A new season of CGTN's travel series "Village Voyage" takes viewers into the heart of rural Guilin, where dramatic karst landscapes and centuries-old traditions offer travelers a deeper connection to local life. Host Julian Waghann from the United States and Filipino traveler Eliza Arce journey through Longsheng and Yangshuo, exploring how the region's mountains, rivers, and communities inspire a unique rural lifestyle that goes beyond typical sightseeing.
In Longsheng, the Longji Rice Terraces stand as a testament to generations of farming wisdom. Carved into hillsides over centuries, these terraces represent a balance between human ingenuity and nature. Local villager Liao Yanmei, who leads efforts to restore and preserve the terraces, says, "They mean everything to us. They're our life." Julian and Eliza arrive during the Shuyang Festival, an annual farming celebration where they join villagers in seedling-throwing rituals and torch-lit processions through the terraces at night. For Eliza, the landscape evokes memories of the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines, highlighting shared cultural roots in rice terrace farming.
Deep within the terraces lies Huangluo Yao Village, home to the Red Yao people known for their centuries-old long hair tradition. Using fermented rice water and local herbs, Red Yao women maintain long, glossy hair that symbolizes longevity and prosperity, according to cultural ambassador Haili. The tradition reflects a sustainable lifestyle that values natural resources. Master artisan Pan Jifeng explains that completing a traditional Red Yao outfit can take a full year, incorporating weaving, batik, natural dyeing, and embroidery inspired by the surrounding mountains and everyday life.
In Yangshuo, the landscape becomes a playground for outdoor activities. Cyclists, hikers, bamboo rafters, and climbers engage with karst peaks and rivers, supported by improved transportation and tourism facilities. The region is emerging as an international destination where nature, culture, and local life converge.
"Village Voyage" illustrates how rural Guilin offers travelers a chance to become part of the landscape rather than merely observe it. From the terraces to the villages, the series reveals how communities continue to grow from the landscapes that shaped them, welcoming visitors while preserving their stories. For more on the Shuyang Festival and Red Yao traditions, visit the CGTN website for the full episode.
