Location & Transportation

Jiuyuan Folk Tourism Village sits at the foot of Jiulong Mountain in western Mentougou District, Beijing, nestled along the serene Yongding River. The village is actually a cluster of four small settlements—Qiao’er Creek, Youjiuyuan, East Slope, and West Slope—all connected by winding mountain roads. Its name? A nod to its history as a “leek-growing hub” (the vegetable “jiu” gives the village its name!).

To get here, it’s a breeze: hop on the 109 National Highway (also called Xia’an Road) and drive about 45 kilometers west from downtown Beijing. The village lies just 30-something kilometers from the city, making it a perfect day trip or weekend escape. If you’re driving, punch in “East Leek Road, Mentougou” into your GPS, and you’ll find yourself in this hidden gem.

Natural Scenery: A Breath of Fresh Air

Think “mountain paradise”. Jiuyuan is tucked in a shallow mountain area, so expect rolling green hills, crisp air, and riverside trails. The locals call it a “natural oxygen bar”—talk about clean lungs! Wander through stone bridges over bubbling streams, hike trails flanked by wildflowers, or just soak in the quiet. In spring, peach blossom valleys turn the hills into pink wonderlands, while autumn paints the mountains with fiery red leaves.

Fun fact: The village hugs the Yongding River, Beijing’s historic “mother river,” adding a calming water vibe to the mountain scenery.

Cultural Treasures & History

Jiuyuan isn’t just pretty—it’s steeped in old-school charm. For starters, it’s smack on the “Western Capital Ancient Road”, a centuries-old trade route. Imagine騾-bells echoing through the mountains!

Must-see spots include:

  • Ma Zhiyuan’s Old House: The home of a famous poet from the Yuan Dynasty. It’s tiny but packed with stories.
  • Guigu Academy: An ancient school rumored to be linked to the legendary strategist Ghost Valley Zi (sounds mystical, right?).
  • Watchtowers & Fortifications: Relics from earlier times, now covered in moss but still standing strong.
  • Zhai Culture Museum: A peek into China’s 1960s-70s collective farming era.

Wander the cobblestone paths, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Modern Comforts in a Traditional Village

Don’t worry—Jiuyuan isn’t stuck in the past. The village has upgraded its tourism game. They’ve restored old buildings while adding visitor-friendly touches: clean restrooms, signposts, and cozy homestays run by locals.

Stay options range from family-run B&Bs (think home-cooked meals and comfy beds) to newer rural community lodges. Fancy a fruit-picking trip? The village also promotes local orchards—grab fresh apples or peaches straight from the source.

What to Do Here?

Jiuyuan is all about slow travel. Try these:

  • Hiking: Tackle trails that blend forests, rivers, and ancient roads.
  • Photo Walks: The stone bridges, terraced fields, and old houses are Instagram gold.
  • Culture Hunting: Visit the poet’s house, walk the ancient road, or explore the watchtowers.
  • Seasonal Fun: Pick fruit in summer, admire fall foliage, or see spring blossoms.
  • Foodie Moments: Eat homestyle farm dishes (think dumplings, roasted lamb, and mountain veggies) at village restaurants.

Future Vibes: Even Better!

The village isn’t resting on its laurels. They’re working on renovating old areas and building new eco-friendly communities. The goal? To become a “traditional-meets-modern retreat” without losing its rustic soul.

In short, Jiuyuan Folk Tourism Village is the real deal: half an hour from Beijing, full of nature, history, and warm-hearted locals. Whether you’re a hiker, a culture buff, or just someone who needs a break from the city, this place has your back.

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