Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province some 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, is rewriting the narrative of rural China. Known for its mountains and highlands, and boosted by the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the region is now attracting international attention through the third season of CGTN's Village Voyage. Host Julian Waghann from the United States and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán journey across Zhangjiakou to explore how its land and people are creating new possibilities for rural life.
In Chongli, the mountains that hosted Olympic events are becoming a year-round outdoor playground. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," said a local outdoor guide. Since the Olympics, residents have unlocked the hills' potential for mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and camping. Julian and Juan 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."
Yugouliang Village on a high plateau offers a different rhythm. It has gained attention for outdoor yoga practiced among fields, a practice that grew naturally from farm work. "Our yoga comes from farm work. It is part of how we live," one villager explained. Julian and Juan made youmian, a local oat staple, then practiced yoga alongside residents. Juan reflected, "No matter where we are, people want the same things – health, peace, security and a life that feels full."
In Yuxian, historic settlements and folk arts thrive. The area's architecture inspired locations in the hit game Black Myth: Wukong. Yuxian paper-cutting, a traditional craft, is now reaching wider audiences. "Paper-cutting came from everyday people. It used to decorate farmhouse windows. Now it reaches the wider world," said a master. Julian and Juan tried their hand at the craft, experiencing how heritage is passed from hand to hand.
Desheng Village showcases how clean energy meets modern farming. Rows of solar panels stretch across the land, powering greenhouses that grow tomatoes and cucumbers. "We used to depend heavily on the weather. Now technology and sunlight give us new hope," a villager said. Revenue from clean energy funds schools, roads, and public spaces. A bonfire gathering in the village square highlighted the close-knit community spirit.
For a new generation of travelers, immersive experiences offer a complete picture of rural China. Zhangjiakou's countryside is diverse: Chongli's mountains pulse with energy; Yugouliang's fields offer a slower rhythm; Yuxian's ancient villages keep traditions alive; and Desheng shows how clean energy and modern agriculture create opportunities. Tradition and innovation coexist, revealing a northern Chinese countryside that is more dynamic and full of possibility than any single image can capture.
