Watch Trekking the World: China
- NR
- 2007
- 1 hr 35 min
Trekking the World: China is a breathtaking adventure documentary that takes us to some of China's most awe-inspiring landscapes. The movie is hosted by Damon Redern, a well-known travel journalist who guides us through the vast and diverse country of China. The movie begins with Damon introducing us to his thrilling trip around the country, relishing the country's amazing vistas, unique cultures, and rich history. We are taken in with an exotic view of the Great Wall of China, and Redern takes his first breathtaking trek high above the wall's parapets, capturing the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Redern then takes us to the Kunming Dragon Gate, a remarkable temple that was built into the sheer limestone cliffs of the Western Hills, a celebrated beauty spot in southwest China. We learn about the mythology of the locust trees that turn golden yellow before they shed their leaves, a rare and beautiful sight that awakens our senses to the boundless beauty of the temple's grounds. The film then proceeds to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which offers a stunning view of the majestic mountain range that spans 13,000 feet, and a new kind of thrill for Damon, taking part in a Tibetan Ritual ceremony.
The team then treks up to the main peak of the Huangshan Mountain, also known as Yellow Mountain - one of China's greatest natural marvels. We follow through Damon's journey as he travels up the steep hillside with the help of the cable cars to reach the top. The view from the main peak is a sight to behold, with the strange granite forest that seems to go on forever in every direction, shrouded in mists that make it appear like a scene from a different time.
The team then leaves Huangshan to visit the Yellow River, also known as the cradle of China's civilization. Damon takes us up to the towering Helan Mountain that overlooks the river's proud and magnificent course, over 3,000 miles long. We learn about the river's contribution to China's agriculture and how its course has influenced its history and culture over the past few thousand years.
We then travel to Shaolin Temple, where Damon is trained in authentic Shaolin kung fu under the tutelage of a Shaolin monk. The Shaolin Monastery is considered the birthplace of kung fu, and the monks there perform incredible feats of athleticism and control. All this is set against a backdrop of the temple's ancient architecture and extravagant murals.
The next leg of the trip takes us through the mysterious Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the world's largest cave and the Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, made famous from James Cameron's blockbuster, Avatar. The park's sheer beauty and unusual rock formations will keep you on the edge of your seat, with a mix of adrenaline and jaw-dropping awe.
The crew then visits Sichuan, one of China's most populous provinces, with a rich cultural legacy. We see more of China's natural beauty, with the stunning views of Jiuzhaigou National Park lake systems, crystal clear waters reflecting a rainbow of colors due to the surrounding lush fauna.
Finally, we visit the bustling heart of Beijing, the capital and political center of China. Redern takes us on a tour, showing us around Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace, with tales of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, all the while letting us in on local trivia that captures Beijing's identity and traditions.
In conclusion, Trekking the World: China takes you on a mesmerizing journey through the length and breadth of China, one of the most beautiful and enigmatic countries in the world. Damon Redern is your ideal guide, who brings his unique blend of passion and expertise that makes you appreciate the diversity and wonder of China beyond just a surface level. You will come away with a deeper, richer understanding of China's geography, faiths, history, and the variety of cultures that makes it one of the world's prime travel destinations.
Trekking the World: China is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.