Watch Global Treasures: Forbidden City - Peking, China

Global Treasures: Forbidden City - Peking, China is a visually stunning documentary that takes us on a journey into one of the most awe-inspiring architectural masterpieces in the world. This cinematic exploration of the Forbidden City is an excellent introduction to the history and culture of China, portraying the country's struggle with modernization and their reverence for tradition.

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties, constructed over 600 years ago during the Yongle reign. The director, Graham Townsley, captures the grandeur of this iconic palace complex from the sprawling courtyards to the intricate details of each building's decorations. Using state-of-the-art cinematography, Global Treasures: Forbidden City - Peking, China takes us on a breathtaking tour of the Forbidden City's priceless treasures.

The documentary features interviews with scholars and historians discussing the historical significance of the palace complex. The Forbidden City, as we learn, was once the epicenter of Chinese politics, culture, and government. We also hear about the lavish lifestyles of the ruling emperors and their influence on China's culture and arts.

The film's score, composed by David Poore, is an excellent complement to the iconic landmarks and stunning scenery. The music is emotive, accentuating the grandeur and majesty of the ancient palace. The combination of this score and the beautiful cinematography takes us on a mesmerizing journey into China's rich history.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary is the emphasis on the numerous superstitions that surround the palace complex. We learn about the significance of the number nine and how it was believed to bring good fortune, leading to the use of nine in various parts of the Forbidden City, such as the nine dragons carved into the walls of Zhenwu Hall. We also learn about the tradition of hauling rocks instead of pushing them, as it was believed that pushing them would signal a bad omen for the reigning emperor. These superstitions and more add to the mystery and awe-inspiring nature of the palace complex.

The documentary provides a glimpse into the lifestyles of the emperors and their families. The filming of the palace's living quarters, including their royal bedrooms, paintings, and furniture, is highly detailed, showing the luxuriousness of their surroundings. We even see their beds and chambers with intricate carvings, adorned with gold and colored silks.

Another highlight of the documentary is the emphasis on the art, artifacts, and architecture of the Forbidden City. We see highly detailed murals illustrating the stories of classical Chinese literature, and exquisite examples of calligraphy, sculpture, and ceramic. These artifacts all have their stories and historical significance, and the film does a great job of bringing them to life for the audience.

Finally, we see how the Forbidden City is still a significant cultural center in China. The palace was designed to reflect the emperor's role as the center of the universe, and this idea is still apparent in the way the palace is viewed and treated today. The documentary shows how the Palace Museum set up various cultural programs, fairs, and festivals to promote Chinese traditions, festivals and holiday celebrations. The artwork created by modern-day Chinese artisans using traditional techniques is also displayed within the palace complex, emphasizing how the past and present are intertwined in China.

In conclusion, Global Treasures: Forbidden City - Peking, China is a must-watch for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture. Its exceptional cinematography and music, combined with the depth of knowledge on display throughout the film, make for a memorable experience. The documentary not only showcases the palace's beauty, but it also explores its significance in Chinese culture and history. Viewers will come away with a newfound appreciation of the culture and traditions of China and a better understanding of the importance of this iconic landmark.