Discovery HD Heads East in February with China Month


Venture beyond the Great Wall this February with China Month on Discovery HD. Beginning Fri., Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, Discovery HD’s nightly prime-time lineup will feature three eye-catching series that capture the rich culture, history and geography of China. Whether it’s travelling back in time to the Han Dynasty, one of China’s richest cultural periods; or exploring the environmental, cultural and political significance of the Yangtze River, China Month offers a comprehensive look at the past and present of one of the most dynamic countries in the world. Premiering in Canada exclusively on Discovery HD, these three series were acquired through Discovery Channel’s partnership with CITVC, the distribution arm of China’s public broadcaster CCTV.

China Month series highlights include:

Rediscovering the Yangtze River
Fri., Feb. 1 to Wed., Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
In 1984, a documentary titled The Story of the Yangtze River chronicled the impact the historic body of water has had on China’s rich history. Now over 20 years later, the same camera crews return to the Yangtze to rediscover its stories and secrets in vivid High Definition. Rediscovering the Yangtze River is the stunning result, with 33 half-hour episodes recording the immense changes in China’s history over the past two decades. Measuring 6,380 km, the Yangtze is the third longest river in the world after the Nile in Africa and the Amazon in South America. With nightly back-to-back episodes, Rediscovering the Yangtze River explores the massive waterway, including its point of origin in the Glacier of Jianggediru, and the environmental protections offered to its surrounding wetlands and their ecosystems. Witness the profound impact that the river has had on the culture of the villages and 29 major cities that dot its banks and see how China’s economy has depended on the Yangtze as a shipping route for centuries.

The Story of Han
Fri., Feb. 1 to Thurs., Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Travel back in time to 206 BC and witness the reign of the Han Dynasty, widely considered to be one of the greatest eras in China’s history. With captivating two-hour episodes, this 21-part series recaptures the progress and glory of the second imperial dynasty to rule over China. Dramatic recreations in stunning High Definition bring to life the triumphs of this 400-year period, including the emergence of the Silk Road, technologic advancements such as paper and steel, and the quest to control Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Japan and central Asia – leading the emperor to govern a population of over 55 million people.

The River Knot
Fri., Feb. 22 to Fri., Feb. 29 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
Life along the banks of the Lancang-Mekong River is documented in brilliant High Definition in The River Knot. Airing with back-to-back episodes and produced in cooperation with China’s bordering nations, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Burma and Vietnam, this series captures the abundant natural resources the river has to offer. This series reveals the complex balance of nature, human activity, economy, religion and culture found on its banks.