I spent three magical days at a hidden farmhouse retreat in Xijingyu Village (西井峪村), a remarkable "stone village" just two hours from Beijing. When I first stepped through the wooden gates of Yixian Yinju Farmhouse, I felt like I'd discovered a secret world—rustic stone cottages nestled among lush green mountains, where time seems to slow down and modern worries fade away. This wasn't just accommodation; it was an immersion into authentic rural Chinese life, complete with home-cooked mountain cuisine, traditional stone architecture, and the kind of tranquility that's increasingly hard to find. Whether you're looking to escape city chaos with family, entertain kids with outdoor activities, or simply enjoy home-style meals around a courtyard table, this off-the-beaten-path gem delivers an experience that rivals those famous European mountain villages—at a fraction of the cost.
Trip Overview
When: August (Summer)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: With parents/family
Budget: ~200 RMB (~$28 USD) per person
Location: Xijingyu Village (西井峪村), Yuyang Town, Jixian District, Tianjin
Transportation: Drive from Beijing (~2 hours) or take bus to Jixian
Day 1: Arrival at the Stone Village
When I first heard about Xijingyu Village (西井峪村), I couldn't quite imagine what a "stone village" would look like. But as our car wound through the green mountains of Jixian District, and I caught my first glimpse of houses built entirely from local stone, I knew this would be special.
Yixian Yinju Farmhouse (逸闲隐居农家院) sits in the heart of this traditional village, where every house, wall, and pathway has been crafted from stone by generations of local families. Walking through the entrance, I was immediately struck by how the rustic wooden cottages blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings—moss-covered stone steps, lush green plants climbing the walls, and that distinctive earthy scent of countryside air.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Xijingyu Village, Yuyang Town, Jixian District, Tianjin 天津市蓟县渔阳镇西井峪村 Drive from Beijing: ~2 hours via Jingping Highway Best Time: Summer for green mountains, Autumn for cool weather Village Entry: Free to explore
The moment I stepped into the courtyard, I understood why they call this place "Yinju" (Hidden Retreat). Children were running and playing on the grass, their laughter echoing off the stone walls. My parents sat at a wooden table under the shade, already looking more relaxed than I'd seen them in months. There's something about this place—the clean mountain air, the slower pace, the simple beauty—that makes you want to stay forever.
In the afternoon, I explored the village's narrow stone alleys, watching elderly locals sitting in doorways and greeting neighbors. The architecture here has remained largely unchanged for centuries—a living museum of traditional northern Chinese rural life. Every turn revealed another photogenic scene: stone archways, ancient courtyard homes, and glimpses of the mountains beyond.
Day 2: Activities and Entertainment
The next morning, I woke up to birdsong and the gentle mountain breeze. No traffic noise, no alarms—just nature's soundtrack. After a hearty farmhouse breakfast, I discovered the property has plenty to keep families entertained.
The courtyard features ping pong tables, badminton equipment, and traditional Chinese chess (象棋 xiangqi) sets. For families with children, there's even a small slide and play area where kids can burn off energy while parents relax nearby with tea.
🎯 Activities Available
Sports: Ping pong, badminton, basketball Games: Mahjong tables, Chinese chess, cards Evening: Karaoke (KTV), billiards Outdoor: Village walking trails, mountain hiking For Kids: Slides, open space to run and play
I spent the afternoon challenging my dad to ping pong matches while my mom chatted with other guests in the courtyard. As the sun began to set, we gathered with new friends we'd met—other families escaping the city—for an impromptu karaoke session. There's something magical about singing under the stars in the mountains, far from the neon lights of Beijing or Tianjin.
Culinary Discoveries: Farmhouse Dining
One of the absolute highlights of staying at Yixian Yinju is the food. The farmhouse can accommodate up to 100 diners, serving authentic Jixian countryside cuisine that you simply can't find in restaurants.
Every meal felt like a feast. We enjoyed tiebingzi (贴饼子)—crispy corn cakes fresh from the pan, served with hearty stews. The farm-raised chicken braised with mountain mushrooms (柴鸡炖山蘑 chai ji dun shan mo) was unbelievably flavorful, the meat tender from free-range life. Fresh river fish and shrimp caught locally, seasonal vegetables from village gardens—everything tasted like it had been grown with care and cooked with generations of expertise.
🍽️ What to Eat
Tiebingzi (贴饼子): Crispy cornmeal cakes, a Jixian specialty Chai Ji Dun Shan Mo (柴鸡炖山蘑): Free-range chicken with wild mushrooms He Yu He Xia (河鱼河虾): Fresh river fish and shrimp Yumi Bobo (玉米勃勃): Steamed corn cakes Seasonal Vegetables: Grown in village plots, incredibly fresh
Eating outdoors in the courtyard, surrounded by mountain views and good company, I realized this is what travel should feel like—not rushing between tourist sites, but slowing down to appreciate simple pleasures: good food, beautiful scenery, and time with loved ones.
Day 3: Accommodation and Departure
The farmhouse offers 20 guest rooms accommodating up to 50 people, with various room types including doubles, twins, and family rooms. While not luxury accommodation, the rooms are clean, spacious, and surprisingly comfortable.
My room featured large windows overlooking the mountains—a view worth more than any five-star hotel amenity. I woke each morning to natural light and mountain scenery, sipping tea at the wooden table while planning our day's adventures. All rooms come equipped with air conditioning, TV, private bathrooms, and fresh linens. Basic toiletries are provided, though I'd recommend bringing your own preferred products.
🎯 Room Details
Total Rooms: 20 rooms, accommodates 50 guests Room Types: Double, twin, and family rooms available Amenities: A/C, TV, private bathroom, towels, basic toiletries Highlight: Large windows with mountain views Atmosphere: Clean, simple, rustic charm
On our final evening, we gathered with other guests around a table in the courtyard, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying one last farmhouse dinner. The automatic mahjong table saw plenty of action, and a few guests tried their hand at billiards in the game room. It's the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared meals and games.
As we packed our bags on the final morning, my parents commented that this was the most relaxed they'd felt in years. And that's exactly what Xijingyu offers—a chance to escape the chaos of modern life and reconnect with what really matters: nature, good food, and time with people you love.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting There
From Beijing: Drive east on Jingping Highway (~2 hours). Take Jixian exit and follow signs to Yuyang Town, then Xijingyu Village.
By Bus: Take bus from Beijing Sihui Bus Station to Jixian (蓟县), then taxi to Xijingyu Village (~20 minutes).
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August): Lush green mountains, cool escape from city heat
Autumn (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, harvest season for local produce
Avoid: National holidays when Chinese tourists flock to the area
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes for stone paths Light jacket (mountains are cooler than cities) Personal toiletries Cash (some village vendors don't accept mobile payments) Camera—this place is incredibly photogenic
Language Tips
The hosts speak Mandarin Chinese. Useful phrases:
"Ni hao" (你好) = Hello "Xiexie" (谢谢) = Thank you "Zai jian" (再见) = Goodbye "Duoshao qian?" (多少钱?) = How much?
💡 Pro Tips
Book in advance for weekends and holidays—the farmhouse fills up quickly Bring cash for village purchases and tips Respect the village—this is a living community, not just a tourist spot Try everything—the farmhouse meals are the highlight; don't miss the mountain chicken stew Wake up early—morning mountain views are spectacular and you'll avoid day-trippers