The Chinese documentary covers history, culture, nature, and real life. They offer a deeper and more honest view of China.
In this article, we introduce the 10 best Chinese documentaries. If you want to gain a deeper understanding of China, these well-produced and accessible documentaries are worth watching.
China 《中国》
- Directors: Li Dongshen, Zhou Yan, Fu Yongqiang
- Narrators / Cast: He Jiong, Wang Han, Zhou Tao
- Release Year: 2020
- Genre: Historical Documentary
- Where to watch: Hunan TV, Mango TV
“China” is a large-scale historical documentary released in mainland China in 2020.
It has 12 episodes, spanning from the Spring and Autumn Period to the prosperous Tang Dynasty. It focuses on the figures, ideas, and key choices that shaped Chinese civilization. It explains how China transitioned from division to unity and how different cultures gradually merged into one.
The visuals are highly cinematic, the music is grand and majestic, and the set design is excellent. If you want to understand Chinese history, this is one of the best Chinese documentary series available.
A Bite of China 《舌尖上的中国》
- Director: Chen Xiaoqing
- Narrator / Cast: Li Lihong
- Release Year: 2012
- Genre: Food Documentary
- Where to watch: CCTV
“A Bite of China” is a highly acclaimed Chinese food documentary that first aired in 2012.
The series consists of seven episodes, each focusing on a different theme, such as the gifts of nature, staple foods, fermentation, food preservation, cooking techniques, seasonings, and agriculture. The documentary tells stories through real people, families, and communities from different regions of China.
If you want to learn about Chinese food culture and daily life, you shouldn’t miss this excellent Chinese documentary series.
Masters In Forbidden City 《我在故宫修文物》
- Directors: Ye Jun, Xiao Han
- Cast: Wang Jin, Qi Haonan, Qu Feng, Wang Wusheng, and others
- Release Year: 2016
- Genre: Cultural Documentary
- Where to watch: Bilibili
“Masters in the Forbidden City” is hailed as one of the best Chinese documentaries for understanding traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Set against the backdrop of the Forbidden City, it tells the stories of highly skilled artifact restorers working within the palace walls. They restore countless precious artifacts, including paintings and calligraphy, bronze ware, clocks, ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, and wooden objects.
It offers a close-up look at China’s top-tier artifact restoration techniques. Through their work, viewers can witness how damaged artifacts are meticulously restored, bringing them back to life.
Seasons of China 《四季中国》
- Release Year: 2019
- Genre: Nature & Cultural Documentary
- Where to watch: Xinhua News Agency (CNC), Bilibili
“Seasons of China” is one of the best Chinese documentaries exploring how traditional culture and modern life intertwine.
This series spans 24 provinces across China, using the ancient time system of the 24 solar terms as its guiding thread. The film crew traveled from Mohe in the far north to Sanya in the far south, covering all corners of China. They experienced the scorching heat of Chongqing and the harsh winters of Harbin.
Each episode focuses on a specific solar term, showcasing how people work, celebrate festivals, and live in harmony with nature during different seasons.
Life Matters 《人间世》
- Release Year: 2017
- Genre: Medical & Social Documentary
- Where to watch: WeTV, iQIYI, Bilibili
“Life Matters” is a highly-rated Chinese documentary series about hospitals, boasting a score of 9.6. It takes viewers deep inside real hospitals, documenting the moments when doctors, patients, and their families confront illness, pain, and life-and-death decisions.
This Chinese documentary focuses not only on medicine but also on humanity. It explores themes of trust, responsibility, fear, and hope, and reflects the social pressures and complexities of the doctor-patient relationship.
Born in China 《我们诞生在中国》
- Release Year: 2021
- Genre: Nature Documentary
- Narrators: Zhou Xun (Chinese version), John Krasinski (U.S. version)
- Where to watch: WeTV, iQIYI
“Born in China” is a nature documentary that showcases the lives of various animals across China’s vast landscapes.
It follows several animal families, including the snow leopard Dawa and her cubs, the golden snub-nosed monkey Taotao, the female giant panda Yaya and her daughter Meimei, and a Tibetan antelope mother.
