Beijing

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Description

When Kublai Khan came into power in the 13th century he dreamed of building a capital city to rival the splendors of Xanadu. With a Chinese monk and a Muslim engineer as advisors, the foundations of what soon became a bustling cosmopolitan center were laid. This program tells the story of the origins and growth of Beijing, starting with prehistoric settlers and ending with the rise of the Manchus in 1644. Using marvelous reenactments and CGI recreations, the video looks at the significance of the Khitans before exploring the lasting impact of the Mongol invasion. Covers the modification of the Grand Canal and the building of the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace.