CCTV Discovery 8

Author: Xue Jijun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-06-01
Features: What does "Journey of Discovery" hope to bring to its audience? What have the creators gained from this journey of discovery? The answer is not immediate. A new program format must go through stages of creation, growth, and maturity. Therefore, the program's positioning and target audience, including its presentation methods and unique charm that distinguishes it from similar programs, are all gradually clarified through exploration. For young creators of programs, as a popular saying goes in society, they naturally hope to satisfy themselves while contributing to others. If this can be achieved, it can become a passionate and fulfilling era. In fact, these are the inner thoughts of the program's creators, rarely shared openly. As mentioned earlier, the program's creation was also a trial-and-error process, but it did not mean that there was no original concept from the beginning. To better explain "Journey of Discovery," it is necessary to first discuss what we did not want the program to be. First, it is not a traditional science and education documentary, one that dives headfirst into the ocean of knowledge and becomes lost. Second, it is not an elite documentary, where only extraordinary statements are followed without question—this is indeed too risky. Last, it is certainly not a news-style documentary, one that skims the surface and offers only general remarks. So, what kind of program is "Journey of Discovery"? Or, where does its value lie?
First and foremost, a program should realize its artistic value. Compared to other programs, "Journey of Discovery" has very distinct features. Its appeal lies in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then connects it to the events leading up to it, and finally, it provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is pushed into the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of education through entertainment. This entertainment-focused creative approach is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the program's value in media. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take many forms—shouting from the rooftops, expressing oneself directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the program's value at the social level. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—separating truth from falsehood, seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. By subtly immersing the audience in the spirit and attitude of science, natural social value is achieved. And I believe this is precisely what is missing in our national spirit today.
"Journey of Discovery" is the only science exploration documentary program on China Central Television (CCTV). It examines the progress of human civilization through a scientific lens and pursues the truth with a spirit of discovery. Four years after its launch, it gained widespread popularity from the audience and was hailed as "China's Discovery." Compared to other programs, "Journey of Discovery" has very distinct features. Its appeal lies in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then connects it to the events leading up to it, and finally, it provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is pushed into the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of education through entertainment. This entertainment-focused creative approach is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the program's value in media. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take many forms—shouting from the rooftops, expressing oneself directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the program's value at the social level. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—separating truth from falsehood, seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. By subtly immersing the audience in the spirit and attitude of science, natural social value is achieved.
"Journey of Discovery" takes readers on a journey of scientific revelation and mystery-solving. It peels away the layers of fog in various fields such as archaeology, biology, architecture, medicine, and geography. This series of books uses a suspenseful storytelling style to showcase the process of unraveling mysteries, revealing the wonders of the world through a scientific perspective. Each chapter begins with a story, then connects it to the events leading up to it, and finally, it provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Knowledge is pushed into the background, suspense triggers the reader, stories introduce the knowledge, and science is woven into the plot.
One of the key features of "Journey of Discovery" is its consistent suspense and entertainment. While calmly and objectively exploring the scientific significance behind the surface, it allows readers to truly experience the charm of discovery, feel the rigor of pursuing and exploring the unknown, and enjoy the pleasure of reading. Knowledge from various fields is integrated into a series of progressively unfolding stories, where readers not only gain scientific knowledge but also, more importantly, develop the mindset of exploring the unknown and experience the joy of scientific discovery.
Another key feature of "Journey of Discovery" is that the mysteries and mysterious places it explores are largely unique to China. Chinese readers can feel this, and they can participate in and experience it in real life. For example, chapters like "The Mystery of the Wild Man," "Unidentified Flying Objects in Chinese Skies," "Will the Giant Panda Become Extinct?" and "The Legend of the Falcon" all describe unsolved mysteries within China. For readers who have the opportunity to witness them firsthand, there is even the possibility of personally uncovering these mysteries.