Conquering Southern China

Conquering Southern China is an adventure reality television show produced by Kinonation and aired in 2016. This refreshing and innovative series provides an exhilarating mix of exploration, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-pumping action, with a dash of humor, as it offers viewers an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of Southern China.

At the very heart of this series are the two charismatic individulas who traverse the vast terrains of Southern China on their loyal two-wheeled companions - motorcycles. These unconventional explorers are no other than Winston Sterzel, also known as SerpentZA, a South African who holds the title for being the first-ever Chinese-based vlogger, and Matthew Tye, or Laowhy86, an American expatriate who has found a new home in China. Their camaraderie, humor, and candor provide an entertaining drive to the series, making the challenging journey more appealing to the viewers.

The show follows Sterzel and Tye as they kick off their epic 5000-kilometer motorcycle journey starting from the largest city in the world by population, the megacity of Chongqing, all the way to the edge of Southeast Asia, the province of Guangxi. Viewers virtually backpack along their trail through some lesser-known provinces of China such as Guizhou and Guangdong, punctuated by scenic detours that offer glimpses of the raw and untouched wonders of China's countryside.

Conquering Southern China stands apart from other travel shows through its comprehensive coverage of both urban and rural regions of Southern China, demonstrating a striking contrast between the two. The show vividly captures the bustling city life, the picturesque landscapes of the countryside, and everything in between, thereby documenting the extraordinary cultural and geographic diversity of Southern China.

A highlight of the series is their focus on China's minority cultures. It offers a rare glimpse into the indigenous cultures present in the regions through social interactions and fascinating conversations. Traditional customs, indigenous rituals, local cuisine, and unrivaled natural beauty – all these elements are meticulously etched in each episode, attracting audiences worldwide who are enticed by the diverse and exotic aspects of Chinese culture and geography.

The infrastructure and transportation aspects also get due coverage in this series. The presenters, by crossing over China's famous mega-infrastructure on their motorbikes, give audiences an up-close feel of China's tremendous development in the field of infrastructure while also showcasing their admirable motorbiking skills.

The thrill and challenges of their journey encompassing rugged terrains, unpredictable weather conditions, and language barriers add an authentic adventure element to the series. These two unprecedented travelers also employ drones and action cameras, capturing breathtaking aerial shots and action-packed sequences that enhance the viewing experience.

But it's not just about sightseeing and bike riding. The show delicately balances thrill and human elements. The interaction between Sterzel, Tye and the locals as well as their humorous take on various situations adds warmth and charm to their journey. Be it Sterzel's wry commentary or Tye's linguistic prowess, both hosts have managed to leave an indelible mark on the audience through their distinctive styles.

Woven with outstanding visuals, immersive storytelling, and cultural exploration, Conquering Southern China promises an in-depth exploration of the dragons' land, leaving viewers with a sense of having embarked on the journey with the hosts. It manages to project China through a novel perspective, breaking the ongoing stereotypes while highlighting the essence of travel - to learn, experience, and grow.

The series stimulates the viewers' wanderlust and curiosity about China's marvels while also providing a great portion of educational entertainment. In essence, Conquering Southern China serves as a captivating deep-dive into Southern China’s soul, offering a unique viewing experience that is both informative and exhilarating.