CMG airs new documentary 'Asia and the Lights of Civilization'

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China Media Group (CMG) started to air the documentary “Asia and the Lights of Civilization” on the Chinese, English and Arabian TV channels of CCTV and CGTN and other multimedia platforms since May 12, ahead of the opening of the Conference of Dialogue on Asian Civilizations to be held in Beijing.

The three-episode documentary, which will roll out successively in three days till May 14, is the first high-definition documentary that reviews and summarizes Asian civilizations panoramically in the global television industry.

It tries to explore the laws and wisdom revealed by the development trajectories of several ancient civilizations and civilization circles in Asia, especially the exchanges and mutual learning between Asian civilizations, which played a major role in promoting human progress.

Inviting scholars and professionals from different Asian countries to participate in the planning, the most symbolic Asian elements are selected to present each of 47 Asian countries and regions in the documentary.

The production team filmed in 22 Asian countries and regions as well as 13 domestic cities, and used audiovisual special effects technology to make Asian cultural relics and lost heritages alive through storylines.

Episode one: 'An Encyclopedia of Civilizations'

Poster of episode one “An Encyclopedia of Civilizations” of the documentary “Asia and the Lights of Civilization” rolled out by CMG. /CCTV Photo

From the Tigris and Euphrates in the west and the Indus and the Ganges in the south to the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers in the east and across Southeast Asia and elsewhere, ancient Asian civilizations have risen.

The first episode covers many great creations of ancient Asian civilizations, such as irrigation, pottery and porcelain. Arabic numerals restore past prosperities of Asian civilizations and explain how they contributed to the progress of human civilization.

Episode two: 'Inheritance and Innovation'

Poster of episode two “Inheritance and Innovation” of the documentary "Asia and the Lights of Civilization” rolled out by CMG. /CCTV Photo

Asians in the 21st century inherit the achievements of civilizations created by their ancestors and infuse new vitality into Asian civilizations through innovation.

As civilizations have been carried on, many vivid stories have been handed down, including the story of Vietnam's ao dai, Cambodia's Angkor Wat, Indonesia's batik, Jordan's ancient city of Petra and Maldives' wisdom in marine ecology.

Episode three: 'A History of Exchanges'

Poster of episode three “A History of Exchanges” of the documentary “Asia and the Lights of Civilization” rolled out by CMG. /CCTV Photo

In thousands of years of history, different civilizations in Asia, as well as Asian civilizations and other civilizations in the world, have constantly exchanged.

Dunhuang, an oasis among the mountains and desert of western China and a major hub on the Silk Road, witnessed the interaction among the cultures of China, India, and Central and West Asia, and gave rise to the unique cultural heritage Mogao Grottoes.

The stunning murals and statues in the caves were created over the course of 1,000 years, beginning in the 4th century AD by craftsmen originating from China, India, Arabia, Persia and elsewhere, combing styles from across Asia and the Mediterranean.

History is our inspiration for our actions today. Only through exchange and mutual learning can we create an inclusive, vibrant community in which everyone can flourish.