I spent three rejuvenating days at Qiulai Jiuyue Homestay, a hidden gem in Yanqing District's countryside that most international travelers have never discovered. Nestled near the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition Park, this charming rural retreat offered me the perfect escape from the city's chaos—waking up to birdsong instead of car horns, sipping tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking mountains, and experiencing authentic Beijing countryside hospitality.
With room for up to 22 guests across family-friendly accommodations, a fully-equipped kitchen where I could cook my own meals, and a spacious terrace perfect for sunset barbecues, this homestay delivered far more than I expected for just ¥200 per night. Whether I was fishing by the Guishui River, cycling through scenic paths, or simply unwinding in the cozy communal areas, every moment felt like a genuine immersion into rural Chinese life.
Trip Overview
When: October (Autumn foliage season)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Solo
Budget: ~600 RMB (~$85 USD) total
Transportation: Subway Line 8 to Zhuxinzhuang, then taxi or bus to Kangzhuang Town
Location: North Street, Dafengying Village, Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing District, Beijing
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When my taxi pulled up to Qiulai Jiuyue Homestay (秋来玖月民宿 – Qiūlái Jiǔyuè Mínsù) on a crisp October afternoon, I immediately felt the weight of Beijing's bustling city life lift from my shoulders. Located in Dafengying Village in Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing District, this countryside retreat promised something I desperately needed: peace, nature, and a taste of authentic rural Chinese life.
The homestay occupies a traditional village house that has been thoughtfully renovated to blend rustic charm with modern comforts. As I stepped through the gate, the first thing that struck me was the silence—broken only by the occasional birdsong and the gentle rustling of autumn leaves. The owner greeted me with warm tea and a smile that made me feel instantly at home, not like a paying guest.
I couldn't wait to explore my temporary home. The property features a lovely courtyard where guests can gather, and I immediately imagined evenings spent here chatting with other travelers or simply enjoying the crisp autumn air. The owner explained that the name "Qiulai Jiuyue" roughly translates to "Autumn Comes in September," perfectly capturing the poetic atmosphere of this place.
Practical Info
Location: North Street, Dafengying Village, Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing District (延庆区康庄镇大丰营村北街) Getting There: Take Subway Line 8 to Zhuxinzhuang Station, then taxi (~30 mins, ~80 RMB) or Bus Y46 to Kangzhuang Best Time to Visit: September-November for autumn colors; spring is also lovely Price: ~¥200 per night per person
The Rooftop Terrace: My Favorite Spot
After settling into my room, I discovered what would become my favorite spot over the next three days: the rooftop terrace. As I climbed the stairs and stepped out onto the spacious open-air deck, I was greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
The terrace is furnished with comfortable seating areas perfect for reading, sipping tea, or simply watching the clouds drift by. I spent my first evening up here, wrapped in a blanket with a cup of local tea, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink. The owner told me that on clear nights, the stargazing here is spectacular—far from Beijing's light pollution, the Milky Way is clearly visible.
Besides being a peaceful retreat, the rooftop serves as a social hub for guests. There's a BBQ area where you can grill fresh meat and vegetables, making it perfect for group gatherings. I noticed a family celebrating a birthday here one evening, their laughter echoing through the quiet village as they shared food and stories under the stars.
Day 2: Exploring the Rooms and Facilities
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of roosters crowing and birds chirping—a far cry from my usual alarm clock. After a leisurely breakfast, I took time to properly explore the accommodation. The homestay can host 7-8 families or groups, accommodating around 22 people in total, making it ideal for everything from solo travelers like myself to large family reunions or corporate retreats.
The rooms are designed with families in mind, featuring various configurations to suit different needs. Each room is decorated in warm, earthy tones with light wood furniture that creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The beds are comfortable with quality linens, and I appreciated the thoughtful touches like reading lamps and plenty of power outlets.
What struck me most was how immaculately clean everything was. The bathrooms are modern with hot water available 24/7—a blessing after a day of exploring. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and many rooms offer views of the courtyard or surrounding countryside.
In the common areas, I found a comfortable lounge where guests can relax, read, or plan their next day's adventures. There's also a dedicated children's activity room filled with toys and games, which I imagine would be a lifesaver for parents traveling with young kids.
I spent a couple of hours in the afternoon simply lounging in the common area, journaling and chatting with other guests. There's something about this place that encourages you to slow down and be present—no urgent emails, no deadlines, just the simple pleasure of being.
Self-Catering and Home Cooking
One of the unique features of this homestay is the fully-equipped kitchen available for guest use. Unlike hotels where you're limited to room service or nearby restaurants, here you can buy fresh local ingredients from village markets and cook your own meals.
The kitchen has everything you need: stove, refrigerator, basic cookware, utensils, and even condiments. I decided to test it out on my second evening, walking to a nearby market to buy fresh vegetables, eggs, and some local Yanqing specialties. Cooking a simple meal in that kitchen, with the autumn breeze coming through the window, felt incredibly satisfying—like I was truly living here, not just visiting.
For those who prefer not to cook, the owner can arrange simple local meals upon request, or you can explore dining options in Kangzhuang Town, just a short walk or bike ride away. The town has several restaurants serving authentic Beijing countryside cuisine—hearty, flavorful dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients.
