Stunning Footage Reveals What 20th Century China Was Really Like | China: Frame by Frame | Timeline 

I arrived from Lima, Peru to Beijing the year 1983, and I studied Chinese language for one year, then I went to Shanghai and I graduated in Chemical Engineering at the East China University of Chemical Technology; The Chinese people really really love their country, and it is not surprising it is now a superpower; I'm Peruvian American, but I will always have a special place in my heart for the Chinese People.

China’s resistance to Japan is one of the great untold stories of World War II. Though China was the first Allied power to fight the Axis, it has received far less credit for its role in the Pacific theater than the United States, Britain or even the Soviet Union, which only joined the war in Asia in August 1945. The Chinese contribution was pushed aside soon after the conflict, as an inconvenient story in the neat ideological narrative of the Cold War. Though far weaker and poorer than the mighty United States or the British Empire, China played a major role in the war. Some 40,000 Chinese soldiers fought in Burma alongside American and British troops in 1944, helping to secure the Stilwell Road linking Lashio to Assam in India. In China itself, they held down some 800,000 Japanese soldiers. The costs were great. At least 14 million Chinese were killed and some 80 million became refugees over the course of the war. Quick summery Japan invaded China in 1937 and brought World War II to the Far East and the pacific theaters. The US waited until 1941 to official send aids to help China after the bombing of the Pearl Harbor that took place in the same year and directly sent troops to China in 1945, a total 9 years after the invasion started. China had been fighting the war longer than any other country, as well as the difference in the nature of the war for the Chinese from them: for the Chinese, it was a war to liberate their homeland from invading forces who had a larger number of modern weaponries and well-trained troops. The contribution of the Chinese to the pacific theater was immense, and was disproportionate to the recognition it gained at the end of the war. --Wendi Qiu

Really appreciate your production of this documentary about China. Quite balanced and viewed from both Chinese and Westerners’ eyes. Really touched by the sincere feelings from your guests who lived there in old China. Human sentiments are the same.

As an English man who has been living in Nanning, southern China, for the last 13 years I have to say thank you for this. No-one pretends there are no serious problems still in China but it is refreshing to see a fair summary of China. Too many videos concentrate only on the negative and the propaganda put out by western media really gives no idea as to life on a normal day to day basis. Although there still are many problems to concentrate only on those by the western media is to report the splinter in the eye while ignoring the plank in their own.

I'm a Chinese from Malaysia n i personally thank you for this valuable n historical documentary....A big Thank You...❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

Great video. I moved over to Singapore. So very different I know. My kids are 4 and 8 and they’re English and Indian mix, but born in Singapore. They both speak fluent English and mandarin, as well as a couple of Indian languages. Asia is an amazing place to grow up

The hidden treacheries behind the scenes have yet to be revealed. "One may smile and smile, yet be a villain." Thank you for this beautiful reminder of Chinese humanity and endurance.

My American grandfather, English grandmother, and my mother, worked and grew up in China, both in Shanghai and Beijing. My grandfather taught English in both universities and developed an English language program for the Oxford University Press which was designed for adults. The family had many wonderful Chinese friends. They never saw them again after the war. My grandfather taught me about Chinese Opera. My favorite Chinese series is “Winter Begonia”. Through her collection of Chinese embroideries, my Grandmother made it possible for me to love the work, skill and art of woman’s hands. All of our countries, England, the US, Russia, China, and Japan have episodes in our histories which we are not particularly proud, including many of the politics of today. At 80, I chose to believe that there are admirable cultural qualities in every country that define our identities.

I wish more people got to see this documentary and this side of China. Thank you tremendously for all your years of efforts in documenting China, more importantly thank you for being non biased, not prejudiced and not judgemental.

One of the best. I as a Chinese, I am very touched. Thank you.

First of all, I really appreciate everything you’ve said since the 70s even though my dad’s China during the 50s-60s weren’t shown. But I mean, 70s-90s China, some 00s, I can relate. But to me, Chinese culture, Chinese history, is important. Powers and Politics come and go, and it does affect the people, but history is the most truthful display of humanity.

I have witnessed the past 48 years through my own eyes and the past 86 years through my parents eyes and the past 120 years through my grand parents eyes. The documentary gives a fair and neutral coverage of China’s modern history. Thank you, Bill, for letting the rest of the world seeing the real pictures.

Thank you so much for your dedication for 30 years in searching for film footage of China historical events and its people. As a Chinese American we were told many things by our parents about how they grew up and what is it like living in China. They had many stories to tell us when we were growing up. Your film just solidify their story and the events that leading up to where is China today. Thank you and may you have a “Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year.” 🐉🐲🥂🎉🧨💥🪭🥡🥢🙏🙏🙏

My parents were very young during this period of time in China. They never spoke of their childhood to my sister and brothers. All my older relatives said to me was that my maternal grandmother along with other relatives were victims of Japanese bio-warfare. My maternal Grandfather was a victim of British Opium.

respect people that do real and reliable research

This video is actually genuinely underated

This is the so far the best documentary I have ever watched about China history since 1900

Wow! Your work will live on to many many generations. For this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for a fair recap of the history. It shed light on why Chinese are so resentful when the Japanese refuse to apiologize for their war crimes and revision of their textbook on the history, more critical for their trying to militarize today.

