BBC Four HD

Programmes start at 7.00pm.

The hills of Guilin and the fishermen of the Li River form the heart of this exploration of the rice-growing cultures and strange creatures of southern China.

Documentary series. Samira Ahmed journeys to places rarely seen by western audiences to reveal how the Persian Empire was born.

Robert Robinson hosts as Frank Muir, Penelope Keith and Miles Kingston take on Patrick Campbell, Sinead Cusak and Ian Ogilvy in the panel game of word definitions and deceptions.

Joseph Cooper invites viewers to match their musical wits against guests Angela Down, Robin Ray and John Julius Norwich. With guest musician Bernard Haitink.

Discover the maverick behind some of the most iconic images of the past century.

Documentary first shown on Scottish poet Norman MacCaig's 80th birthday in 1990 to mark the centenary of his birth, featuring archive footage and readings of nine of his poems.

Magnus Magnusson interviews Scottish poet Norman MacCaig.

Examining the extravagant castles and palaces created by King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

Discover the maverick behind some of the most iconic images of the past century.

Joseph Cooper invites viewers to match their musical wits against guests Angela Down, Robin Ray and John Julius Norwich. With guest musician Bernard Haitink.

Documentary series. Samira Ahmed journeys to places rarely seen by western audiences to reveal how the Persian Empire was born.

Programmes start at 7.00pm.

Programmes start at 7.00pm.

Michael Portillo strikes out to explore the Britain of his youth, starting at Preston's Fulwood Barracks and heading across to Bury Bolton Street station in Greater Manchester.

Series in which Julia Bradbury explores the work of fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright. She sets off to climb Helvellyn via the fearsome ridge of Striding Edge.

Classic political sitcom. When Jim Hacker's predecessor decides to publish his memoirs, the PM tries to suppress a chapter in which he appears unfavourably.

Classic political sitcom. When Jim Hacker discovers the French are planning some dirty tricks to get political advantage, the PM turns the tables on them.

Profile of John Logie Baird, the man who invented television, concentrating on how his dedication and drive made his achievements possible, presented by his son, Malcolm.

Leslie Mitchell traces the origins of television, from the beginning of the 20th century to the first outside broadcast - the coronation of George VI in 1937.

Dan Cruickshank presents a documentary revealing the story of the Dalai Lama, his secret Himalayan kingdom and his exile, using eyewitness accounts and colour archive footage.