Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province about 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, is redefining what rural life can look like. In the third season of CGTN's Village Voyage, host Julian Waghann and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán journey through the region's mountains, villages, and farmlands to discover how local communities are creating new possibilities while preserving their heritage. The series, distributed by Media OutReach Newswire, highlights a countryside that is far from stagnant—it is dynamic, innovative, and deeply rooted in place.
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics put Chongli's mountains on the map, but since then, residents have unlocked their year-round potential. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," a local outdoor guide says. From mountain biking and trail running to hiking and camping, the hills now pulse with activity even after the snow melts. Julian and Juan experience this firsthand at the Chongli 168 Ultra-Trail Race, where thousands of runners surge forward. "Mountains don't have borders," Juan reflects. "The urge to run and challenge yourself in the wild is something we share, whether in Latin America or here." This shift signals a broader trend: rural areas leveraging natural assets to build sustainable tourism economies that attract international visitors.
In Yugouliang Village, well-being grows from the soil. The community has gained attention for a distinctive form of outdoor yoga practiced among fields—not a trendy import, but a natural extension of farm life. "Our yoga comes from farm work," a villager explains. "It is part of how we live." Julian and Juan join in after making youmian, a local oat staple, kneading dough and shaping it by hand before spreading mats on the earth. "No matter where we are, people want the same things—health, peace, security and a life that feels full," Juan says. This portrayal challenges stereotypes of rural China as frozen in time, showing instead a community that has found its own rhythm and a new sense of well-being.
Heritage also remains alive in Yuxian, known for historic settlements and folk arts. Its ancient architecture inspired locations in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong, and its paper-cutting tradition continues to thrive. "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, fumbling with scissors but gaining insight into how art is woven into daily existence. Such cultural continuity is vital: it preserves identity while inviting new audiences to appreciate traditional skills.
In Desheng Village, clean energy meets modern farming. Rows of solar panels stretch across the land, powering temperature-controlled greenhouses below. "We used to depend heavily on the weather," a villager says. "Now technology and sunlight give us new hope." Revenue from clean energy funds schools, roads, and public spaces, demonstrating a model where rural development and sustainability go hand in hand. As night falls, a bonfire gathering in the village square brings residents and visitors together, underscoring that progress need not erase community spirit.
For global viewers, Village Voyage offers more than scenery. It presents a nuanced picture of a countryside where tradition and innovation coexist, where ancient skills find new audiences, and where modern technology takes root in centuries-old communities. As travelers seek immersive experiences, Zhangjiakou's example shows that rural China is not a single story but many—each village with its own rhythm, challenges, and aspirations. The series, available through CGTN, invites audiences to see beyond landmarks and into the lives of people shaping a future that honors the past. For more information, visit CGTN.
