Guilin, long celebrated for its iconic karst landscapes, is drawing a new wave of travelers eager to engage with rural life rather than merely observe it. The latest season of CGTN's Village Voyage, featuring host Julian Waghann and traveler Eliza Arce, journeys into Longsheng and Yangshuo to showcase how local traditions and sustainable practices are shaping a unique rural tourism model.
In Longsheng, the Longji Rice Terraces, carved over centuries by local communities, symbolize a harmony between human ingenuity and nature. Villager Liao Yanmei, who is leading restoration efforts, says, 'They mean everything to us. They're our life.' During the Shuyang Festival, visitors participate in seedling-throwing rituals and torch-lit processions, turning a farming celebration into an immersive cultural experience. Eliza Arce noted the resemblance to the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines, saying, 'I truly felt at home.'
Nearby, Huangluo Yao Village, known as the 'world's long hair village,' showcases the Red Yao people's centuries-old hair care tradition using fermented rice water and local herbs. Cultural ambassador Haili explains, 'Long hair symbolizes longevity and prosperity.' Master artisan Pan Jifeng adds that a single traditional outfit can take a year to complete, with patterns inspired by nature and daily life.
In Yangshuo, the landscape becomes a playground for outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, bamboo rafting, and cliffside adventures. Supported by improved transportation and tourism facilities, the area is emerging as an international destination where nature, culture, and local life converge.
As travelers increasingly seek meaningful connections, Guilin's rural communities demonstrate how tourism can preserve traditions while fostering economic opportunities. 'Every village tells its own story,' the show notes, and through initiatives like Village Voyage, these stories are reaching a global audience, inviting visitors to discover a new way to experience China's countryside.
