Big Bird and his companion, Barkley, travel across China in search of the legendary Feng Huang, the Phoenix Bird.Big Bird and his companion, Barkley, travel across China in search of the legendary Feng Huang, the Phoenix Bird.Big Bird and his companion, Barkley, travel across China in search of the legendary Feng Huang, the Phoenix Bird.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 1 win & 1 nomination total
Caroll Spinney
- Big Bird
- (voice)
- …
Brian Meehl
- Barkley
- (voice)
- (as Brian Muehl)
- …
Lianzi Ouyang
- Xiao Foo
- (as Lien-Tze Quyang)
Cheryl Blaylock
- Additional Muppet Performer
- (voice)
- (as Cheryl Blalock)
Edward G. Christie
- Additional Muppet Performer
- (voice)
- (as Ed Christie)
Jim Henson
- Ernie
- (voice)
Ziu Ping Hua
- The Storyteller
- (as Hua Zhi-Ping)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to 'Carroll Spinney' in his autobiography, he created the concept after working on Bob Hope on the Road to China (1979). But Spinney does not get a writing credit.
- GoofsWhen Barkley sniffs the hand-cart, he has the sand-glass around his neck a full 19 minutes before Xiao Foo places it around his neck.
- Alternate versionsBrian Meehl originally provided the voice of Telly when this special originally aired. But on the DVD release, Muehl's voice was replaced with Martin P. Robinson's.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson (1990)
Featured review
This movie does a fairly good job of introducing the Chinese to the very young viewers of America. It demonstrates that China is a beautiful place with wonderful people and a fascinating history. It shows only the beginnings of the cultural differences, which is is good in that it doesn't overwhelm the young viewers.
Children will enjoy the show again and again. There are typical Sesame Street moments throughout the show that will be familiar to American Children who watch the Sesame Street regularly. However, where Sesame Street is an hour long collection of skits and vignettes, this is an hour long story with a single plot (and less counting).
Parents will enjoy the show the first time, but then will quickly yearn for more substantial information about China, her culture, history, and her people.
Children will enjoy the show again and again. There are typical Sesame Street moments throughout the show that will be familiar to American Children who watch the Sesame Street regularly. However, where Sesame Street is an hour long collection of skits and vignettes, this is an hour long story with a single plot (and less counting).
Parents will enjoy the show the first time, but then will quickly yearn for more substantial information about China, her culture, history, and her people.
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