Zhuojiaying Village sits in Yanqing District, northwestern Beijing, nestled against the Kuma Mountains. It’s a 90-minute drive from downtown Beijing (perfect for a weekend escape!), and you can reach it by taking Subway Line 13 to Kaizhuazi Station, then hopping on a local bus or taxi. If you’re up for adventure, biking here via the Great Wall Trail is epic—just prepare for some hilly roads!

Nature’s Playground

Surrounded by lush hills and fruit orchards, Zhuojiaying Village feels like a secret slice of countryside. In spring, cherry blossoms and apricot flowers turn the village into a pink-and-white wonderland. Summer brings cool mountain breezes, while autumn paints the landscape with fiery red leaves. A small river runs through the village, where you’ll spot ducks paddling and kids skipping stones. For hikers, trails lead up to nearby mountains, offering views that rival the Dolomites—without the crowds!

Culture & Traditions

Zhuojiaying Village isn’t just about nature—it’s packed with heritage too. Many homes here are traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan) made of stone and wood. You’ll see locals weaving baskets, grinding corn, or drying chili peppers in their sun-drenched doorways. During festivals, the village buzzes with dragon dances and dumpling-making contests. Don’t miss the Home-Stay Experience: families rent out their courtyards, where you can cook local dishes over a wood-fired stove.

Practical Perks

The village has gotten the hang of tourism without losing its charm. Clean restrooms, Wi-Fi hotspots, and English-friendly signage make life easy. Bike rentals are cheap, and there’s even a tiny café serving coffee and honey cake. For meals, try the farmhouse restaurants—they serve things like handmade noodles with mountain mushrooms and roasted sweet potatoes. If you forget your charger, the local shop sells snacks and basic supplies.

Adventures Await

A day in Zhuojiaying Village means mixing relaxation with activity. Start with a stroll through the Stone Path Gallery, where artists display paintings of rural life. Then, join a herb-picking workshop to learn about traditional medicine. Fitness buffs will love the village obstacle course, which includes climbing a rope ladder to a treehouse. At night, stargazing here is insane—the lack of city lights makes the Milky Way visible.

Why You’ll Love It

Zhuojiaying Village is the real deal: no tourist traps, just genuine hospitality. Whether you’re cycling past cornfields, chatting with grandmas who knit socks, or sipping tea under a persimmon tree, it’s a chance to slow down. And with Beijing’s hustle just an hour away, it’s the perfect escape. Trust me—you’ll leave with a bag of wild herbs and a smile as wide as the village sky.