China, congratulations! Keep being strong and lead the world toward peace and prosperity.

53:06 The ambivalence of Ronald, and the affection Mary has for China brought me goosebumps and wetted my eyes. After all the years of being away from China, their hearts have never actually left. As someone born and raised in a time of peace, maybe I would never be able to feel how heavy history weighs on them and how dramatically people's destinies were intertwined in such a time of turbulence. The word "humanity" is always spoken rather than felt, but it was definitely delivered by the two of them. Thank you, Bill, I was amazed.

For those not already aware of it, China does really good historical TV mini-series set in and around the royal court. I find them much more sophisticated than most series in the West, with lavish production values. A couple of the best ones are The Story of Yanxi Palace and The Sword and the Brocade.

Thank you so much for shedding light on China’s past… having stayed here since 1988, I also witnessed how China changed, and it was fascinating to have taken part in China’s New Era history… God bless you and your family!

Thank you very much for capturing those valuable images and interviews

It is so touching! Thank you Bill for making such excellent documentary, so all the old memories, history could be passed down to next generation.

This is by far the best documentary I've seen about China. I only wish it could have continued a bit longer and covered the past 30 or so years. That would have illustrated that startling contrast between the pre WWI China and the metropolis.

I'm surprised the great leap forward was not mentioned. It was a very pivotal time in china

Thank you for sharing this story

What beautiful lyrics Miley. ,how wounded and broken you ere.! We can just feel your pain my dear . .look how strong you've became. You're such a a Beautiful soul . Thank you for speaking out and becoming the woman you are for all those woman who aren't as strong. Your such an Icon of strength and beauty. I love your music your so good!

My Father aseaman was Hong Kong and Shanghai in. 30s. Ship was interned for 8months. Saw some sad scary stuff

Wait….. that’s my ship DDG 52 USS BARRY 2005-2009. That’s cool to see her again like this, if only for a second

Thank you Mr. Einreinhofer for the documentary. I partially viewed a lot of the old historical films in this report before, and I am aware of the progress that had and still taking place in China. I am proud and happy as a Chinese born right after the communist takeover in Guangzhou. I left China as a toddler and went back to visit Beijing (regrettably never to Guangzhou yet.

Very interesting! Thank you.

I love documentaries, and this one of the best. I’m born and raised in Brasil, and I never understood why this prejudice about China. Probably is jealousy, if they understand their history. Probably prejudice created by the the ever fight between left and right political positions. One thing I know: what they achieve in 60 years, any country was able to. Foreigners, try to understand their way of being, not judge them with your national mind set. What is good for me probably isn’t good for them, and vice- versa…

Having watched this video I'm very moved and emotional. If you think Jewish people have suffered during the war and now I started turn my attention to the past of this part of the world. I feel Japan and Japanese government should be brave enough to learn the past of old Japan. And free yourself from guilty conscience. It very important to your well-being of one's life and national pride. From Toronto Canada.

谢谢！

this is one of the best docu i have seen that is unbiased about china... why not learn chinese?

Fyi: the term "qu-lee" is Cantonese for "no speak" -- as in "no speak English." It comes from the Qing era when trade was controlled by the "Taipan." He decided which ships could dock at the trade port. But the sailors couldn't disembark -- they weren't even allowed on the dock! Instead, the laborers-- "qu-lees" -- loaded and unloaded the ships. They weren't permitted to speak to anyone -- just do what they're told by the Taipan. If anyone had a question, he had to ask the Taipan who spoke many languages.

Very entertaining and enjoyed the timeline of old China till modernity. I felt sad of the poor and deaths of the senseless wars in the humiliation years. I feel proud of the resilient, handworks and patience of the great Chinese people. Truly a remarkable country whose transformation to what she is today. Long live China.

Thank you so much for showing the truth on record.

Thank you for a beautiful display of China. This is portrayed gently, yet with the brilliance and tenacity of the Chinese people and the mother country. I cherish every minute spent amongst her and her people - my eyes opened to real beauty and profound understanding.

I'd wager their hibernation from the world contributed to their distance from foreigners as well. I was taught that the most intrusive invasion was from the Japanese and Russians. Thank you for this thoughtful work!

I thought this "documentary" was made five or maybe ten years ago. It certainly looks like it. Much has changed for the worst since then. It also left out much of what China was like in the 20th century, and the people who suffered through it. The people who suffered Communist rule have largely been ignored and forgotten. Of course, there is the obligatory criticism of Chiang Kai-shek. Someone has to be blamed for the lost of China. How the Communist managed to take over is poorly explained. This seems to exemplify the lack of understanding of China. Certainly not an accurate portrait.

Great documentary

I had the privilege in high school of having Ms. Sherman for AP World History. She had just gotten her PhD in Chinese History and I learned so much about China from her. This was the height of the cold war and Ms. Sherman seemed to be the only one who understood China at that time. We were taught who their leadership was and how they thought. The other big influence on me was reading about General Joseph Stilwell. And for humor "General Cash My Check" from the British viewpoint.

