I spent six rejuvenating days at a boutique hot spring homestay tucked away in the mountains of Jixian County (蓟县, Jìxiàn), Tianjin, a place I never knew existed until I stumbled upon it. Nestled against the hills in Yinggezhai Village, this hidden gem offered me something I didn't even know I was searching for—natural hot springs with crystal-clear water, a private courtyard where I could sip tea while watching the mist roll over the mountains, and cozy rooms that felt more like a friend's mountain retreat than a commercial accommodation. If you're craving an authentic Chinese countryside experience with luxurious touches, this journey will surprise you in all the best ways.
Trip Overview
When: November 2021 (Autumn/Winter)
Duration: 6 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~300 RMB (~$45 USD) per person
Location: Yinggezhai Village, Chuanfangyu Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin 天津市蓟州区穿芳峪镇英歌寨村
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When I first arrived at the "Meet the Mountain" Boutique Hot Spring Homestay (遇见与山温泉精品民宿, Yùjiàn Yǔ Shān), I couldn't believe this place was only a few hours from Beijing. The courtyard opened up to reveal a stunning view of mountains that seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon. I remember standing there, breathing in the crisp November air, and thinking—this is exactly what I needed.
The owner greeted us with warm smiles and hot tea. As I sipped the local brew, watching golden leaves drift down from the trees, I felt the city stress already melting away. The homestay sits in Yinggezhai Village (英歌寨村, Yīnggēzhài Cūn), part of Chuanfangyu Town in Jizhou District—a name that most international travelers have never heard of, which made it feel like my own secret discovery.
The Hot Springs Experience
The main attraction here is undoubtedly the hot springs. I had tried hot springs before, but never like this. The water is crystal clear and naturally heated—perfect for those cold November evenings when the temperature starts to drop.
🎯 Practical Info
Hot Spring Access: Included with accommodation Best Time: Late afternoon or evening for sunset views What to Bring: Swimsuit (though some pools are private) Temperature: Perfectly heated year-round
I spent my first evening soaking in the warm water while watching the stars appear one by one above the mountains. The owner told me that the mineral content in the water is excellent for relaxation and skin health. Whether that's scientifically proven or not, I can tell you that I slept like a baby that night.
Exploring the Grounds
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and soft mountain light filtering through the curtains. The homestay has thought of everything—from barbecue areas and entertainment spaces to a children's activity zone and meeting rooms.
The second floor features a spacious terrace where I spent hours just watching the clouds drift over the mountains. On clear mornings, you can see for miles. The outdoor pool area is perfect for summer visits, though in November it was too cold for a swim.
One afternoon, my friends and I decided to try the barbecue facilities. The staff provided grills and charcoal, and we cooked up a feast while sharing stories and laughter. There's something magical about cooking outdoors with such a stunning backdrop.
The Rooms: A Home Away From Home
The homestay has five rooms in total—one king-size room, three tatami-style rooms, and one standard twin room. It can accommodate 10-12 people comfortably, making it perfect for a group getaway.
I was impressed by how thoughtfully designed each room is. The color palette features natural whites and various shades of gray—calming and sophisticated. Every detail, from the custom mattresses to the curtains and even the cushions, shows how much care the owners put into creating a welcoming space.
🎯 Room Amenities
Heating: Floor heating system (perfect for winter!) Bathrooms: Modern with large bathtubs Beds: Custom mattresses for quality sleep Style: Minimalist Chinese contemporary
My room had underfloor heating, which was a lifesaver in the November chill. After a day of exploring, I'd fill the bathtub and soak while watching the mountains turn purple in the evening light. It was the definition of hygge—that Danish concept of cozy contentment.
Entertainment and Activities
One rainy afternoon, we discovered the entertainment facilities. The homestay has a living room with a small meeting area, a chess and cards room, and various games including Chinese chess (象棋, Xiàngqí), checkers, Go (围棋, Wéiqí), and mahjong.
