MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, the BBC's commercial arm has announced its first ever co-production in China. The natural history series Wild China will see a partnership between the BBC's Natural History Unit and China Television Media (CTV), the production arm of Chinese state broadcaster, CCTV.

Delivering in March 2008 to coincide with the Beijing Olympics, Wild China explores the natural history of one of the world's most mysterious and diverse countries. The six-part series will mark the culmination of the BBC Natural History Unit's Continents Series.

CTV's partnership with the BBC Worldwide gives the joint production team access to some of the China's remotest reaches and most visually stunning scenery. Shot entirely in High Definition, Wild China will take viewers on a journey through the diverse landscapes of China, including the ancient Han kingdom, the Mongol steppes and Uygur desert, the Silk Road, and the Tibetan Plateau.

BBC Worldwide MD global television sales Mark Young said, "We are excited and honoured to be working so closely with China Television Media on this landmark partnership. The Wild China production team's unparalleled access throughout China during this production will provide a unique window into some of the planet’s most captivating terrains."

CTV GM Gao Xiaoping said, "The BBC is world renowned for its leadership in natural history production. We are delighted to work together and bring the world a new view of China’s beautiful landscapes and fascinating wildlife before the 2008 Olympic Games."

The show's executive producer Brian Leith said, "China is one of the last great frontiers for wildlife television: a more or less unknown - yet vast - country. We're very excited to be filming in some of the most remote regions of this wonderful country - and we think Wild China will bring some fabulous and dramatic revelations. I've learned that China is never what you expect it to be."

Wild China is a BBC / CTV / Travel Channel co-production in association with Canal+.