ZHANGJIAKOU, Hebei – The third season of CGTN's Village Voyage takes viewers on a journey through Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province about 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, to explore how its land and people are forging new paths for rural life. Host Julian Waghann from the United States and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán immerse themselves in the countryside, going beyond famous landmarks to experience the daily rhythms of local communities. Their travels reveal a rural China that is far from static—it is a place where tradition and modernity intersect, offering a fresh perspective on the potential of rural areas.
The significance of this exploration lies in its timely portrayal of rural revitalization. As China continues to urbanize, the countryside often remains misunderstood or overlooked. By highlighting Zhangjiakou's diverse villages, the series challenges simplistic narratives and shows how rural communities are actively shaping their own futures. This matters because it provides a nuanced view of development that balances economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
In Chongli, the mountains that hosted the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics have transformed into a year-round outdoor destination. Once known primarily for skiing, they now attract mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers, and campers. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," a local guide explains. Julian and Juan witness this firsthand at the Chongli 168 Ultra-Trail Race, where thousands of runners surge forward. For Juan, the scene resonates: "Mountains don't have borders. The urge to run and challenge yourself in the wild is something we share, whether in Latin America or here." This shift underscores how Olympic legacies can catalyze sustainable rural economies.
In Yugouliang Village, a high plateau community, yoga has grown organically from farm work. Villagers stretch and breathe between planting and harvesting, finding stillness in open fields. Julian and Juan join in after making youmian, a local oat staple. "Our yoga comes from farm work," a villager says. "It is part of how we live." Juan reflects, "No matter where we are, people want the same things – health, peace, security and a life that feels full." This practice illustrates how rural well-being can emerge from local traditions rather than urban trends.
Yuxian, in southern Zhangjiakou, preserves historic architecture and folk arts. Its ancient buildings inspired locations in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong, bringing new attention. Paper-cutting, a cherished tradition, remains alive. "Paper-cutting came from everyday people," a master says. "It used to decorate farmhouse windows. Now it reaches the wider world." Julian and Juan try their hand at the craft, experiencing how heritage is passed down through generations. This fusion of tradition and popular culture demonstrates the enduring relevance of rural crafts.
Desheng Village exemplifies rural innovation with modern agriculture and solar power. Solar panels stretch across the land, powering greenhouses where tomatoes and cucumbers thrive. "We used to depend heavily on the weather," a villager notes. "Now technology and sunlight give us new hope." Revenue funds schools, roads, and public spaces. A bonfire gathering reveals a close-knit community embracing change while retaining its spirit. This model shows how clean energy can drive rural development.
For more information, visit CGTN. The implications are clear: Zhangjiakou's villages offer a blueprint for rural areas worldwide, proving that tradition and innovation can coexist, and that rural life is not a relic but a vibrant, evolving tapestry.
