Watch Globe Trekker - South West China

Globe Trekker - South West China is a travel documentary that presents the cultural richness and natural beauty of China's Southwestern region. The film's host, Megan McCormick, takes the viewers on a journey of discovery through cities, villages, and remote landscapes, encountering a wide variety of people and customs along the way.

The documentary starts in the city of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, known for its mild climate, laid-back lifestyle, and rich ethnic diversity. Here, McCormick visits the Green Lake Park, a popular public space where people practice Tai Chi, dance, and play music. She also explores the bustling Bird and Flower Market, a vibrant hub of local commerce and traditions.

From Kunming, McCormick heads to the ancient city of Dali, located at the foothills of the Cangshan Mountains and surrounded by picturesque rice fields and traditional Bai minority villages. Here, she discovers the fascinating history and architecture of the city's Old Town, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. She also meets some of the local Bai people, known for their colorful clothing, intricate embroidery, and rich cultural heritage.

Moving on to Lijiang, another ancient city with a unique ethnic character, McCormick explores the maze-like streets and canals of the Old Town, admiring its wooden houses, stone bridges, and lively marketplaces. She also learns about the Naxi people, who have their own pictographic writing system, music, and religion, and have lived in the area for over 1,000 years.

Leaving the urban centers behind, McCormick ventures into the rugged terrain of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, a scenic canyon carved by the Yangtze River and flanked by snow-capped peaks. She hikes along the narrow trails, admiring the breathtaking views and meeting some of the local farmers and traders who live along the way.

Heading south, McCormick enters the autonomous region of Xishuangbanna, home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups, including the Dai, Bulang, and Hani. Here, she visits the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, one of the largest and most diverse botanical gardens in the world, and learns about the region's flora and fauna, as well as its traditional medicine and cuisine.

Finally, McCormick reaches the borderlands of Yunnan and Tibet, a remote and mountainous region inhabited by the Tibetan people, who have their own language, religion, and way of life. Here, she visits the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China, and witnesses its colorful rituals and festivities. She also meets some of the local nomads and yak herders, who lead a rugged and self-sufficient existence in this harsh and beautiful landscape.

Overall, Globe Trekker - South West China is a fascinating and visually stunning exploration of a region that combines ancient traditions with modern aspirations, ethnic diversity with national unity, and natural wonders with cultural treasures. McCormick's engaging and informative narration, coupled with the film's immersive cinematography, provides a rich and rewarding experience for armchair travelers and adventure seekers alike.