Sustainable Yugouliang Yoga Programme

Challenges and Objectives

Yugouliang Village, located in northeast Zhangjiakou District, Hebei province, is committed to enhancing the physical fitness and well-being of its residents through the Sustainable Yugouliang Yoga Programme. This initiative aims to promote yoga techniques that not only improve the health of the community but also leverage support from provincial and central media to achieve nationwide recognition for Yugouliang. Furthermore, the programme aspires to generate tourism revenue, thereby increasing farmers' incomes and attracting both private investment and government support. Ultimately, the objective is to foster a vibrant and sustainable local economy that empowers villagers and enhances their quality of life.

Collaboration Partners and Roles

The Sustainable Yugouliang Yoga Programme was launched in May 2016, initiated by the local government, college yoga teachers, and media to enhance the village's profile. The collaboration was formed by individuals and non-profit organizations concerned about rural development in China, aiming to explore the feasibility of revitalising Yugouliang. The China Hebei Province Rural Revitalization Bureau had previously engaged with local villagers, including the village dean, to establish communication and mutual trust. This groundwork involved multiple site visits with external stakeholders to solicit interest in contributing to the revitalisation efforts. By 2019, local newspapers and various media outlets were involved to cover the Yoga Programme's progress.

The collaboration arose from the rural revitalisation policy launched by the Chinese government in 2013, which aimed to help local villagers overcome poverty. This included leveraging government policies and media coverage to secure funding from the China Poverty Alleviation Foundation, enhancing the reputation of local rural areas to attract tourists and investment. The local government played a crucial role in facilitating partnerships and ensuring alignment with national policies. College yoga teachers brought expertise and training, while media outlets helped raise awareness and visibility for the initiatives. Local villagers were essential as they provided manpower and traditional knowledge, with some taking leadership roles in the project. The combination of these efforts aimed to create a sustainable framework for development that balanced conservation with community needs.

Revitalisation Activities

Revitalisation Outcome

The community has trained 7,800 villagers, enhancing their skills and capacity to engage in rural revitalisation activities. This training is complemented by the establishment of 3 guided tour themes, attracting an average of 40 tourists per week, and thus contributing to the local economy. Additionally, the village has effectively promoted its unique agricultural products, such as mushrooms and naked oats, which are marketed as environmentally friendly, boosting both income and community pride.

Furthermore, the project has fostered improved relationships among villagers and collaboration partners, with trust levels rated as high due to ongoing meetings and consultations. This strengthened trust has facilitated better understanding of rural revitalisation issues and has empowered villagers to participate actively in decision-making processes. The visibility of Yugouliang as a yoga destination has also increased, aided by media coverage and events linked to the Beijing Zhangjiakou Winter Olympics, solidifying its reputation as a unique cultural and ecological site.