Tradition and mystery, Martial Arts, and the preserving of culture alongside modernisation, are just some of the subjects explored in the new weekly series

Quest Arabiya today announced a new strand of programming that will showcase the best in Chinese entertainment for the first time in the Arabic language.

Launching on the 28th January in line with the Chinese New Year, the free to air channel will broadcast the brand new programming strand titled USILK.

Viewers can expect to watch fascinating programs that take a deeper look into one of the most powerful countries in the world and catch an extraordinary glimpse into the unique lives and dreams of the Chinese people preserving its rich culture and traditions.

From the myths and legends that inspire modern reality in Wonders of China, a five-part documentary that highlights the interaction between people and modern society from biodiversity expeditions to the promotion of Wudang Kung Fu;

To the majestic landscapes in Back to the Village, which provides an alternate look to cosmopolitan China with the real life scenes of rural China today, Quest Arabiya will shed a light on this country wrapped up in tradition and mystery.

Khalid Khouri, Deputy General Manager of Quest Arabiya said: “We’re thrilled to bring compelling programming in Arabic about the Silk Road regions to our audience;

“Inspiring human journeys are fundamental to us as a channel, but also to our audiences; and we’re glad that we can be a part of this initiative to share these stories and build stronger cultural ties between China and the Arab World.”

Other programs part of the USILK initiative will have a regular Saturday night program slot, airing at 20:30 KSA time.

These programs include New Face of China, a fast-paced series that records the evolvement of new China, its efforts and initiatives from E-Commerce to Basketball and environmental sustainability.

Changing Times a 10-episode documentary that offers a glimpse into the unique lives and dreams of the Chinese people preserving China’s cultural heritage – from Kunqu opera, “Old Tune” music to throat singing and Bokh wrestling, a type of grappling martial arts practised in Inner Mongolia;

And Modern life in China, a series that brings together the aspirations and dreams of strangers, with the series acting as a common thread that binds them as they strive to make their dreams a reality.

The programs that sit within Quest Arabiya’s USILK initiative came about as part of a strategic alliance with China Intercontinental Communication Centre (CICC) and Image Nation announced in November last year, which aims to support an important government alliance between China and the UAE.

The programs highlight the interactions between people and modern society and exploring the relationships between traditions and innovations.

Going forward, the collaboration with CICC and Quest Arabiya will expand to include co-produced original content.