A French documentary on the Miao community living in Guizhou province, southwestern China was seen by 5.2 million viewers, France 2 TV channel which broadcast the program said on April 13.

The success of "Rendezvous in an unknown land" mirrored the rising public interest in Chinese culture and heritage, the channel added.

The documentary showcased French actor Clovis Cornillac's journey to southwestern China where he met the Miao, an ethnic group recognized by Chinese government as one of the 55 official ethnic groups, accounting for less than 1 percent of China's total population.

During his two-week stay, Cornilla tried to fish the Miao traditional way. He also participated in the ancestral rice harvest and tasted cooked river insects.

The 47-year-old French actor and film director said the trip to the Chinese mountains was an exceptional experience for someone who always dreamed of going to China.

"In this modern country, it is fascinating to see this small and self-sufficient community in a village on a rocky outcrop in the middle of all these rice fields. It's spectacular," said Frederic Lopez, the show's presenter.

The documentary had touched many viewers. "What an extraordinary human adventure with the people of beautiful smiles, dignified and deeply alive. We can only be touched by these images and moved to have lived this experience," wrote Karine, a viewer.

A still of French documentary "Rendezvous in an unknown land" on the Miao community living in Guizhou province, southwestern China. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A still of French documentary "Rendezvous in an unknown land" on the Miao community living in Guizhou province, southwestern China. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

A still of French documentary "Rendezvous in an unknown land" on the Miao community living in Guizhou province, southwestern China. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]