China Media Group (CMG) is set to air a captivating six-episode documentary series titled “The Story of the Foochow Arsenal” from May 2 to 4 at 8:00 p.m. on CCTV-9, the documentary channel. This series delves into the rich, yet often overlooked, history of the Foochow Arsenal—the first French-style university in China—and its significant role in fostering China-France cultural exchanges.
Established in 1866 in Fuzhou, the capital of southeast China’s Fujian Province, the Foochow Arsenal was a collaborative effort between the Qing government and France. It served as the cradle of China’s modern maritime education and navy, marking a pioneering chapter in the nation’s push towards modernization.
The documentary narrates the fascinating stories of French engineers and craftsmen who were invited to China, and the establishment of schools for naval construction and apprenticeship. It highlights the profound impact these initiatives had on China’s technological advancement and educational reforms.
Viewers will journey through time, exploring the experiences of the first batch of Chinese students sent abroad to study in France. The series sheds light on how these early exchanges laid the groundwork for enduring people-to-people connections between China and France.
Featuring rare historical materials and artifacts, some disclosed for the first time from foreign museum collections, the documentary provides an in-depth analysis of the Foochow Arsenal’s influence on future generations. Nearly 100 scholars and experts on late Qing Dynasty history from around the world contribute their insights, offering valuable historical context and enriching the narrative.
In addition to the CCTV-9 documentary channel, the CGTN French channel will air special features tracing the stories of the Foochow Arsenal and China’s pioneering students in France. These programs aim to deepen mutual understanding and highlight the longstanding cultural ties between the two nations.
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CMG airs documentary on China-France people-to-people exchanges
cgtn.com