Documentary, BBC Two - The Story of China, Silk Roads and China Ships <br />China Silk Road Ships <br />The Story of China, Silk Roads and China Ships is a documentary series that explores China's historical connections with the Silk Road and maritime trade routes. The series, presented by Michael Wood, delves into China's first great international age under the Tang Dynasty (618-907), highlighting the cultural and economic exchanges that took place along these routes. <br /><br />Michael Wood travels along the Silk Road, visiting places such as Luoyang, Kashgar, and Xi’an, where he meets descendants of traders from Central Asia and Persia who came into China on the Silk Road. He also explores the spread of Chinese culture, language, and religion, including the introduction of Christianity in 635. <br /> The documentary also covers the role of the Grand Canal in China's economic growth and the rise of the silk and tea industries. <br /><br />The series also touches on the maritime aspects of the Silk Road, including the routes used by Austronesian sailors and the influence of Persian and Arab traders. It highlights the importance of the Maritime Silk Road in connecting Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, the Arabian Peninsula, eastern Africa, and Europe. <br /><br />The documentary series provides a comprehensive look at how the Silk Road and China Ships facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultures, shaping the history of China and its interactions with the wider world
