All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 Centre of the Cosmos

    • BBC Two

    Today Beijing is the capital of the most populous nation in this planet, but once it was just another border town. And it's hard to imagine that over time this place became the center of the Chinese Empire. How could it happen, and why?

  • S01E02 Barbarians at the Gate

    • BBC Two

    For thousands of years China was separated by a wall from the outside world, but it's name alone attracted travelers and invaders. Their search for fame and fortune became part of the forces in China's destiny. Often they arrived by open gates, but sometimes gates were opened by force.

  • S01E03 Emperors, Conquerors and Rebels

    • BBC Two

    Beijing - the heart of imperial China. A giant stage, and also prison for unfortunate ones. Power to rule attracted conquerors and corrupted leaders. They all left their marks that can be seen in Beijing even today.