Cooking at the Homestay
Kitchen Access: Free for all guests Ingredients: Buy from local markets (ask owner for directions) or bring your own Equipment: Full cooking facilities provided BBQ: Available on rooftop terrace—charcoal and grill provided Local Specialties: Try Yanqing tofu, wild vegetables, and farm-fresh eggs
Day 3: Exploring the Guishui River
On my final day, I ventured out to explore the nearby Guishui River (妫水河 – Guīshuǐ Hé), just a short distance from the homestay. This beautiful river is a popular spot for locals and offers a range of outdoor activities that made my last day truly memorable.
I started the morning with a peaceful walk along the riverbank, watching local fishermen cast their lines into the calm waters. The autumn scenery was spectacular—golden leaves reflected in the water, mist rising in the cool morning air, and the distant mountains creating a perfect backdrop. I couldn't help but snap dozens of photos, trying to capture the serene beauty of the moment.
The owner had told me that many families enjoy cycling along the riverside paths, and I could see why—the flat terrain and scenic views make it ideal for a leisurely bike ride. Some adventurous visitors even set up tents for camping or picnic on the riverbank, enjoying a perfect autumn day outdoors.
I spent a couple of hours simply sitting by the river, watching a local family teaching their children to fish. The father patiently showed his son how to cast the line, their laughter echoing across the water. It was moments like these that made me appreciate the slower pace of rural life—simple pleasures that we often forget in our busy urban existence.
Before heading back to the homestay, I treated myself to a riverside picnic with snacks I'd bought from a local shop. Sitting on a blanket, munching on fresh fruit and watching the clouds drift lazily overhead, I felt a sense of contentment that I hadn't experienced in a long time.
Nearby: Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition Park
While I chose to spend most of my time relaxing at the homestay, the location is conveniently close to one of Yanqing's major attractions: the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition Park (北京世园公园 – Běijīng Shìyuán Gōngyuán). Built for the 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition, this massive park features beautiful gardens from around the world, architectural marvels, and stunning landscapes.
The park is just a short taxi ride from the homestay (about 15-20 minutes) and makes for an excellent day trip. I briefly considered visiting but ultimately decided that my time was better spent enjoying the homestay's peaceful atmosphere. However, for travelers with more energy or longer stays, combining the homestay experience with a visit to the Expo Park would create a perfect balance of relaxation and sightseeing.
Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition Park
Distance: ~8km from homestay (15-20 min by taxi) Entry Fee: ¥40-80 depending on season (~$6-12 USD) Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (check official website for current hours) Highlights: International gardens, Chinese traditional gardens, botanical exhibitions Tip: Allow at least half a day to explore; wear comfortable walking shoes
Reflections and Farewell
As I packed my bags on the final morning, I felt a genuine reluctance to leave. Three days at Qiulai Jiuyue Homestay had given me something I didn't realize I needed: a digital detox, a reconnection with nature, and a glimpse into authentic Chinese rural hospitality.
The owner sent me off with a bag of fresh persimmons from their tree and an invitation to return anytime. Walking to the village entrance to catch my taxi, I took one last look at the mountains in the morning mist, already planning when I might return—perhaps in spring when the flowers bloom, or next autumn when the leaves turn golden again.
For international travelers visiting Beijing, I can't recommend this experience highly enough. While the city itself is magnificent with its Forbidden City and Great Wall, spending a few days in the countryside at a place like Qiulai Jiuyue offers a completely different side of China—one that's peaceful, authentic, and deeply restorative.
If you're tired of crowded tourist sites and generic hotels, if you want to experience the "real" China where locals live and welcome visitors with genuine warmth, then make the journey to Yanqing. Stay at Qiulai Jiuyue Homestay, wake up to birdsong, cook your own meals with fresh local ingredients, and spend your evenings stargazing from the rooftop terrace. It's not just accommodation—it's an experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting There
From Beijing City: Subway Line 8 to Zhuxinzhuang → Bus Y46 or taxi to Kangzhuang Town (~1.5-2 hours total) From Beijing Capital Airport: Airport Express to city center → Subway Line 8 → Bus/Taxi (~2.5-3 hours) Address: 秋来玖月民宿 (Qiulai Jiuyue Homestay), North Street, Dafengying Village, Kangzhuang Town, Yanqing District, Beijing Phone: Ask for contact when booking
Accommodation Details
Capacity: 7-8 families / ~22 people Room Types: Family rooms, double rooms, group options Amenities: Private bathrooms, hot water 24/7, WiFi, AC, heating Price: ~¥200 per person per night Facilities: Kitchen, children's playroom, rooftop terrace, courtyard
Best For
Solo travelers seeking peace and quiet Families wanting space for kids to play Groups (corporate retreats, reunions) Digital nomads needing a focused work environment Anyone wanting to escape Beijing's hustle for a few days
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes for village exploration Warm clothes if visiting in autumn/winter (nights get cold) Toiletries (basic amenities provided but bring favorites) Cash for local purchases (though mobile payment is widely accepted) Basic Chinese phrases or translation app (owner speaks limited English)
Language Tips
Hello: Nǐ hǎo (你好) Thank you: Xièxiè (谢谢) How much: Duōshao qián? (多少钱?) Homestay: Mínsù (民宿) Beautiful: Hěn měi (很美)
Booking Tips
Book in advance during peak seasons (spring and autumn) Contact owner to confirm kitchen access if you plan to cook Ask about group discounts for bookings of 10+ people Confirm check-in time (usually 2 PM) and check-out (usually 12 PM)