Through the Heart of China

Season 1

Dutch photographer Ruben Terlou and director Maaik Krijgsman travel through China, from Inner Mongolia in the north, the tropical coast of Macau in the South, talking to Chinese people about their life in this country.

Where to Watch Season 1

7 Episodes

Mines and Deserts
E1
Mines and DesertsContinuous drought because of climate change is making life hard for Mongolian herders and miners. Many farmers feel forced to move.
Double Life
E2
Double LifeIn Beijing a smartphone is essential for paying, navigating, identification but also to meet like-minded people. How long will the government keep allowing this freedom?
A Refrigerator for the Afterlife
E3
A Refrigerator for the AfterlifeChinese people bring yearly offerings to their deceased relatives. Every necessity for the afterlife is burned at the grave site. Also deceased ones can still be united to each other in a spiritual marriage.
The Straight Path
E4
The Straight PathRuben examines what the Tao means for Chinese youngsters and he meets a hermit who has been living in a cave for decades.
The K-Street
E5
The K-StreetYoung migration towards China's cities heavily affects health care around the country. Ruben talks to elderly people in rural areas waiting for their treatment for serious diseases.
The Factory of the World
E6
The Factory of the WorldEverything that has a power cord contains at least one Chinese component. With the same sense of productivity China wants to enter a bid for the 2050 world soccer championship.
The Plans of Xi
E7
The Plans of XiIn Macau, an autonomous region with China, there is a certain level of democracy. Their is a growing influence of the Communist party however. Ruben talks to a critical politician.