Watch Laura McKenzie's Traveler - Epic China
- 2014
- 21 min
Laura McKenzie's Traveler - Epic China is a travel documentary that follows the titular Laura McKenzie as she embarks on a journey across China to explore the country's rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. The documentary begins with McKenzie's arrival in Beijing, where she marvels at the ancient architecture of the city's iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. She takes a trip to Tiananmen Square and reflects upon the history of the Chinese revolution, which took place on this very spot.
Next, McKenzie travels to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China, where she visits the legendary Terracotta Army. The army, comprised of thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers, was crafted more than 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. McKenzie is awestruck by the level of detail in the sculptures and marvels at the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the ancient Chinese people.
The documentary then takes a turn as McKenzie travels to the Tibetan Plateau, where she explores the unique culture and lifestyle of the Tibetan people. She visits a monastery and engages in dialogue with a Tibetan monk, discussing the importance of spirituality and peaceful living in today's world.
From there, McKenzie travels to the city of Lhasa, the traditional capital of Tibet. She visits the iconic Potala Palace, which was the residence of the Dalai Lama until his exile in 1959. The palace is an impressive work of architecture and monument to Tibetan spiritual and cultural heritage.
The documentary then takes a more somber turn as it delves into the history of Chinese-occupied Tibet. McKenzie speaks with activists and human rights advocates who discuss the struggles of the Tibetan people under Chinese rule. She bears witness to the effects of Chinese imperialism on the Tibetan people and their environment.
The second half of the documentary focuses on the natural wonders of China. McKenzie travels to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where she marvels at the stunning landscapes and towering sandstone pillars that inspired the setting for the movie Avatar.
She also embarks on a journey down the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and cliffs. Along the way, she visits the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station, and takes in the beauty of the surrounding flora and fauna.
The documentary ends with McKenzie returning to Beijing and reflecting on her journey across China. She comments on the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and complex history, urging viewers to learn more about the nation and its people.
Overall, Laura McKenzie's Traveler - Epic China is a visually stunning documentary that offers an informative and engaging look at one of the world's most fascinating and complex countries. McKenzie's insightful commentary and engaging storytelling make for an enjoyable and educational viewing experience that is sure to inspire a sense of wanderlust and a desire to see more of China's diverse and stunning landscapes.