China Rises - The Oldest Civilization on Earth, Reborn

"Learn of the monumental changes unfolding in the People’s Republic could reshape our world. From an unkempt factory floor in Zhejiang Province to a red carpet premier at the Shanghai Film Festival to the transformation of Tiananmen Square into an Olympic beach volleyball court, this three-hour documentary offers an intimate portrait of Earth’s oldest civilization as it redresses itself and attempts to reclaim its place in the world order. Getting Rich: In 25 years, this land of 1.3 billion people has achieved the most rapid economic advance of any nation in history by scrapping its fanatical devotion to collectivism and embracing private enterprise with all the ruthless zeal of 19th century robber barons. Learn how the poor cope with the cost of China’s success and how piracy, pollution and a looming energy crisis could derail the country’s ’economic miracle.’ City of Dreams: In Shanghai, a generation of Chinese now live in a style that would not look out of place in New York, Berlin or Toronto. They’re hip, they’re happy and they enjoy more personal freedom than at any point in their country’s history. But while middle class Chinese make the most of their prosperity, Shanghai’s poor find little reason to celebrate. Food is Heaven: From the steamy kitchens of Canton to the arid moonscape of the north, food is the very heart and soul of China. But increasing development and dwindling water supplies threaten the nation’s ability to feed itself. Meet the men and women who celebrate the glory of authentic Chinese cuisine while working to preserve a healthy food supply for future generations. Party Games: With preparations for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games already underway, the people of Beijing seem eager to invite the world to witness their country’s social and political progress. With a peasant population of over 900 million and a growing disparity between rich and poor, the Chinese are hoping that Olympic fever will translate into an economic boom." (text taken from Amazon)