I spent three magical days at Wuli Shanshe Homestay, a secluded retreat nestled in the mountains of Yanqing, Beijing's countryside. Surrounded by emerald peaks and the gentle sounds of nature, I discovered what it means to truly disconnect. Mornings began with birdsong and mountain mist, afternoons unfolded on sun-drenched terraces with good friends, and evenings brought guitar music and barbecues under starlit skies. This charming rural sanctuary, hidden among ancient trees and a 1000-year-old dragon king temple, offered me the peaceful escape I didn't know I needed—just two hours from the chaos of Beijing.
Trip Overview
When: July (Summer)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~300 RMB (~$42 USD) per person
Transportation: Private car / Taxi from Beijing city
Day 1: Arrival at the Mountain Hideaway
When our car wound its way up the mountain roads toward Zhenzhuquan (珍珠泉)—literally 'Pearl Spring' township—I felt the city stress melting away with each turn. The air grew crisper, the buildings scarcer, and suddenly there it was: Wuli Shanshe (坞里山舍), a wooden gate opening into what felt like a secret world.
Our host greeted us at the door with genuine warmth, not the rehearsed hospitality of hotels. I immediately understood why they call this place a 'mountain dwelling'—it's not just accommodation, it's an invitation to live differently for a few days.
The first thing that captured my heart was the expansive terrace. I spent the entire afternoon there, perched above the valley with friends, watching the mountains shift colors as clouds drifted by. We sipped tea, shared stories, and felt time slow down. This, I realized, is what Chinese poets meant by 'poetry and distant places' (诗和远方)—it's not about traveling far, but about being truly present.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Yanqing District, Zhenzhuquan Township, Shuangjincao Village (延庆区珍珠泉乡双金草村南湾) Distance from Beijing: ~2 hours drive from city center Best Time to Visit: Summer (July-August) for lush greenery; Autumn (September-October) for golden foliage
Day 2: Living the Simple Life
I woke up naturally the next morning—no alarms, just birdsong and the soft mountain light filtering through my window. The homestay has 8 rooms total: three in the front courtyard and five in the back, accommodating about 20 guests. Each room follows a minimalist aesthetic—natural wood tones and creamy whites—that feels both modern and connected to the earth.
The floor-to-ceiling windows are the rooms' best feature. Drawing back the curtains felt like unveiling a painting—layer upon layer of green mountains stretching into the distance. I spent half an hour just sitting there, coffee in hand, watching the morning mist dance between the peaks.
Stepping out into the courtyard, I found myself instinctively walking slower, breathing deeper. There's a small garden where you can sit and watch the sky, surrounded by plants and the occasional butterfly. I realized I was experiencing what Chinese people call 'xiaoyin' (小隐)—the small hermit life, finding peace in simple moments away from the world.
The homestay thoughtfully provides multiple shared spaces: a bar-restaurant, activity room, mahjong room, and even a tea house library. We spent the afternoon in the tea room, losing ourselves in books and conversation while rain briefly pattered against the windows. It's the perfect setup for small group retreats, birthday celebrations, or family reunions.
Evening: Mountain Bar Under the Stars
As night fell, the homestay transformed. What had been a peaceful courtyard during the day became a lively mountain bar. Someone brought out a guitar, and suddenly we were singing under the stars, surrounded by the silhouettes of mountains.
The barbecue setup is perfect for DIY grilling—steaks sizzling over charcoal, cold beer, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you're far from civilization. There's a freedom here that's hard to find in the city. No deadlines, no schedules, just good food and better company.
We even set up an outdoor movie screening—projecting onto a white sheet while sipping wine and watching classic films. It felt impossibly romantic and completely unpretentious at the same time.
Day 3: Exploring the Surroundings
On my final morning, I woke up to birdsong and the scent of mountain flowers drifting through the window. After a leisurely breakfast, we decided to explore the area around the homestay.
The homestay sits next to a city-level protected cultural site—a small but charming Dragon King Temple (龙王庙) dating back centuries. Beside it stands an ancient tree that locals say is over 1000 years old. I found myself sitting under its massive branches, contemplating how many travelers had rested in this same spot over the millennium.
There's also an outdoor picnic area perfect for summer afternoons. You can enjoy meals with water views, feeling the cool mountain breeze while surrounded by wildflowers. During hot summer days, this becomes an idyllic spot for outdoor dining and relaxation.
We spent the day fishing in nearby streams, hiking along mountain trails, and simply being present in nature. The homestay's location makes it easy to explore the countryside, with opportunities for barbecue, fishing, and swimming—all within walking distance.
Final Thoughts
As I packed my bags to leave, I felt a genuine reluctance to return to city life. Wuli Shanshe isn't just a place to sleep—it's a place to remember what matters. The simple pleasures: good friends, beautiful surroundings, home-cooked meals, starry nights, and mornings without alarms.
This homestay delivers on the promise of 'poetry and distant places' without requiring you to travel to the ends of the earth. It's only two hours from Beijing, yet it feels like a completely different world. The landscape unfolds before you like an oil painting, changing with every hour of daylight.
If you're looking to escape Beijing for a weekend, reconnect with friends, and remember how to breathe deeply again—this is your place. Bring a book, bring good company, and leave your stress at the wooden gate.
💡 Pro Tips
Book ahead: Only 8 rooms available, fills up quickly on weekends What to bring: Hiking shoes, insect repellent, and a good book Don't miss: The sunset from the terrace and stargazing at night Nearby activities: Fishing, hiking, visiting the ancient temple Perfect for: Small groups (up to 20 people), family gatherings, creative retreats