'The Big Picture' Season 7, Episode 2: 'Auto Giant'

The seventh season of "The Big Picture" turns its attention to north China's Hebei Province. Through the stories of cities, businesses and ordinary people, the program explores how the province surrounding Beijing is drawing on its manufacturing base, specialized industrial clusters and continually improving infrastructure to connect with China's domestic market and the wider international business network.

The second episode, "Auto Giant," begins at the Great Wall in Hebei. For centuries, Hebei played an important role in protecting the Chinese capital, and the Great Wall remains a reminder of the province's long history. Host Mark Llewellyn and his team then travel by train to Baoding, a city whose name reflects its historic role in safeguarding the capital, but which today is known for its automobile industry.

In Baoding, the team explores an automotive industry that has become a distinctive feature of the city. From an automotive-themed shopping center featuring both Chinese and international car brands to the headquarters and showroom of Great Wall Motor (GWM), the program offers a close-up look at Baoding's automotive ecosystem.

The team also explores how new technologies are changing the driving experience. Llewellyn watches an automated parking demonstration and gets behind the wheel of a GWM Tank, while the program takes a closer look at the use of artificial intelligence and intelligent driving technologies in modern vehicles.

The episode also draws a connection between Baoding and Australia, where GWM has been present since 2009. In Sydney, the team speaks with Harley Haber about the growing presence of Chinese car brands in the Australian market and what is attracting local consumers.

From the Great Wall to Baoding's automobile industry and the Australian market in Sydney, the episode connects Hebei's history with its modern industrial development, while exploring the growing links between China's automotive sector and Australian consumers.

"The Big Picture" is a business documentary series produced by People's Daily Online Australia and Sticky Toffee Media, highlighting collaborations between China and Australia in economics, science, education, and business. With in-depth reporting and on-site insights, it delivers authoritative analysis while promoting cross-culture understanding.

Season seven of "The Big Picture" airs in September 2026 on the global news website Ticker News, People's Daily Online, and international podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.