Hidden Gem in the Mountains: Hongrui Liu's Messuage

Located in Shimenying Village, Mentougou District, Beijing, Hongrui Liu's Messuage is a tranquil escape less than an hour’s drive from downtown. This restored courtyard house blends into the rolling hills of the Yongding River Valley, offering a peek into traditional Chinese rural life.

How to Get There

To reach Hongrui Liu's Messuage, take the subway to Apple Garden Station (Line 1) and transfer to the 891 bus toward Mentougou. Tell the driver to drop you at Shimenying Village—the house is a 10-minute walk from the stop, past stone bridges and cherry blossom trees. Driving? Use “Shimenying Village, Mentougou” for navigation; parking is available near the entrance.

Nature’s Backdrop

Nestled between low mountains and the winding Yongding River, Hongrui Liu's Messuage feels like a scene from a painting. In spring, wildflowers blanket the hills, while autumn paints the leaves gold. A nearby ancient pagoda tree provides shade for picnics, and a hidden mountain stream gurgles behind the house—perfect for photos or quiet reflection.

Step Back in Time

The messuage (traditional courtyard) dates back to the Qing Dynasty, with gray-tiled roofs, wooden carvings, and a central courtyard filled with bonsai plants. Guides share stories about the Liu family, who once grew herbal medicines here. Don’t miss the stone mill in the corner—it still works! Inside, exhibits show old farming tools and handwoven textiles.

Practical Tips

  • Opening hours: Daily 9 AM–5 PM.
  • Entrance fee: About ¥30 (~$4 USD).
  • Facilities: Clean restrooms, a small teahouse serving jasmine tea, and a gift shop with handmade paper-cutting art.
  • Food: Try village-cooked dumplings at the nearby farmhouse restaurant—ask for the spicy garlic sauce!

Why You’ll Love It

At Hongrui Liu's Messuage, there’s no crowd. Wander freely, chat with locals tending vegetable fields, or sit on the stone steps to watch sunset light dance on the river. It’s Beijing’s best-kept secret—a place where history, nature, and simplicity meet. Bring your camera—every corner of this messuage is worth capturing!