Up Next
Back to Show
Story of China
The Discovery of the First Chinese Writing
Michael Wood tells how China’s greatest archaeological discovery started with a packet of over the counter medicine in a traditional Chinese drug store! In 1899, a Chinese scholar called Wang fell ill with malaria but he got more than he bargained for with his prescription! On the ‘dragon bones’, which he had to grind up and drink for his fever, he recognised the earliest Chinese writing!
Support Provided By
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:18
The great Taiping Rebellion, the fall of the Empire and the rise of Mao.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:48
Michael Wood tells the dramatic tale of China's last empire, the Qing.
Unlock with PBS Passport
56:48
The time of the Great Wall , the Forbidden City and treasure ships sent on ocean voyages.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:18
Michael Wood tells the tale of China's Renaissance.
Unlock with PBS Passport
57:33
Michael Wood conjures up China's first great international age, the Tang Dynasty.
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:18
Michael Wood returns to the beginnings of Chinese history to find clues to today's China.