Beyond Beijing: Exploring China's Cities

The 2008 Beijing Olympics actually involved six other Chinese cities/regions as well, all of which are visited in this informative two-hour travelogue. The best-known are Shanghai and Hong Kong, with the former—perhaps understandably—receiving the lion's share of coverage, as ample attention is paid to its importance as a center of both pop culture and fashion. But all are intriguing locales, and producer Bill Einreinhofer offers an enthusiastic introduction to each through colorful journeys to neighborhoods, shopping areas, sporting venues, temples, historical monuments, and places preserved as examples of 19th-century European architectural and cultural influence. Narrated by Chris Verrill, the documentary incorporates interviews with officials, local residents, and foreigners living in China, while also examining the unique qualities of each area—Hong Kong's economic prowess, Qingdao's reputation for its beer, Tianjin's European settlements, Shenyang's early imperial complex, and Qinhuangdao's connection with the famed Great Wall and terra cotta warriors—as well as their roles in the Olympics (e.g., Hong Kong for equestrian events, Qingdao for sailing competitions, etc.). DVD extras include a downloadable lesson plan and guidebook, as well as a photo gallery. Even though Beyond Beijing has something of the flavor of a promotional film with its relentlessly upbeat vibe (the only negative observation involves the demolition of old buildings for urban renewal), overall the film offers a good introduction to Chinese cities outside the capital. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)