A new season of CGTN’s travel series ‘Village Voyage’ takes viewers into the heart of rural Guilin, where the region’s iconic karst landscapes and centuries-old traditions offer a deeper connection to China’s countryside. Hosted by American Julian Waghann and Filipino traveler Eliza Arce, the season explores Longsheng and Yangshuo, revealing how the mountains, rivers, and local communities inspire a unique rural lifestyle.
In Longsheng, the Longji Rice Terraces stand as a testament to generations of farming wisdom. Carved into hillsides over centuries, they represent a balance between human ingenuity and nature. Local villager Liao Yanmei, who leads restoration efforts, says: “They mean everything to us. They’re our life.” During the Shuyang Festival, Julian and Eliza join villagers in traditional seedling-throwing and torchlit walks. Eliza draws parallels to the Banaue Rice Terraces in her native Philippines, noting: “I was amazed by how closely our rice terrace cultures mirror each other. It made me realize we share deeper roots.”
Deep within the terraces lies Huangluo Yao Village, home to the Red Yao people and their renowned long hair tradition. Women use fermented rice water and local herbs to maintain famously long, glossy hair, a practice rooted in sustainable living. 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 mountains, animals, and daily life.
Beyond cultural immersion, Yangshuo offers outdoor adventures like cycling, hiking, bamboo rafting, and cliffside activities. Supported by improved transportation and tourism facilities, Yangshuo is emerging as an international destination where nature, culture, and local life converge.
As ‘Village Voyage’ demonstrates, Guilin’s villages tell stories written in mountains, rivers, songs, and traditions. The series invites visitors to step into rural rhythms and discover a new way of experiencing China’s countryside, ensuring these living heritages continue to thrive. For more on this journey, visit the CGTN website.
