Watch Beijing: Biography Of An Imperial Capital

Beijing: Biography Of An Imperial Capital is a fascinating documentary series that explores the rich history of one of the most impressive cities in the world. The series is produced by CuriosityStream, a leading streaming service that specializes in high-quality documentaries and shows that explore science, history, and other fascinating subjects.

The series consists of six episodes, each of which provides a deep dive into different aspects of Beijing's history and culture. From the early days of the city's foundation to its rise as one of the greatest imperial capitals in the world, viewers are taken on a fascinating journey through time as key events and historical figures are explored.

One of the aspects of the series that is most impressive is the use of stunning visuals to bring the history of Beijing to life. Each episode is packed with incredible footage of the city, including aerial shots and sweeping panoramas that highlight the stunning architecture and unique landscapes of the region. Additionally, the series incorporates art, maps, and other visuals to help contextualize the events being discussed, ensuring that viewers have a clear understanding of how each event fits into the larger story of Beijing.

The first episode of the series is titled "Birth of a City," and explores the origins of Beijing, which lie in the prehistoric settlement of Beijing Man. This episode discusses the city's founding as well as some of the earliest developments in its history. It also touches on how the city changed from an agricultural hub to a center of political power.

The second episode, titled "City of the Dragon," follows Beijing's history from the rise of the Tang and Song Dynasties through the Yuan Dynasty, which saw the Mongol Empire take control of the city. The episode provides insight into Beijing's unique character and how it was molded by people from around the world.

The third episode, "The Ming Dynasty," covers Beijing during the Ming Dynasty's reign from 1368 to 1644. There was a surge of construction during this time that created the city as we know it. The episode discusses how the construction affected the city and why it remained the capital of China's Ming Dynasty for decades.

The fourth episode shines the spotlight on the Qing Dynasty and how the Manchu people controlled Beijing starting with Emperor Kangxi in the 17th century through the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912. The episode touches on the struggles that the dynasty faced towards the end of this time period, including the Boxer Rebellion and other major conflicts.

The fifth episode, "City of Revolution," details how the 20th century brought sweeping changes to Beijing, with the rise of both the Republic of China and the Communist Party of China. During this time, the city faced conflicts and changed enormously. The episode concludes with the events leading up to the Cultural Revolution of 1966.

The final episode of the series, titled "The 21st Century Capital," explores how Beijing has transformed itself into a center of innovation, innovation and culture on a global scale. The episode highlights some key areas of progress including modern transportation like the insanely fast bullet train and ongoing ecological development.

All in all, Beijing: Biography Of An Imperial Capital is a fascinating look at one of the world's most impressive cities. Through its use of visuals and insightful commentary, the series provides a deep dive into Beijing's history and culture, helping viewers to better understand how this city has become the powerhouse that it is today. Anyone who is interested in history, culture, or simply wants to learn more about this unique city will find this series to be a must-watch.