Guest Report post Posted November 14, 2015 Hello there! I'm brand new to learning Chinese (have been doing so for about 3 weeks, using tools such as Skritter, learning off of my native Chinese friends, and ChinesePod). One of the goals I have in my journey is not only learning to be fluent in the language but also be knowledgeable in Chinese history. Right now, since I am not fluent, it is near impossible for me to watch Chinese documentaries and get anything beneficial out of them. Though I do look forward to the day where I can learn more by listening/watching in Chinese. I can read up about the history in English, sure, (and don't get me wrong, I'll be doing that as well) though I find a documentary format more memorable/valuable since I'm an auditory learner. What I am wondering is if anyone has any good sources for Chinese-history based documentaries/films in English? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shelley 1,860 Report post Posted November 15, 2015 Have a look at CCTV documentry channel availabe on the CCTV website here http://cctv.cntv.cn/documentary/ Lots of interesting things. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Xiao Kui 149 Report post Posted November 16, 2015 not a documentary, but a great resource is Laszlo Montgomery's China History Podcast. Tons of episodes all in English I am not too keen on history but I find them to be fascinating and informative, and they are organized by topic into digestible chunks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
realmayo 1,824 Report post Posted November 16, 2015 Follow -- at your own pace and without necessarily doing the coursework -- the Harvard course on edX: http://www.chinese-forums.com/index.php?/topic/42310-harvard-china-history-course-started-yesterday/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luxi 820 Report post Posted November 17, 2015 This 20-part series from CCTV 9 in English is an excellent introduction to Chinese history: Chinese Civilization 『中华文明』https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1B107B6B1E3C3453 CCTV-9 has many videos on Chinese history and culture, including a large selection of videos in English or with English subtitles. You can find many in the You Tube CCTV 9 page. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted November 17, 2015 This is great! Thanks for all of the replies everybody. When I originally tried Shelley's link, it was cool, though since (I assume) the servers are in China, the connection was too slow to endure. The YouTube series is what I will be watching for now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vellocet 282 Report post Posted November 18, 2015 Eh, I never trust anything by CCTV. If it had to pass the culture ministry, it can't be any good. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roddy 5,435 Report post Posted November 18, 2015 Well, luckily you're a member on here so we can point you to gems such as A Bite of China. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shelley 1,860 Report post Posted November 18, 2015 I don't find the website too slow at all, maybe it depends are where you are, I like the website better because you getter a better idea of what there is available and to follow series easily and there is some back info to some of the programs. There is also links to chinese learning material that goes with their chinese language learning programs. Enjoy what's on YouTube, but have a look at the website occasionally to make sure you aren't missing anything. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
