New CGTN Series 'Village Voyage' Reveals How Zhangjiakou's Countryside Is Redefining Rural Life

ZHANGJIAKOU, Hebei – The third season of CGTN's Village Voyage takes viewers deep into the countryside of Zhangjiakou, a city some 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, to explore how local communities are forging new possibilities for rural life. Hosted by CGTN's Julian Waghann from the United States and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán, the series goes beyond iconic landmarks to show a side of rural China that is dynamic, innovative, and deeply rooted in local traditions.

Zhangjiakou, known for its mountains and highlands, gained international attention as a co-host of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. But the new season reveals that the region's potential extends far beyond winter sports. In Chongli, once synonymous with skiing, residents are transforming the mountains into a year-round outdoor playground. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," a local guide says. The hosts pedal along 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 signals a broader trend in rural China: leveraging natural assets to create sustainable, all-season economies.

In Yugouliang Village, the focus turns to well-being rooted in the land. Here, outdoor yoga has grown organically from farm work, offering a contrast to urban wellness trends. "Our yoga comes from farm work. It is part of how we live," a villager explains. Julian and Juan immerse themselves in daily life, making youmian (oat noodles) and practicing 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 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.

Yuxian, in southern Zhangjiakou, highlights the enduring relevance of cultural heritage. Its ancient architecture has inspired locations in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong, and its paper-cutting tradition remains a living art. "Paper-cutting came from everyday people. It used to decorate farmhouse windows. Now it reaches the wider world," says a master of the craft. The hosts try their hand at paper-cutting, experiencing how heritage is passed down not as a museum piece but as part of daily existence. This segment underscores the importance of cultural preservation in rural revitalization, showing that tradition can adapt and thrive.

Desheng Village exemplifies how clean energy and modern agriculture are reshaping rural futures. Rows of solar panels now stretch across the land, and beneath them, temperature-controlled greenhouses produce crops year-round. "We used to depend heavily on the weather. Now technology and sunlight give us new hope," a villager says. The hosts pick ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, witnessing how clean energy revenue funds schools, roads, and public spaces. A bonfire gathering in the village square reveals a close-knit community spirit that endures even as the village modernizes. This model of integrating renewable energy with agriculture offers a replicable path for rural development across China and beyond.

For a new generation of travelers, immersive experiences like those in Village Voyage provide a more complete picture of rural China. Zhangjiakou's countryside is not defined by a single landscape or way of life; it is a mosaic of year-round mountain adventure, slow-paced field life, living heritage, and green innovation. As tradition and modernity coexist, every village tells its own story. Visitors may come for the scenery, but they leave with a deeper understanding of the people who are building a future that honors the past while embracing change.