I spent three rejuvenating days at Yuanshan Homestay in Yanqing's Liugou Village, just two hours from Beijing's bustling center yet worlds away from the urban chaos. Waking up to mountain views in a traditional courtyard house, cooking farm-fresh meals in a rustic kitchen, and stargazing on clear spring nights—this countryside retreat revealed a side of Beijing I never knew existed. For travelers seeking authentic rural China without venturing far from the capital, this hidden gem delivers tranquility and cultural immersion in equal measure.
Trip Overview
When: Spring (March)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~300 RMB (~$42 USD) per person
Transportation: Private car from Beijing (2 hours)
🎯 Practical Info
Address: 柳沟村2号 (Liugou Village No. 2, Jingzhuang Town, Yanqing District, Beijing) Price: ~300 RMB (~$42 USD) per person per night Best Season: Spring through Autumn Book in Advance: Recommended for weekends
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When my friends and I left the bustling streets of Beijing, I couldn't have imagined that just two hours later, we'd find ourselves in a completely different world. As we drove through the winding mountain roads of Yanqing District, the skyscrapers gradually gave way to rolling hills and traditional villages.
Liugou Village (柳沟村 Liǔgōu Cūn) appeared before us like something out of a painting—ancient grey-brick houses nestled among the mountains, with the Yuanshan Homestay standing as a beautiful example of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture.
Stepping through the wooden gate, I was immediately struck by the silence. No honking taxis, no construction noise—just the gentle rustling of leaves and distant birdsong. Despite being so close to the capital, it felt like we had discovered a secret sanctuary.
The courtyard exuded a strong sense of ancient village culture. Every detail spoke of careful thought and authentic craftsmanship—the grey bricks, the clay walls, the wooden beams. It was exactly the kind of place I had dreamed of finding in rural China.
What I loved most was the absence of urban chaos. Here, there were no traffic jams, no phone notifications demanding attention—just pure nature and a peaceful mind. Every corner of this courtyard house revealed something beautiful, every angle offered a perfect photograph.
The grey bricks and clay walls formed the backbone of this traditional sìhéyuàn (四合院)—a classic Chinese courtyard house that has sheltered families for generations. Walking through the corridors, I felt a deep connection to Beijing's rural heritage.
The Rooms: Simple Elegance
When I opened the door to our room, I was delighted by what I found. The owners of Yuanshan Homestay have clearly put thought into every detail—the spaces were simple yet elegant, clean and comfortable, with a refined aesthetic that immediately put me at ease.
Morning light filtering through the curtains carried the faint scent of wood and mountain air. There was something deeply satisfying about waking up naturally, without an alarm, in such peaceful surroundings.
The sunroom quickly became my favorite spot. With its floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the mountains, it was the perfect place to read, meditate, or simply watch the clouds drift by. The space felt open and airy, connecting us to the natural world outside.
Day 2: Village Life and Slow Living
Yuanshan Homestay isn't just a place to sleep—it's a philosophy of life. The owners have created a space where guests can nourish their souls through reading, playing traditional instruments, working in the gardens, and engaging in meaningful conversations about life.
The hosts are incredibly warm and hospitable. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel like family rather than paying guests. They were always ready with recommendations for village walks, local stories, and cups of fragrant tea.
One rainy afternoon, we discovered the chess room—a cozy space where we spent hours playing Chinese chess (象棋 xiàngqí) and cards while rain pattered against the windows. It was the kind of slow, unhurried time that feels increasingly precious in our fast-paced world.
The Kitchen: Farm-to-Table Living
One of the highlights of staying at Yuanshan Homestay was the kitchen. The owners have equipped it with everything guests might need—utensils, cookware, and dining ware—all spotlessly clean and regularly sanitized. But what makes it special is the opportunity to cook with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
The dining area features a magnificent long wooden table where we gathered for meals and conversation. Everything we ate came from the surrounding farms—vegetables picked that morning, eggs from village chickens, homemade tofu. Cooking together became one of our favorite activities, transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals.
Day 3: Finding Life's True Rhythms
By our third day, I had settled into a new rhythm. Mornings began with reading, tea, and the gentle scent of incense. Afternoons were spent exploring the village, chatting with locals, or simply sitting in the courtyard watching shadows move across the walls.
This was life as it should be lived—close to nature, close to friends, free from the constant demands of the digital world. We laughed more, talked more, and moved at a pace that felt natural rather than forced.
At night, away from Beijing's light pollution, the stars emerged in all their glory. We spent evenings on the courtyard benches, wrapped in blankets, identifying constellations and sharing stories under the vast mountain sky.
During the day, we explored the surrounding countryside—picking wildflowers along the paths, discovering seasonal fruits growing wild, and marveling at how different the world feels when you slow down enough to truly see it.
💡 Insider Tips
Bring Cash: While the homestay accepts digital payment, small village shops may prefer cash Pack Layers: Mountain nights can be cool even in spring Learn Basic Mandarin: Few locals speak English, but gestures and smiles go a long way Respect Quiet Hours: This is a place for peace—keep noise levels considerate Winter Magic: If you visit in winter, the snow-covered village transforms into a winter wonderland
Reflections: A Different Side of Beijing
As we packed our bags on the final morning, I felt a reluctance to leave that surprised me. This modest homestay in a mountain village had given me something that Beijing's luxury hotels and famous attractions never could—a genuine connection to traditional Chinese life.
Yuanshan Homestay isn't just accommodation; it's an experience of what Beijing once was and what rural China continues to be. In our three days here, we didn't just see the sights—we lived the life.
For travelers seeking an authentic escape from Beijing's intensity, I can't recommend this place highly enough. Whether you come for a weekend or a week, you'll leave with a fuller heart, a calmer mind, and a new appreciation for the simple beauties of Chinese countryside living.
Sometimes the most profound travel experiences aren't found in famous landmarks, but in quiet moments—waking up to mountain mist, sharing a home-cooked meal with friends, or watching the stars emerge over an ancient courtyard. Yuanshan Homestay delivered all of this and more.