CCTV Discovery - 3

Author: Xue Jijun, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Time: Not Available
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 brand-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 the program, as a popular saying goes, they naturally hope to satisfy themselves while contributing to others. If this can be achieved, it will be 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 inception was also a trial-and-error process, but it did not lack an original concept. To better explain Journey of Discovery, it is necessary to first discuss what we did not want the program to become. First, it is not a traditional science and education program; it cannot be completely immersed in the ocean of knowledge. Second, it is not an elite documentary; it does not blindly follow sensational statements, which is indeed too risky. Last, it is certainly not a news-style documentary; it does not skim the surface or offer vague generalizations. So, what 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 explores the connections between events, and finally reveals the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is set in the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of educating while entertaining. 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, especially one with artistic value, must fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take various forms—shouting from the rooftops or 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 cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—separating truth from falsehood, seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imparts the spirit and attitude of science to the audience, naturally leading to social value. 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 from a scientific perspective and pursues the truth with a spirit of discovery. Four years after its launch, it has gained widespread popularity and been 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 explores the connections between events, and finally reveals the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is set in the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science woven into the plot to achieve the goal of educating while entertaining. 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, especially one with artistic value, must fulfill educational and promotional roles. Education and promotion can take various forms—shouting from the rooftops or 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 cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—separating truth from falsehood, seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imparts the spirit and attitude of science to the audience, naturally leading to social value.
Journey of Discovery takes readers on a journey of scientific revelation and puzzle-solving. It peels away the layers of mystery in fields such as archaeology, biology, architecture, medicine, and geography. This series of books uses suspenseful storytelling to showcase the process of unraveling mysteries, revealing the wonders of the world through a scientific lens. Each chapter begins with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Knowledge is set in the background, suspense engages the reader, stories introduce knowledge, and science is woven into the plot.
One of the key features of Journey of Discovery is its consistent blend of suspense and entertainment. While calmly and objectively uncovering the scientific significance behind the surface, it allows readers to truly experience the thrill of discovery, appreciate the rigor of exploring the unknown, and enjoy the pleasure of reading. Various types of knowledge are integrated into the story, not only providing scientific knowledge but also offering a way of thinking for exploring the unknown and experiencing the joy of science.
Another key feature of Journey of Discovery is that the mysteries and mysterious places explored are largely unique to China. Chinese readers can feel this connection and participate in experiencing it in real life. For example, chapters like The Mystery of the Wildman, Unidentified Flying Objects in Chinese Skies, Will the Giant Panda Extinct?, and The Legend of the Falcon all narrate unsolved mysteries within China. Readers have the opportunity to witness these firsthand and even have the potential to uncover these mysteries themselves.