Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province some 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, has long been known for its mountains and highlands. But a new season of the travel series Village Voyage reveals a countryside undergoing a quiet transformation. Hosted by CGTN's Julian Waghann and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán, the third season takes viewers beyond iconic landmarks into villages where tradition and modernity intersect. The program matters because it challenges outdated perceptions of rural China, showing communities that are not frozen in the past but actively shaping new possibilities.
In Chongli, the mountains that hosted the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics are becoming a year-round outdoor destination. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," a local guide says. Residents have unlocked the hills' potential with mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and camping. Julian and Juan pedal forest trails and witness 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 from seasonal ski resort to year-round playground signals a sustainable tourism model that could be replicated in other rural areas.
In Yugouliang Village, yoga has grown organically from farm work. "Our yoga comes from farm work. It is part of how we live," a villager explains. Unlike urban wellness trends, this practice is rooted in daily rhythms. Julian and Juan make youmian, a local oat staple, then practice 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 depiction of rural well-being counters stereotypes of deprivation, highlighting a community that has found its own rhythm.
Yuxian, in southern Zhangjiakou, is known for historic settlements and folk arts. Its architecture inspired locations in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong, bringing new attention. Paper-cutting, a tradition once used to decorate farmhouse windows, now reaches wider audiences. "Paper-cutting came from everyday people," says a master. Julian and Juan try their hand at the craft, experiencing how heritage is passed hand to hand, not sealed behind glass. This integration of tradition into modern culture shows how ancient skills can find new relevance.
Desheng Village exemplifies rural innovation. Solar panels stretch across fields, capturing sunlight that once only fed crops. Beneath them, greenhouses use temperature-controlled precision to grow tomatoes and cucumbers. "We used to depend heavily on the weather. Now technology and sunlight give us new hope," a villager says. Clean energy revenue funds schools, roads, and public spaces. A bonfire gathering reveals a close-knit community spirit. This model of clean energy and modern farming offers a blueprint for sustainable rural development.
For a new generation of travelers, immersive experiences provide a fuller picture of rural China. Zhangjiakou's countryside is diverse: Chongli's year-round energy, Yugouliang's slow rhythm, Yuxian's living heritage, and Desheng's green future. Tradition and innovation coexist, showing that rural areas are not static but dynamic. As Julian and Juan discover, visitors may come for scenery but leave with a deeper understanding of the people building tomorrow. The series, available on CGTN, underscores that rural revitalization is not just policy but a lived reality.
