A Note about the Country
China - the world's most populous country - is a fascinating hub of culture and history in the heart of Asia.
This beautiful and varied nation represents one of the world's oldest civilizations, consisting of states and cultures that span nearly 4,000 years. For most of its epic history, China has been ruled by a succession of dynasties. Coming to a dramatic end in 1912 when the last Emperor, Pu Yi of the Ching Dynasty, was overthrown, the Republic of China was established. This republic was not long-lived; in 1949, after years of conflict and war, the Communist Party of China took control of most of the mainland.
As a result two different political entities were established: the People's Republic of China, commonly known as China, which controls mainland China, alongside Hong Kong and Macau, which were incorporated into this region in 1997 and 1999 respectably; and the Republic of China, usually referred to as Taiwan, which controls the island of Taiwan and a few other nearby islands.
Given its protracted history, intimidating size and recent economic prowess, it is hardly surprising that elements of China have spread far beyond its vast borders. Indeed, many of today's most prolific inventions originate from China, such as paper, credit banking, the compass, gunpowder, printing and more surprising still, early recipes of ice cream. The country's cultural sphere has been particularly influential within Asia. Chinese religion, customs, food and language have been adopted, to a less or greater extent, by its neighbouring countries, especially Japan, Vietnam and Korea.
Our Programmes
Alongside China's vast economic expansion, the 2008 Beijing Olympics have dramatically raised the international profile of the country. In order to celebrate the start of this event, The History Channel has scheduled a week long succession of fascinating programmes on China.
Kicking off the week, at 9pm on Monday 4th August, is China's Forbidden City, a two part series that takes viewers inside China's greatest tourist attraction - The Forbidden City of Beijing. Once regarded as the centre of the world, the Forbidden City's 600 year history bore witness to the magnificent display of imperial power and grandiose triumphs. What then led to its ultimate demise? The second part, an insight into the life of the concubine, premiers at the same time on the following day.
Think that China's sporting prowess lies solely in martial arts and table tennis? Think again. From Wednesday 6th August at 9pm watch Ancient Chinese Sports and be catapulted into a sporting world that few knew existed.
Other programmes on the Middle Kingdom include Rome: The Lost City of China (4th August; 10pm), which offers an insight into a rarely discussed chapter of Chinese history - Rome's presence in the region. Discover the amazing innovations of ancient China in Ancient Discoveries: Machines III (5th August; 8pm). Finally, delve into the nation's ancient weaponry in Ancient Discoveries: Chinese Warfare (6th August; 8pm).
Repeats run throughout the week. Visit our listings page to find out more (see related links).
Competitions
We also have tonnes of fabulous prizes up for grabs that relate to China.
Get interactive by entering our Kung Fu Panda Wii game competition. Alternatively, learn about Modern China's economic transformation from the perspective of a foreigner with Duncan Hewitt's Getting Rich First.
Interested in the controversial Tiananmen Square Massacre? Then enter our competition to win Ma Jian's Beijing Coma. Finally, gain an insiders perspective on the country with the book 20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo.
Find out more information and enter these competitions from the competition homepage (see related links).