Horizon Season 1992 Episode 13 The Man who Moved the Mountains

The Man who Moved the Mountains is the 13th episode in the 1992 season of the acclaimed television series Horizon. The episode examines the life and work of a remarkable man named Peng Jiamu, a peasant farmer from China's Sichuan Province, who, over a period of 36 years, single-handedly moved mountains to create a better life for himself and his community.

At the heart of this fascinating story is Peng's unrelenting determination to overcome the challenges facing his small rural village, which was isolated from the rest of the region by a series of steep, rocky mountains. With no other means of communication or transportation available, Peng saw that he needed to take action himself.

Using only simple hand tools and a bulldozer that he purchased second-hand, Peng began the incredible task of cutting a road through the mountains, creating a shortcut that would cut days off the journey between his village and the nearest town. Over the years, he worked tirelessly, often through the night, to move rocks and boulders, widen the road and level the ground, pushing back against the seemingly insurmountable natural obstacles that lay in his path.

Despite widespread skepticism, resistance from local authorities, and even sabotage from some of his fellow villagers, Peng never gave up on his mission. With an unwavering belief in his own abilities and the rightness of his cause, he pressed on, achieving what many believed to be impossible.

Through interviews with Peng himself, his family, and other members of his community, as well as stunning footage of the rugged mountain landscape and the remarkable road that Peng built, The Man who Moved the Mountains tells the inspiring story of a man who defied the odds and accomplished something truly extraordinary.

In addition to exploring Peng's personal story, the episode also sheds light on the economic and social challenges facing rural communities in China. Through interviews with experts in agriculture, economics, and history, as well as a look at the broader context of China's ongoing transformation, the programme provides a thought-provoking reflection on the country's recent past and uncertain future.

Overall, The Man who Moved the Mountains is a compelling and uplifting tale of human perseverance and the transformative power of one person's determination to make a difference. Whether you are interested in Chinese history and culture or simply inspired by the stories of remarkable individuals who defy the odds, this episode of Horizon is a must-see.