Close to Beijing & Top Attractions
Trust me, nothing kills a trip faster than long, tiring drives. Jixian’s homestays solve that: a smooth 90-minute drive from Beijing (no endless subway transfers!) gets you to the mountains. Most homestays offer free parking, and some even have EV charging piles—super convenient for self-drivers.
Better yet, they’re steps away from Jixian’s best spots: Huangyaguan Great Wall (less crowded than Badaling!), Panshan Mountain, and Limutai Scenic Area. The homestay owners can book discounted tickets for you and arrange free shuttle service—no struggling with ticket booths or maps.
Wake Up to Mountain Views
I opened my bedroom window at 7 a.m. and gasped—mist was curling around the green peaks, and the air smelled like pine and wild flowers. This is the peace you won’t get in Beijing!
Every season here is magical: spring brings pink peach blossoms, summer lets you swim in infinity pools with mountain backdrops, autumn paints the forests red and gold, and winter offers hot spring soaks to chase away the chill. The homestays have big lawns and terraces too—we had a BBQ under the stars one night, and the sky was so clear we could see the Milky Way (no city light pollution!).
Cozy Rooms with Chinese Charm
Forget “basic farm stays”—Jixian’s homestays mix comfort with traditional style. My room had a soft hotel-quality bed, Dyson hair dryer, smart toilet, and fast WiFi (I could video-call my family with zero lag). The building itself was a beautiful courtyard with gray bricks, curved eaves, and wooden furniture—like staying in a mini Chinese garden. Every corner is Instagram-worthy!
They’re also pet-friendly (my friend brought her dog, who ran wild on the lawn) and great for families—many have kids’ slides, board games, and even KTV or billiards for group trips.
Farm-Fresh Meals That Made Me Crave More
The best part? No need to hunt for restaurants. The homestay’s kitchen served up dishes I’d never tried in Beijing: crispy roasted whole lamb, stewed fish from the local reservoir, and “sesame eggs” (a Jixian specialty—salty, creamy, and addictive). All ingredients are from nearby farms—even the vegetables tasted sweeter!
The owners happily adjusted meals for my vegetarian friend, and the afternoon tea had homemade hawthorn candies (tanghulu) that melted in my mouth. So much better than tourist trap food!
Jixian isn’t just a stopover—it’s the escape you need from big-city chaos. Whether you’re hiking the Great Wall, soaking in hot springs, or just eating your weight in farm food, these homestays make it easy and memorable. Ready to plan your trip? Drop me a comment, and I’ll share my favorite homestay’s contact!