This is an amazing documentary❤❤❤❤

Wonderful documentary video

Half of the 'Century of Humiliation' happened in the 20th century. The humiliation actually continued till the 80s and 90s.

Incredible footage of China. Thanks Bill.

Well done CHINA , you not only changed yourself you changed the whole world we live .

Good documentary film with many never seen footage, nonetheless it was told from the lens of a Westerner. It never use harsh words against Western nations invasion of China, Opium war, the Nanjing masacre by the Japanese, etc. It missed out lots of details of recent history of China.

I find it interesting that my very next video suggestion is called "government and media role in war propaganda"

Sebuah paparan film dokumenter yang runut dan bagus. Memahami bagaimana dinamika China seja 1930-an hingga saat ini. Terima kasih atas terbitnya fil ini,

It's a second time I saw this wonderful documentary about the early living styles of Chinese people ... thanks

What an honest documentary

Most interesting documentary. Thank you. I love history documentaries, yet had not seen any of this footage.

My dad is almost 96 and he went to boarding school in Shanghai British zone before the Peril Harbor incident. He also joined KMT army in 1947 and retreated to Taiwan eventually. My family went to China with my dad to visit the old mansion where he grew up 14 years ago.

The producer:compromised since 1980's... Taiwan? April 1989?...

Thank you for sharing the valuable memories, it is heart breaking miserable, but also heart melting cherishable.

Thank you so much for this information!

Great footage, unfortunate narrator bias.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us ❤

Great video!!!

A great video production about China . Thanks

super thanks!!

Why does it skip over 40 years of history? Cultural revolution, great leap forward, etc. It's good, but I found myself disappointed when we suddenly ended up in the 80s

Manchuria was part of China since 400 years ago when the manchrians became the ruling group of China, so it's not acurate to say that China, Japan, and Russia were competing to control manchuria. In fact China, in the Qing dynasty, already conceded too much land to Russia.

Japanese atrocities spanned throughout Southeast Asia as well. My paternal grandfather (Chinese ethnicity with heritage from Northeastern China) and grandmother (British) were split up in Penang during their escapes. She ran towards Thailand and were gang raped by Japanese soldiers. My dad was orphaned at 2 year old. Fortunately he was born British because of my grandmother and were rescued. My maternal grandparents (ethnic Chinese with heritage from Western China who looks more middle eastern than Asian) ran into the jungle and my mother was just a few weeks old. They almost lost her to the Japanese bayonets. Approximately 35 millions Chinese through Asia were massacred, comparing to about 6 millions Jews who were massacred. Now Japan has the audacity to change this history in their school curriculum to “liberating Asia from white folks”. Sigh….😢

Great video! Amazing work. Thank you.

Thanks!

Patricia Dunn suffered PTSD from the Japanese bombing of Shanghai😢

I went to china 3times...loved it every time

真的很感人 谢谢

Enjoyed this

Thanks for the great Documentary

Thanks. An amazing account which I as an overseas Chinese have very little understanding.

Thank you

34.30 ice-cream 娃娃冰淇淋，80年后童年每好回忆

thank you for real history of China

I love China and wish it all the success in this century and beyond. I think my USA and China can be friendly rivals in building the better world we must build.

Excellent documentary!

thank you

Amazing

I was hoping that the documentary would also cover and not ignore the disastrous Mao’s Great Leap Forward policy, the chaotic and harmful Cultural Revolution which caused tremendous human and economic suffering. Those were momentous developments that deserve to be discussed.

@5:32 suddenly gets much darker. Scary!

Do you absolutely need to push a commercial at a crucial moment. You broke story line to say nothing...

Thank you… from a Chinese

More western people should know about chinese history before bashing on China

Idk but that's a great last name!

❤wow ! Impressive, great work ! I enjoyed watching your work ❤ I can see my hometown Tianjin from the footage . Thank you for your work.

Living in the us for 20 years, every time I mention even a tiny bit of reality of our history, I would be made fun of as brainwashed…

Good work by the director ，In todays China you can see the real “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”

谢谢。

Very touching

What about 1958 to 1962???

1949 - 1978 blank? why?

Lots of BS in this flick. Lin Biao was a great general but fought in only one battle in WWII (and is praised by no one for that), was wounded and then went to the Soviet Union; he sat out the rest of the conflict. The National Gov't fought most of the battles against the Japanese, not the Communists. As to whether Mao was a great thinker or Jiang a bad general, in the Civil War a lot of it boiled down to the Second Battle of Siping in which the National Gov't, after pressure from the Americans, gave the Communists a cease fire when, in fact, they were on the ascendant. Finally, the wrong side won. Proof: 1. The Great Leap Forward (and every other foolish Mao campaign from 1949 to his death) 2. The endless, costly chasm for all concerned, with the West, just as with Ulyanov's Russia, which still continues, for both countries.

one centuary of history can not be done is one video, this video just shows and tiny sliver of what china is

Chinese people remembered and will remembered their history.

See the Japanese soldiers in China? They forgotten what their had committed.