"Now, across the country, cutting-edge technology is being applied to archeology, and people can finally open a new chapter in the history of human civilization. Relying on the latest technology, we finally have the opportunity to study how cultures that were once flourishing were destroyed due to earthquakes and mountains. Annihilated by landslides, floods and wars..."

With the support and guidance of the External Promotion Bureau of the Propaganda Department of the CPC Central Committee, the large-scale epic archaeological documentary series "Ancient China From Above" (Ancient China From Above), initiated by National Geographic and jointly produced by the Wuzhou Communication Center, returns for its second season. It premiered on Youku on March 22, taking viewers to understand ancient Chinese civilization from a new perspective.

"Starry Sky Over China" Season 2 Poster

The two episodes of "China from the Starry Sky" (Season 2) focus on the latest archaeological discoveries in Sanxingdui and Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum in China respectively. Sam Willis, an archaeologist from the United Kingdom, is invited to serve as the host. With the help of satellite remote sensing and digital photography, Using modern technologies such as surveying, radar laser scanning, and three-dimensional animation, he and his team, under the guidance of Chinese experts, went deep into the first excavation site of Sanxingdui and Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum to reveal to the audience the unprecedented ancient China and the culture it left to the world. heritage.

"Starry Sky Over China" Season 2 Title

"View of China from the Starry Sky" is an important attempt by archaeological documentaries to enhance the world's understanding of China in terms of external communication. As a premium archaeological program under the guidance of the "Chinese Civilization Discovery Project", "A View of China under the Stars" breaks through the traditional archaeological documentary model. National Geographic introduces the most advanced high-tech production methods such as satellite remote sensing imaging, digital photogrammetry, and three-dimensional animation. In the process of scientific archeology and historical exploration, the hidden contents and pictures in history are revealed.

Screenshots from the second season of "Looking at China from the Starry Sky"

The first episode "Sanxingdui: TREASURES OF THE LOST KINGDOM" closely revolves around the current archaeological hotspot "Sanxingdui", with gold utensils, intricately carved bronze and jade carvings, and silk. The documentary not only unveiled the mystery of the newly unearthed cultural relics in the sacrificial pit, but also traced its profound origins with the civilization of the Yellow River Basin, further confirming the pluralistic unity of Chinese civilization. With the application of modern technology, this mysterious civilization with complex urban layout, splendid bronze culture, and full of unsolved mysteries gradually became clear.

In the second episode "SECRETS OF THE FIRST EMPEROR'S TOMB" (SECRETS OF THE FIRST EMPEROR'S TOMB), the host used "Historical Records" as a clue and went to the site of Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum, Xi'an, Xunyang, Hunan Liye and other places to conduct research one by one. It collected Sima Qian’s records about the crossbow mechanism, mercury rivers, and astronomical wonders in the mausoleum, used drone lidar technology to reveal the internal structure of the earth, and simulated and restored the overall architectural layout of Qin Shihuang’s mausoleum and the magnificent scene of the underground palace through three-dimensional animation technology.

The Mausoleum of the First Emperor of Qin is one of the largest, most unique, and richest imperial tombs in the world. Its area is equivalent to Manhattan, New York, and it contains 94 tomb sites and 7 huge tombs. It has always been the focus of archaeological attention around the world.

Chinese and foreign archaeologists will once again enter this underground "city" to learn more about this richest cemetery in history. The Qinling Golden Dance Sleeves Figurine, which will be unveiled for the first time in 2024, will also be presented in the program.

Screenshots from the second season of "Looking at China from the Starry Sky"

The first season of the series premiered in 2020 and was broadcast in nearly 180 countries and regions in National Geographic North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, and was watched by more than 700 million households. The first season received good ratings after being broadcast around the world: it topped the Apple News hot search list on the day it premiered in the United States; its premiere rating in the Asia-Pacific region was 0.248, and its replay rating was 0.318, ranking first among middle-class viewers during the same period. position; it also continues to be popular in countries and regions such as Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

It is reported that the second season of "China under the Stars" will also be broadcast through the National Geographic Channel in December 2023 for Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and other regions. It premiered in Germany, France and the Middle East and ranked first in the same time period. It received excellent ratings and achieved good international communication results.