Watch Reggie Yates in China

Reggie Yates in China is a documentary series that explores the diverse and rapidly changing country of China. Presented by British television presenter Reggie Yates, the show follows his immersive journey through key cities and regions, where he meets with locals and delves into different aspects of Chinese culture, society, and politics.

In the first episode, Yates arrives in Beijing, the nation's capital, where he visits some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China. He also explores the city's modern face by visiting hip neighborhoods, high-end shopping malls, and trendy restaurants, where he interacts with young people who are shaping the city's vibrant youth culture.

Moving on to other parts of China, Yates also visits Chengdu, a bustling metropolis in southwest China, known for its spicy cuisine, giant pandas, and cultural heritage. Here, he learns about the city's fast-growing tech industry and how young entrepreneurs are tapping into this trend to create innovative startups. Later, he travels to the Tibetan Plateau, where he immerses himself in the unique Tibetan culture, meets with local nomads, and learns about the environmental challenges facing the region.

Throughout the show, Yates paints a vivid portrait of China's social and economic landscape, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that come with its emergence as a global superpower. He interviews a range of people, from entrepreneurs to migrant workers, from pop stars to political activists, providing a multifaceted view of China's changing society.

Yates also explores key themes that are shaping China's future, such as technology, education, religion, and politics. He visits a robotic factory where machines are replacing human workers, a high-tech school where students learn coding alongside Mandarin, and a bustling mosque where Muslims practice their faith in a country that has seen a crackdown on religious freedoms.

One of the strengths of the show is Yates' personal approach to storytelling, as he shares his own impressions, fears, and doubts about the culture shock he experiences in China. He speaks Mandarin at times, struggles with chopsticks, and gets lost in the labyrinthine streets of old towns. His candid reflections add depth and authenticity to the show, as he tries to understand China's complexities and contradictions.

Another highlight of the show is its cinematography, which is stunningly shot and edited, with sweeping landscapes, bright neon lights, and intimate close-ups. The series also features a lively and eclectic soundtrack, mixing traditional Chinese music with contemporary hip hop and electronic beats, reflecting the diversity of China's soundscape.

Overall, Reggie Yates in China is an engaging and informative series that shows a snapshot of contemporary China through the eyes of a curious and empathetic outsider. Whether you're interested in Chinese culture, politics, or society, this show offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on one of the world's most fascinating countries.

Reggie Yates in China is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between and on BBC Select