The Ming
The Chinese Voyages of Exploration
We all know about Columbus, but what about the great Chinese ocean voyages that took place before his time? Michael Wood tells the story of the Chinese Admiral Zheng He and his voyages to the west. He asks too, why were they stopped? "Some say it would be like stopping moon exploration after Apollo 8," says Michael. "But the Chinese had a different view."
Episode Clips
Beijing and the Forbidden City
Yongle moves the capital north to Beijing and builds the Forbidden City.
Get a Taste of the Good Life under the Ming Dynasty
A weekend of shopping and sightseeing in Suzhou - the tourist capital of the Ming dynasty!
Christian Missionary Matteo Ricci Journeys to China
In 1582, Matteo Ricci arrives in Macao, hoping to convert China to Christianity.
Power Politics in the Ming Dynasty
After the death of the Ming founder, a brutal new emperor takes charge.
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