Introduction: Joanna Lumley's Trans-Siberian Adventure: Episode 1 (03:06)

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Joanna Lumley will travel to China, Mongolia, and Russia. The journey begins with a ride down the mountainside and a ferry to the mainland. Land reclamation has changed Hong Kong.

Hong Kong (04:04)

Lumley recalls her childhood home on Chatham Road. China runs Hong Kong as a separate state. Lumley crosses into Communist China and boards a bullet train to Beijing; first class has smaller seats than business class.

People's Republic of China (04:37)

One in five people is Chinese and the country has the world's largest economy. New Beijing is Communist, but embraces consumerism. Mr. Wilson runs the largest Rolls-Royce dealership in the world.

Absolute Power (02:34)

In Beijing, money is power and capitalism reigns, despite Communist control. Lumley attends a dinner theater performance about the Cultural Revolution; pizza and beer are served.

Paradoxes in China (06:45)

Chinese citizens cannot access Google or YouTube, but can purchase a Prada handbag. Lumley visits Tiananmen Square. The Forbidden City is five times larger than Buckingham Palace. Lumley visits a woman who knew Emperor Puyi's favorite concubine, Wenxiu.

Trans-Siberian Railroad (03:11)

Lumley travels through security, purchases snacks, and boards the train to Moscow. She poses for photographs with employees and watches the countryside. The train stops at Datong.

Datong, China (02:57)

Over 240 million Buddhists live in China. Lumley visits the largest Buddha in Datong. Money is everything to the younger generation.

Datong School (03:10)

Class sizes are larger than those in England. Lumley meets students and discusses Daniel Radcliffe, Great Britain, and singing. Students review geography and sing the National Anthem.

Great Wall of China (08:32)

The wall is the defining symbol of China, but is not the only man-made structure that can be seen from space. William Lindsay discusses the structure's history. He and Lumley leave before dawn to go hiking.

Border Stop (02:35)

The size of tracks are different in Mongolia and China, requiring a change in railcar wheels. Officials inspect Lumley's documents.

Gobi Desert (04:24)

Mongolia is remote, sparsely populated, and mystic. Lumley attends a ritual where the shaman channels an ancient ancestor. Mongolians are responsible for caring for the Earth's heart.

Credits: Joanna Lumley's Trans-Siberian Adventure: Episode 1 (00:24)

Credits: Joanna Lumley's Trans-Siberian Adventure: Episode 1