Tracing Chinese civilization from its prehistoric origins to the fall of the Qing dynasty, this sweeping 100-part documentary explores the rulers, wars, philosophies, religions, cultural achievements and social transformations that shaped one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. Through archaeological evidence, historical records and expert commentary, the series presents a chronological account of China’s dynasties, peoples and institutions across thousands of years of history.
Seasons and episodes
1 season · 100 episodes
This 100-part season traces the development of Chinese civilization from prehistoric communities and the earliest dynasties through the fall of the Qing Empire, examining the rulers, institutions, ideas, conflicts and cultural achievements
S1 E1China Road
Jan 21, 201345 min
An introduction to the long development of Chinese civilization, tracing the ideas, institutions, cultural traditions and historical forces that shaped China’s distinctive path from antiquity to the end of imperial rule.
S1 E2The Earliest Chinese
Jan 21, 201345 min
Archaeological discoveries reveal the prehistoric peoples who lived across ancient China and the gradual formation of communities, cultures and shared traditions that would contribute to later Chinese civilization.
S1 E3The Rise of Agriculture
Jan 21, 201345 min
The episode explores the origins of farming in ancient China, including the domestication of millet and rice, the growth of settled communities and the social changes produced by agricultural life.
S1 E4The Origins of Civilization
Jan 21, 201345 min
Early cities, ritual centers, crafts and systems of social organization illuminate the transition from Neolithic cultures to complex civilization in the lands that became China.
S1 E5The Age of Early States
Jan 21, 201345 min
Competing regional societies developed fortified settlements, political hierarchies and ritual authority, laying the foundations for the earliest states recorded in Chinese history.
S1 E6The Xia Dynasty
Jan 21, 201345 min
Archaeology and ancient texts are examined in the search for the Xia, traditionally regarded as China’s first dynasty, with particular attention to the Erlitou culture and debates over its identity.
Starring
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I watch General History of China?
- General History of China is not currently listed on a streaming service in the US. Use the country picker on the page to check other markets.
- How many seasons of General History of China are there?
- General History of China has 1 season and 100 episodes. Status: Ended.
- Will there be a new season of General History of China?
- General History of China has ended; no new episodes are scheduled. The final episode aired on January 21, 2013.
- Who stars in General History of China?
- General History of China stars Xu Tao, 赵述仁.
