The documentary produced by China Global Television Network (CGTN), Ancient Sounds from the Past, was aired on March 29.
This captivating documentary unfolded before viewers the rich cultural tapestry woven by the Yellow River and Helan Mountains over millions of years, leaving an indelible civilization mark on Ningxia. These natural wonders, often likened to parents, gave rise to ancient civilization and shaped Ningxia’s historical narrative, casting a radiant light on its civilization. The Yellow River, Ningxia’s lifeblood, has played a pivotal role in transforming the region into today’s “Land of Milk and Honey in the Frontier”. Centuries ago, at Shuidonggou, our forebears thrived along the Yellow River. There, they engaged in fishing, hunting, and farming, leaving an indelible mark of civilization. Across the Yellow River stand the Helan Mountains, like a protective father shielding Ningxia from Siberia’s icy blasts and sands while giving birth to ancient rock art over twenty millennia ago. Though time may pass in silence, the weathered stones speak volumes. Carved by ancient hands, these relics not only vividly depict humanity’s earliest days but also serve as a primal language that connects the past and modern times.
Over the course of history and civilization, Ningxia, hailed as the “Bastion of Guanzhong and Choke Point of Helong”, has endured the ebb and flow of dynasties. Standing steadfast amidst the sands of time, Ningxia has been silently watching over the people of China. It is not only a marvel in the history of human construction but also fosters cultural exchange across diverse nations. The timeless Yellow River and Helan Mountains have silently witnessed generations living, working, and exploring this piece of land, which gave birth to Paleolithic civilization. Humanity has emerged from nature, using primitive strokes to convey emotions. Following the traces of their forebears, the inhabitants of this fertile land have erected the Great Wall of Six Dynasties, weaving together resilience and changes amidst sands and perpetuating the enduring cultural legacy of the Helan Mountains and Yellow River. Within and beyond the Great Wall lies their ancestral homeland. As ancient sounds from the past are captured, history and the human spirit resonate across the expanse of time. Their “sounds”, transcending time and space, echo as a prelude to both the world and humanity.