Through meticulous observation and cinematography, the documentary captures the beauty and harshness of nature. It also shows how animals adapt to their environment and care for their offspring.
Wild China 《美丽中国》
- Release Year: 2008
- Genre: Nature & Cultural Documentary
- Where to watch: BBC Two, CCTV Documentary Channel
As the best Chinese nature documentary, “Wild China” traverses China’s vast and diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to remote forests, from expansive grasslands to deserts and high mountains, showcasing unique wildlife, rare plants, and scenes of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Each episode focuses on a different region, including southern China, the tropical rainforests of Yunnan, the Tibetan Plateau, the regions north of the Great Wall, and China’s coastal areas.
This Chinese documentary utilizes advanced filming techniques such as aerial photography, infrared photography, high-speed photography, and underwater photography, allowing viewers to feel as if they are truly immersed in nature and local life.
Hexi Corridor 《河西走廊》
- Release Year: 2015
- Genre: Historical Documentary
- Episodes: 10 (+ 2 summary episodes)
- Where to watch: CCTV Science, WeTV, iQIYI, Bilibili
”Hexi Corridor“ is one of the best Chinese documentaries exploring the Silk Road.
The documentary uses a chronological narrative approach, covering the historical period from the Han Dynasty to the present day. It tells the story of the Hexi Corridor from multiple perspectives, including political, military, economic, cultural, and religious aspects.
If you want to understand China’s western frontier, this is an excellent Chinese historical documentary that you shouldn’t miss.
The Firsts in Life 《人生第一次》
- Release Year: 2020
- Genre: Human & Social Documentary
- Director: Qin Bo
- Where to watch: CCTV.com, Tencent Video, Bilibili
“The Firsts in Life” is a Chinese documentary that captures everyday life in China. It focuses on important “firsts” in life, such as the first day of school, the first job, the first time joining the army, and the final farewell.
The camera remains close to the subjects but never interferes with their lives. This allows genuine emotions to unfold naturally. Joy, fear, hope, and loss are all presented with a calm and respectful approach.
“The Firsts in Life” consistently keeps the camera close to the lives of ordinary people, but never interferes with their lives.
Aerial China 《航拍中国》
- Release Year: 2017
- Genre: Geography & Nature Documentary
- Director: Yu Le, Lin Jie, Zhang Xiaomin
- Where to watch: Tencent Video, Bilibili
“Aerial China” is a large-scale aerial documentary produced by China Central Television (CCTV). It covers all 34 provincial-level administrative regions of China. The production team used helicopters and drones to film China from the air, covering a total flight distance of over 600,000 kilometers.
Each episode focuses on a different region, such as Xinjiang, Hainan, Heilongjiang, Shaanxi, Jiangxi, and Shanghai. The documentary showcases China’s diverse landscapes, climates, and ecosystems. If you’re tired of traditional documentary narratives, why not explore China from a fresh perspective?
How to Watch These Best Chinese Documentaries?
Most best Chinese documentaries are only available on Chinese streaming sites. If you are outside China, you may face regional restrictions. A VPN is usually required to access the full content.
LightningX VPN is a good option for this. It offers 2000+ servers in more than 70 countries and supports streaming. It also provides a special one-click Mainland China access mode, which makes the setup very easy.
4 Steps to Watch Chinese Documentaries
- Download and install LightningX VPN on your device and sign in
- Go to “My Settings” → turn on “Instant Access to Mainland China”.
- The VPN will automatically connect you to a China-optimized server.
- You can now access platforms like CCTV, Tencent Video, iQIYI, Youku, and Mango TV.
With these simple steps, you can easily unlock and enjoy many of the best Chinese documentary series and Chinese movies from anywhere in the world.
Final Thought
These best Chinese documentaries offer you a different perspective on China. They tell true stories, showcase rich cultural heritage, and capture genuine emotions.
If you are watching outside of China, using a reliable tool like LightningX VPN can help you bypass geographical restrictions and watch the full content smoothly.
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