Passage To China - Ties That Bind

(2015)

Available Now

Synopsis

Presenter Denise Keller kicks off the series by exploring the themes of family and identity as cornerstones of China's continuous living culture. Of German-Chinese ancestry, her adventure begins by visiting the communal Tulous of Yongding in Fujian with a purpose to learn more about the Hakka culture of her maternal grandmother. Next, Denise discovers a surprising culinary passage into the story of Confucius in Qufu, Shandong. After trying her hand at the ancient art of traditional woodblock printing, her journey takes a contemporary turn into Shanghai's world of fashion. She studies the evolution of the Qipao and how it was shaped by the city's unique style of cultural fusion. Her journey then takes her to Zhongshan in Guangdong to the birthplace of Sun Yat Sen, one of modern China's famous founding fathers. Visiting coastal settlements and markets, finally she joins a friend's family reunion for a full-on feast.

Cast

Denise Keller