In the third season of Village Voyage, CGTN host Julian Waghann and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán explore Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province about 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, to document how rural communities are forging new possibilities. The series, produced by CGTN, highlights a countryside that is far from static, instead showcasing a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation that challenges conventional perceptions of rural China.
Zhangjiakou, known for its mountains and outdoor culture, gained international attention as a co-host of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The games left a legacy that extends beyond winter sports. In Chongli, the mountains have transformed into a year-round destination for activities like mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and camping. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," a local guide says. The hosts witness the Chongli 168 Ultra-Trail Race, where thousands of runners surge forward. Juan remarks, "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 illustrates how Olympic infrastructure can stimulate sustainable rural tourism and economic diversification.
In Yugouliang Village, on a high plateau, yoga has emerged organically from farm life. Villagers explain that their practice is rooted in agricultural rhythms, not urban wellness trends. Julian and Juan make youmian, a local oat staple, then join residents for yoga in the fields. Juan reflects, "No matter where we are, people want the same things – health, peace, security and a life that feels full." This portrayal counters stereotypes of rural decline, showing communities adapting while preserving their unique identity.
Yuxian, in southern Zhangjiakou, is known for historic settlements and folk arts. Its architecture inspired locations in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong, demonstrating how cultural heritage can reach global audiences through modern media. The hosts try paper-cutting, a tradition that once decorated farmhouse windows and now gains wider recognition. A master craftsman notes, "Paper-cutting came from everyday people. Now it reaches the wider world." This integration of heritage into daily life and popular culture underscores the resilience of local traditions.
Desheng Village exemplifies rural modernization, combining solar power with advanced agriculture. Solar panels stretch across the land, powering temperature-controlled greenhouses. A villager says, "We used to depend heavily on the weather. Now technology and sunlight give us new hope." Revenue from clean energy funds schools, roads, and public spaces. The hosts pick ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, witnessing firsthand how renewable energy can revitalize rural economies and improve livelihoods.
The season concludes with a bonfire gathering, where music and laughter fill the air. This scene encapsulates the broader narrative: rural China is not a monolith but a tapestry of communities evolving on their own terms. By immersing viewers in these experiences, Village Voyage offers a nuanced understanding of a countryside that is diverse, forward-looking, and deeply connected to its roots. The series matters because it documents a transformative moment in China's rural development, where tradition and innovation coexist, and where the stories of ordinary people reveal extraordinary change.
