Watch Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys Beijing A Cultural Tour with Traditional Chinese Music
- NR
- 2008
- 1 hr 3 min
Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys Beijing: A Cultural Tour with Traditional Chinese Music is a visual and musical journey that takes us through the fascinating history and awe-inspiring landmarks of Beijing. The documentary is part of the highly acclaimed Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys travel series and is brought to us by the award-winning director and producer, David Mitcham.
The film opens with a breathtaking view of the vastness and beauty of the Great Wall of China. We are invited to embark on a journey through the streets of Beijing, a bustling metropolis of over 20 million people. The camera traces the city's past and present, highlighting Beijing's unique blend of ancient traditions and contemporary modernity.
The documentary takes us on a tour of some of Beijing's most iconic landmarks. We see the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace of China's emperors for over 500 years. It is a grand architectural masterpiece of over 720,000 square meters, with more than 9,000 rooms, and was home to 24 emperors in total. The camera glides through its vast courtyards, ancient halls, and exhibits. We also visit the Temple of Heaven, another iconic landmark in Beijing, that served as the divine altar for emperors to pray for good harvests and happy lives. It is a majestic example of Chinese architecture with its circular shape, blue-tiled roofs and striking colors.
The film also captures the famous Summer Palace, a verdant lakeside retreat that served the imperial family for relaxation in the Qing Dynasty. We see the intricately designed Long Corridor, the stunning Marble Boat, and the tranquil Kunming Lake. We also venture to the Temple of Confucius, a site of great historical and cultural significance for the Chinese people, with its tranquil gardens surrounding the temple.
Throughout the documentary, we are serenaded by the beautiful traditional Chinese music, masterfully played by the China National Traditional Orchestra. The sounds of plucked strings, wind instruments, and percussions, provide a calming and soothing accompaniment to the vivid and colorful visuals of the city.
The narrator provides valuable insights about every destination and fills us with knowledge about this ancient city's rich history and culture. The film also dives deeper into the city's culinary traditions, from the globally renowned Peking Duck to the lesser-known but equally delicious street food delicacies, which are an integral part of the city's culture.
The documentary also covers the world-famous Chinese acrobatic troupe, who are famous for their gravity-defying stunts and impressive feats of agility. We see them in action, performing balancing acts, contortionism, juggling, and much more. This is a perfect showcase of the city's artistic and creative prowess.
In conclusion, Naxos Scenic Musical Journeys Beijing: A Cultural Tour with Traditional Chinese Music provides an unforgettable tour of this historic, majestic city, filled with grandeur, history and culture. It is a perfect blend of visual splendor, moving traditional music, and informative narration that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. This film is not just a feast for the eyes and ears, but a journey of the heart and mind that will broaden our cultural horizons and deepen our appreciation of this ancient city.