I learned how to play Chinese chess from one of the local staff members, though I'm pretty sure they were letting me win. We spent hours in the common areas, chatting, playing games, and enjoying the slow pace of mountain life.
Culinary Delights
The homestay has a fully equipped kitchen where guests can cook their own meals. This turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay. We'd wake up and prepare a hearty breakfast together, then enjoy it while watching the morning mist clear from the mountains.
One evening, we hosted a "hot pot" (火锅, Huǒguō) dinner—a Chinese communal dining experience where you cook various ingredients in a bubbling pot of flavored broth at the table. The staff helped us source fresh local ingredients from nearby markets.
🍽️ Dining Options
Self-Catering: Full kitchen access for guests BBQ: Grills and charcoal available (small fee) Local Restaurants: Within 10-15 minute drive Grocery Shopping: Local markets nearby for fresh ingredients
We also arranged for an elegant afternoon tea one day, setting up a small table on the terrace with traditional Chinese tea and snacks. It was these quiet moments—good food, great friends, stunning scenery—that made the trip so memorable.
The Surrounding Nature
Stepping outside the homestay, you're immediately immersed in nature. The air is crisp and clean—filled with negative oxygen ions according to a local guide. I took a morning walk along the mountain paths and felt genuinely refreshed.
The area around Yinggezhai Village is dotted with hiking trails that range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. On our third day, we hiked up a nearby hill and were rewarded with panoramic views of the valley below. We could see our homestay nestled among the trees like a little secret.
🎯 Nearby Activities
Hiking: Multiple trails of varying difficulty Photography: Spectacular sunrise/sunset viewpoints Bird Watching: Rich local bird species Seasonal: Beautiful fall foliage in November
Reflections and Recommendations
As my six days came to an end, I found myself not wanting to leave. There's something about this place that gets under your skin—in the best way possible. Maybe it's the natural hot springs that soothe tired muscles. Maybe it's the way the morning light hits the mountains. Or maybe it's simply the feeling of being somewhere that hasn't been overrun by tourism yet.
What I loved most was the balance—rustic enough to feel authentic, yet comfortable enough to feel like a proper vacation. The owners have created something special here, and you can feel their passion in every detail.
Practical Information
How to Get There
From Beijing: Drive approximately 2-2.5 hours northeast From Tianjin: Drive approximately 1.5 hours north Public Transport: Take train to Jizhou Station, then taxi (30 mins) Address: Yinggezhai Village, Chuanfangyu Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin 天津市蓟州区穿芳峪镇英歌寨村
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming flowers Autumn (September-November): Clear skies, fall colors Winter (December-February): Snow-capped mountains, cozy hot springs
What to Pack
Warm layers (mountains are cooler than the city) Swimsuit for hot springs Comfortable walking shoes Camera for those Instagram-worthy shots
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: ~200-300 RMB per person per night (varies by season) Food: ~100-150 RMB per day (if self-catering) Transportation: ~200 RMB round trip from Beijing Activities: Mostly free (hiking, hot springs included)
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for an authentic Chinese countryside experience with a touch of luxury, this boutique hot spring homestay in Jixian County delivers. It's not fancy in a five-star hotel kind of way—it's something better. It's real. It's peaceful. It's restorative.
I arrived stressed and tired. I left relaxed, inspired, and already planning my return. Sometimes the best travel experiences aren't about ticking off famous landmarks—they're about discovering hidden gems like this one, where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and remember what really matters.
Whether you're a solo traveler seeking solitude, a couple looking for romance, or a group of friends wanting to escape the city, this mountain retreat has something special waiting for you. Just be warned—you might not want to leave.
📌 Quick Reference
Property Name: 遇见与山温泉精品民宿 (Meet the Mountain Boutique Hot Spring Homestay)
Location: Yinggezhai Village, Chuanfangyu Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin
Capacity: 5 rooms, accommodates 10-12 guests
Highlights: Natural hot springs, mountain views, floor heating, full kitchen
Price: ~300 RMB (~$45 USD) per person for 6 days (group rate)