Zhangjiakou, a city in Hebei Province about 200 kilometers northwest of Beijing, is emerging as a distinctive destination in northern China, and a new season of the CGTN travel series Village Voyage is bringing its rural transformation into focus. The third season, hosted by American Julian Waghann and Mexican traveler Juan Carlos Cheang Guzmán, takes viewers beyond famous landmarks and into the countryside, where international visitors engage with local life and discover how tradition and innovation are reshaping rural communities.
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics put Chongli's mountains on the map for winter sports, but the region is now unlocking year-round potential. "Winter is for skiing, but summer opens up a whole new world," a local outdoor guide said. Since the Olympics, residents have developed activities such as mountain biking, trail running, hiking, and camping. The hosts participated in the Chongli 168 Ultra-Trail Race, where thousands of runners surged forward. For Juan, the scene resonated: "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 toward a four-season outdoor economy signals a sustainable tourism model that could be replicated in other post-Olympic regions.
In Yugouliang Village, on a high plateau in northern Zhangjiakou, a unique form of outdoor yoga has grown organically from farm life. "Our yoga comes from farm work," one villager explained. "It is part of how we live." Visitors learned to make youmian, a local oat staple, and practiced yoga in the fields alongside residents. Juan reflected, "No matter where we are, people want the same things – health, peace, security and a life that feels full." This approach to wellness, rooted in daily labor rather than urban gyms, offers a counter-narrative to commercialized wellness trends and highlights how rural communities can leverage their heritage for cultural exchange.
Yuxian, in southern Zhangjiakou, is known for its historic settlements and folk arts, including paper-cutting. Some of its architecture inspired locations in the hit Chinese action role-playing game Black Myth: Wukong. "Paper-cutting came from everyday people," a master of the craft said. "It used to decorate farmhouse windows. Now it reaches the wider world." The hosts tried their hand at the craft, experiencing how heritage remains part of daily life rather than a museum piece. This intersection of traditional craft and modern pop culture demonstrates how ancient skills can find new audiences and economic value.
Desheng Village, in the highland farming region, showcases a different kind of innovation: modern agriculture powered by solar energy. Rows of solar panels stretch across the land, with temperature-controlled greenhouses beneath them. "We used to depend heavily on the weather," one villager said. "Now technology and sunlight give us new hope." The hosts picked ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, tasting a harvest no longer dependent on luck. Clean energy revenue flows back into the community, funding schools, roads, and public spaces. A bonfire gathering in the village square illustrated how development can coexist with close-knit community spirit.
For business and technology leaders, Zhangjiakou's story illustrates how rural areas can integrate clean energy, modern farming, and digital culture to create diversified local economies. The blend of tradition and innovation—from Olympic legacy to solar-powered agriculture—offers a scalable model for sustainable development. As travelers seek immersive experiences, regions that preserve heritage while embracing technology may gain a competitive edge in the global tourism market. The full season is available on CGTN, with updates shared under the hashtag #CGTN.
