Yoga village’s income fell after national attention faded
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In 2016, officials in Yugouliang, a village in Hebei province, China, began teaching yoga to residents as a way to alleviate poverty.
Lu Wenzhen, a visiting official, initiated the program after noticing the villagers’ natural aptitude for seated positions. The initiative gained national attention, bringing revenue through livestream sales, tourism, and media appearances. By 2020, the village’s annual per capita income had risen to 12,335 yuan. However, as the initial attention waned and officials moved on, the program faced challenges.
Younger residents left for opportunities in cities, and the aging population struggled to maintain the demanding practice. Attempts to diversify income with quinoa farming and new tourism infrastructure failed. Currently, participation in yoga has declined, and many village facilities remain underused. While some residents continue to practice for personal health, the economic boost from “China’s No. 1 Yoga Village” has largely disappeared. New officials are focusing on basic infrastructure improvements, but sustaining the yoga program remains difficult.
