New documentary celebrates China's largest ancient encyclopedia

A 10-episode documentary series focusing on China's largest ancient encyclopedia "Siku Quanshu," literally "Complete Library in Four Sections," premiered at a theater in Beijing on June 8, ahead of its television broadcast later that night.

Xu Lingguang, chief director and producer of the documentary series "Across Time and Space: Siku Quanshu," speaks to China.org.cn in Beijing, June 8, 2026. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Xu Lingguang, chief director and producer of the documentary series "Across Time and Space: Siku Quanshu," shared his thoughts on the project: "What 'Siku Quanshu' contains is not just words, but the spirit of our nation, the cultural lineage of China, and above all, the common spiritual home and cultural treasure of the Chinese people. We want to use this documentary to help more people understand history, get closer to history, and develop a deeper love for Chinese culture."

"Siku Quanshu," the most extensive Chinese encyclopedia ever produced, was commissioned by the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th century and encompasses classic texts, history, philosophy and literature. It features over 3,460 books and 800 million characters, compiled by more than 360 scholars. The work represents the pinnacle of traditional Chinese cultural achievements, covering virtually every academic discipline.

The documentary's screenwriter, He Xiangjiu, is a renowned writer and literary expert who has spent years researching the ancient classic. He has even taken on the task of initiating a project to compile, supplement and revise a new version of "Siku Quanshu."

This documentary series traces the 250-year history of the encyclopedia from its origins to the present day, recounting key events including its compilation, the collection of books, their storage, destruction and loss, as well as later efforts to protect, relocate, print, supplement and continue the work.

The production team traveled to 16 cities to conduct on-site research, systematically documenting all of these events. They adhered to the concept of bringing ancient texts to life through modern visual media technology, while also reenacting many historical scenes, striving to make the profound history more accessible and tangible.

The series began filming in March 2024 and has undergone more than two years of meticulous refinement. Prior to its release, multiple expert panels were held in Beijing this March and April, where the work received high praise from both academic and film and television circles. Experts believe that the documentary, rooted in authentic historical materials, uses visual storytelling to trace the tumultuous yet profound fate of "Siku Quanshu," vividly interpreting the deep meaning of the continuous and ever-renewing Chinese cultural heritage.

Chief director Xu Lingguang also established an academy in a small village in Lanzhou, Gansu province, which became the documentary's starting point. The private cultural institution integrates classic collection, cultural experience, academic research and educational dissemination, housing nearly 1 million precious documents. The academy pioneered an interactive exhibition model that allows visitors to touch, flip through, read, photograph, copy and experience the texts, transforming ancient classics from static storage into living heritage.

Xu also revealed to China.org.cn that a film version of "Across Time and Space: Siku Quanshu" is in the works and will be rolled out later this year during the National Day holiday, featuring added content such as new stories, plotlines and scenes.

"The film version will be much more breathtaking," he said. "'Siku Quanshu' serves as a beacon, illuminating the wisdom of the Chinese nation. I hope that it will continue its journey across time in the galaxy of human civilization."