The documentary series The Story of the Foochow Arsenal is set to air from May 2 to 4 at 8:00 p.m. on CCTV-9. This six-episode series delves into the history of the Foochow Arsenal, recognized as the first French-style university in the Chinese mainland.
In partnership with CGTN French and various documentary channels, the series highlights the legacy of the Foochow Arsenal and the pioneering Chinese students who ventured to France for their studies. Established in 1866 by the Qing government and France in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, the Foochow Arsenal became the cornerstone of China's modern maritime education and navy.
The arsenal was instrumental in fostering China-France cultural exchanges, employing French engineers and craftsmen, and establishing schools focused on naval construction and apprenticeships. The documentary sheds light on the first cohort of Chinese students sent abroad and examines the school's significant role in enhancing people-to-people exchanges between China and France.
Featuring rare historical materials, previously undisclosed artifacts from foreign museum collections, and interviews with nearly 100 scholars and experts on the late Qing Dynasty, the series offers a comprehensive perspective on the Foochow Arsenal's enduring influence on future generations.
Reference(s):
CMG airs documentary on China-France people-to-people exchanges
cgtn.com
