Following in Du Fu's footsteps

Poetry fuels British historian's fascination for Chinese culture

Editor's note: As the People's Republic of China celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding this year, China Daily asked prominent international figures to reflect on their relationship with the country and to talk of the direction in which they see it going.

Since the late 1970s, British historian, author and broadcaster Michael Wood has been traveling the world, sharing his passion for history and the stories of civilizations and kingdoms across the globe in a string of hugely successful series.

He has written more than 120 documentaries, which have been shown in 140 countries and territories, covering topics including Alexander the Great, the conquistadors, India and the life of William Shakespeare, but one of his most enduring fascinations, both professionally and personally, is with China.