Our Guy in China

Our Guy in China is an engaging documentary series produced and broadcast by Channel 4 in 2016. The show is delivered to us through the eyes of the quintessentially charismatic and down-to-earth Guy Martin, who is best known for his passion for engineerings, speed, and mechanics. Taking us on an adventurous journey around China to explore its innovation, culture, history and contemporary life, the series was a different take on travelogue style programmes, imbued with Guy's unique perspective and charm.

At the heart of the series is Guy’s interest in mechanical marvels and technological feats, from ancient engineering ingenuity to groundbreaking modern advancements. His fascination for this subject matter is a thread that runs through each episode, adding a fresh take to an otherwise conventional travel show. With a background as a mechanic and a career in motor racing, Martin is the perfect guide as he explores China's vast landscapes while uncovering the land's technological prowess.

Our Guy in China boldly covers Chinese urbanization and colossal infrastructure sprawling across the mainland. Just as intriguing are the extreme landscapes and scenery along the journey, which vary from towering, densely-populated metropolises to the breathtakingly beautiful countryside. With its broad and diverse terrain, China proves a fertile landscape for Guy’s adventurous spirit. From the megacity of Chongqing, home to around thirty million people and some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, to the waterways of the ancient Venice of the East, Suzhou, the audience is given a comprehensive perspective of the country's modernisation and its historical roots.

Aside from his fascination with all things mechanical, Guy's interactions with people from different walks of life make the show a poignant reflection of Chinese society. He chats with workers in a factory, farmers in the provinces, mechanics, and business tycoons, allowing us to experience China from the perspective of its industrious and dynamic populace. As we follow Guy on his journey, we get involved in his meetings with locals and his immersion in various parts of Chinese life – at work, leisure, and in the everyday. These encounters honour the experiences, stories, and traditions of people living in different regions of China, adding a rich human texture to this globe-trotting adventure.

Moreover, Our Guy in China is something of an educational experience too. The series touches upon the implications of China's rapid urbanisation, the success and challenges of modern industrialisation, and the impacts of such rapid progress on everyday life. Guy's knowledge and experience as a mechanic and engineer position him uniquely to comment on these topics. His straightforward, honest, and often humorous commentary delivers insight and critique as readily as admiration or awe, bringing a complex narrative to life in an accessible and relatable manner.

Visually, Our Guy in China is striking. The series presents spectacular panoramic scenes of China's astonishing landscapes, from the Huangshan Mountain range in the Anhui province to the high-altitude Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Close-up shots and encounters on the streets reveal aspects of Chinese culture that may be less familiar to viewers, like bustling food markets, traditional operas, and teahouses. The cinematography creates a vivid and exciting picture of the striking contrast between China's vast, modern cityscapes and its more rural, tranquil areas.

This show embodies an immense sense of adventure, wonder, and respect for China, its history, its people and its possible future. Guy Martin’s down-to-earth demeanor, enthusiasm, and curiosity make the programme both educational and entertaining. For anyone with an interest in travel, culture, technology, engineering, or simply seeing the world through a new and engaging perspective, Our Guy in China is a must-watch series. It’s a show that sets out to inform, inspire, and enthral, and it achieves all three with a uniquely Martin-esque charm and aplomb.