A groundbreaking nature documentary series showcasing Guangdong’s extraordinary ecological diversity has made its global debut, marking an unprecedented collaboration between British and Chinese media organizations. ‘Wild Guangdong,’ a three-part series produced through a partnership between BBC Studios and Guangdong Radio and Television Station, premiered simultaneously across international and domestic platforms in December.
Employing cutting-edge 4K ultra-high definition technology, the documentary presents an immersive visual journey through Guangdong’s varied ecosystems. The production represents the first time BBC Studios has partnered with provincial-level Chinese media, combining British documentary expertise with local ecological knowledge.
The series, which required three years of meticulous filming across seasonal cycles, captures rarely-seen wildlife behaviors and landscapes. From the primeval forests of northern Guangdong to the coral reefs of the South China Sea, the documentary team documented over 1,000 animal species and 6,000 plant species that thrive in the region’s unique microclimates and complex terrain.
Robi Stanton, President of Media and Streaming for BBC Studios Asia-Pacific, described the project as ‘a moving poem of harmonious coexistence’ that illustrates how Guangdong’s 130 million residents maintain ecological balance alongside rapid urban development. The documentary particularly highlights conservation success stories, including protection efforts for Chinese white dolphins and the discovery of a new species of eyelid gecko.
Beyond its television broadcast on BBC Earth Asia and Chinese networks, the series has reached international audiences through streaming platforms across Southeast Asia, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, potentially reaching over 20 million households. Chinese viewers can access the documentary on major platforms including Youku, iQiyi, Tencent Video, and Bilibili.
Series producer Simon Winchcombe characterized the filming experience as ‘a fascinating journey’ that consistently yielded unprecedented wildlife footage. The documentary ultimately presents not just a catalog of species but compelling narratives about interdependence among life forms and the delicate balance between human progress and environmental preservation.