“Under the Dome”

By Chai Jing

“Under the Dome” (2015), directed by investigative journalist Chai Jing, confronts China’s escalating air pollution crisis with unflinching clarity. Through powerful visuals and hard-hitting investigations, Chai exposes how state-owned energy giants and weak regulations have filled cities with toxic smog. Released online just before China’s major annual political meeting (“Lianghui”), the film sparked a nationwide outcry, quickly reaching over 300 million views online.

Initially praised by some officials, Under the Dome was soon banned, revealing the government’s deep-seated fear of public outrage. More than just a documentary, it galvanised a movement, demanding accountability and change in the face of systemic environmental failures.  

About the director

Chai Jing is a Chinese journalist and author known for her investigative reporting. She became widely recognised at China Central Television (CCTV) from 2001 to 2013, where she covered topics like the SARS epidemic and the Sichuan earthquake—both sensitive issues due to the government’s controversial handling of these crises. In 2015, Chai released the self-funded documentary Under the Dome, which exposed China’s air pollution crisis and ignited a nationwide debate. Later that year, Chai was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people.

After several years away from the public eye, Chai returned in 2023 with the documentary series Stranger: Talking to Jihadists. She continues her journalism work on YouTube from outside China.