The Journey of Chinese Plants

Introduction

The Journey of Chinese Plants, composed of 10 episodes, is a prominent documentary series that narrates the intriguing stories of Chinese plants and their global influence. As China's first documentary focusing on this unique subject, it was announced to commence filming on April 17, 2017, at the Beijing Botanical Garden. This documentary brings to light the historical journey, cultural significance, and the global dispersion of various Chinese plant species. The series is directed by Li Chengcai and aims to bridge the understanding of how Chinese plants have moved, thrived, and become celebrated in different parts of the world.

Concept and Aim

The documentary series is designed to highlight the connection between Chinese plants and their influence globally, based on significant historical events and stories of plant enthusiasts. Li Chengcai, the director, articulated the aim of the documentary as a means to convey how Chinese plants have spread and established themselves in other countries. The series underscores the role of Chinese plants in different cultures and ecosystems, fostering a deeper appreciation of their global significance.

Global Exploration

To capture an authentic representation of the influence of Chinese plants, the documentary team embarked on an extensive global exploration. The crew visited several countries, including New Zealand, where they investigated the transformation of Chinese kiwi fruit, Japan for insights into the integration of Chinese tea into Japanese culture, and the United States to trace the dissemination of knowledge regarding the nutritional value of Chinese beans. The documentary was filmed across various famous botanical gardens and nature reserves, featuring interviews with botanists and showcasing the plants' growth cycle through advanced filming techniques.

Cultural and Environmental Impact

The International Horticultural Exhibition, where the documentary premiered, was intended to highlight China's contribution to global horticulture. The event includes three theme gardens focusing on fruit trees, fruits, and Chinese herbal medicine, showcasing the diversity of Chinese plant species and their cultivation techniques. This initiative is part of a broader effort to demonstrate China's commitment to environmental globalization and protection.

Production Challenges and Techniques

Filming a documentary about botany presents unique challenges, being one of the most expensive genres to produce. Despite these challenges, the production team employed advanced techniques such as underwater and microscope photography, along with drone usage, to capture the intricate details of plant life. The crew amassed over 1,200 hours of footage with the collaboration of more than 100 botanists from around the world.

Filming Highlights and Intriguing Stories

The documentary covers numerous plant species native to China, including rare plants like Saussurea medusa, which grows at high altitudes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The production journey extended across 27 Chinese provinces and seven other countries, enriching the narrative with diverse international perspectives. One notable filming segment took place in Madagascar, where the crew documented artemisinin, an anti-malaria drug derived from sweet wormwood, amidst a challenging environment facing a plague outbreak.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Each episode of the documentary is crafted to narrate the story of Chinese plants through their historical and cultural significance. For instance, it explores the journey of the dove tree, whose seeds were spread by British botanist Ernest Henry Wilson, and its cultivation in Europe and the United States. These stories not only highlight the botanical aspects but also focus on the plants' influence on human societies and cultures.

Educational and Global Outreach

Scheduled for broadcast on China Central Television and streaming on platforms like iQiyi, The Journey of Chinese Plants is produced in ultra-high definition 4K format, representing the longest botany documentary of its kind in China. The series aims to educate and captivate a global audience, inspiring an appreciation for the botanical treasures native to China and their role in the world.