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55:18
The great Taiping Rebellion, the fall of the Empire and the rise of Mao.
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55:48
Michael Wood tells the dramatic tale of China's last empire, the Qing.
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56:48
The time of the Great Wall , the Forbidden City and treasure ships sent on ocean voyages.
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55:18
Michael Wood tells the tale of China's Renaissance.
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57:33
Michael Wood conjures up China's first great international age, the Tang Dynasty.