I spent three magical days at Xingzou de Guxiang (Walking Home), a boutique mountain homestay tucked away in Jixian County, Tianjin. Nestled between two mountains near the Jixian Karst Caves, this place transformed from a serene mountain retreat during the day to a stargazer's paradise at night. Waking up to fresh mountain air, wandering through designer-decorated spaces, and enjoying locally-sourced meals while gazing at endless mountain views—I found a perfect escape from city life that most international travelers don't even know exists.
Trip Overview
When: February 2022
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~200 RMB (~$28 USD) per person
Transportation: Located near Jizhou International Ski Resort and Yulong Ski Resort (天津市蓟州区)
Day 1: Arriving at This Hidden Mountain Gem
As our car wound through the mountain road, I immediately understood why this place was called "Walking Home." The familiar curves of the mountain highway felt like returning somewhere I'd been before, even though it was my first visit. Xingzou de Guxiang (行走的故乡, literally "Walking Home") sits at the edge of a village, flanked by mountains on both sides—a location that creates a high-oxygen zone filled with negative ions.
The first thing that struck me was how this boutique homestay perfectly balanced wild nature with refined luxury. By day, it was a quiet mountain sanctuary; by night, the clear skies transformed it into a stargazer's paradise. The morning sun would creep through my windows, offering what felt like a warm embrace from nature itself.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by potted plants and greenery that brought life to every corner. The owner had clearly poured their passion for living into every detail. It felt elegant yet cozy—a peaceful retreat hidden away from the bustle, where I could truly relax and enjoy every moment.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Near Jizhou International Ski Resort and Jixian Karst Caves, Jixian County, Tianjin (天津蓟县) Address: 座落村边，两边大山 (Located at village edge between two mountains) Best Time to Visit: Winter for skiing nearby, or summer for stargazing Pro Tip: Ask for a room with mountain views for the best experience
The design struck me immediately—from the exterior to the room interiors, everything was thoughtfully crafted with a modern, artistic sensibility. It was like walking through a visual feast, a place where I could completely unwind and savor the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 2: Exploring the Unique Rooms and Spaces
The boutique homestay offered themed rooms with different architectural styles—some with peaked roofs, others with flat ceilings, connected by a gallery-style artistic staircase. As the designer described it: "You can raise a glass to the morning sun, a glass to the moonlight, a glass to your hometown, and a glass to the distant horizon."
Entering my room, I was impressed by the comfortable beds and surprisingly spacious layout—far beyond what I'd expected from a typical homestay. Each room had its own unique design touches, combined with warm, reassuring decor that made me want to extend my stay. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this place accommodated everyone. Here, there was no noise or rush—just the pure joy of living.
I loved the simple, comfortable rhythm of the place. The homestay featured white as its dominant color—clean and elegant. With underfloor heating throughout, I could walk barefoot on the warm floors even in winter, quietly enjoying my own peaceful moments.
Natural light flooded the rooms, and standing by the windows, I could soak in nature's gifts. Just imagining it filled me with happiness.
Every detail showed thoughtfulness—from the overall room design to the smallest touches. It felt like home. The host was incredibly attentive. Though located deep in the countryside, the exquisite and unique decoration delighted me the moment I entered. The distinctive room layouts and memorable design details stayed with me long after.
Day 3: Common Areas, Local Food, and Final Moments
The homestay's common areas were perfect for gathering—drinking tea, chatting, holding small meetings. It nourished both my spirit and my senses, offering a true slow-living experience. I could admire the beautiful scenery outside, pick up a favorite book, play some music I loved, and freely indulge in long-lost moments of leisure. Stripped of all flashy decorations, this place revealed genuine high-quality living.
The homestay provided meals à la carte—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant adjusted its menu according to the seasons, using fresh ingredients purchased daily. There were plenty of seasonal vegetables, and while the cuisine focused on home-style dishes, each plate carried its own refinement and attention to detail.
🍽️ Dining Info
Meals: À la carte ordering (not included in room rate) Cuisine Style: Northern Chinese home cooking with seasonal ingredients Specialty: Fresh local produce from nearby farms Price Range: Very reasonable—budget around 50-80 RMB (~$7-11 USD) per meal
The public spaces were generous too. The oversized terrace was perfect for open-air BBQs, with ingredients sourced from local fields and gardens. The fruits and vegetables were wonderfully sweet and fresh. Having grown accustomed to urban traffic and neon lights, I found myself sitting on the terrace, watching clouds drift by, breathing in the fresh mountain air—exactly what my soul needed.
As the Chinese poem goes: "暧暧远人村，依依墟里烟" (Dimly, the distant village; softly, the smoke from the chimneys). Watching the sunset, passing slow hours—away from the hustle and distractions of everyday life. Gathering here for games and parties with friends carried its own special charm.
Leaving this place, I carried more than just photos. I left with a renewed appreciation for slow living, the beauty of thoughtful design, and the magic of finding a hidden sanctuary where time seemed to slow down. If you're looking for an authentic Chinese countryside experience that combines comfort with natural beauty, Xingzou de Guxiang delivers in ways that surprised even this seasoned traveler.
Quick Reference Guide
How to Get There
By Car: Drive from Tianjin city center (~2 hours) or Beijing (~2.5 hours) By Train: Take the train to Jixian Railway Station (蓟州站), then taxi (~30 minutes) Address: Near Jizhou International Ski Resort, Jixian County, Tianjin
Nearby Attractions
Jixian Karst Caves (蓟州溶洞): Impressive limestone caves with stalactites Jizhou International Ski Resort (蓟州国际滑雪场): Winter skiing and snow activities Yulong Ski Resort (玉龙滑雪场): Another nearby ski option
What to Pack
Warm clothing (mountains get cold, especially at night) Comfortable walking shoes Camera for stargazing (tripod recommended) Books or entertainment for cozy evenings
Best Time to Visit
Winter (Dec-Feb): Ski season, cozy indoor vibes, clear starry nights Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool mountain escape from city heat, lush greenery Spring/Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds