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Tucked away in Huairou's mountains, LiYuan Library is a bookworm's wonderland! This fairytale cabin built with woven sticks and glass walls transforms sunlight into dancing patterns on book pages, while the babbling stream provides nature's ASMR. Snag a tatami spot with a novel – you'll feel like you've stepped into a Studio Ghibli scene. Pro tip: Arrive early for those coveted wooden admission tokens (yes, they're literally numbered sticks)!
Nestled by Yanqi Lake, this rustic courtyard retreat blends wabi-sabi aesthetics with nature. Pet-friendly policies welcome furry friends, while BBQ pits and tea pavilions elevate your getaway. As featured in Three Meals a Day, couples stargaze on stone steps, families picnic on lawns, and teams bond in baking workshops. With 24/7 concierge and airport transfers, logistics fade away—just like urban stress in the underfloor heating’s embrace. Book seasonal activities early, and let this sunlit sanctuary of stone walls rewrite your definition of escape.
Nestled at the foot of the Mutianyu Great Wall, this bohemian retreat blends nature with artistic charm. Five uniquely styled buildings range from modern Chinese to industrial loft, each room a masterpiece. Families will love the kids' suites, complete with a dedicated splash pool and playground featuring slides and trampolines. Adults can unwind in the 18m swimming pool or host garden BBQs. Pet-friendly policies make it ideal for furry companions too. Just 2km from the Great Wall, it's a perfect base for history and nature lovers alike.
Everything you need to know about Liyuan Library
Stay at Beijing Yunju Mountain House, a serene design boutique hotel just 15 minutes by car from Liyuan Library. Featuring natural wood architecture and minimalist interiors, each room offers a private reading nook with panoramic views of rolling hills and bamboo groves—perfect for book lovers seeking tranquility. The property provides complimentary shuttles to Liyuan Library, ensuring seamless access. Nearby, guests can explore organic farms and artisan workshops offering hands-on experiences in pottery and traditional paper-making, immersing themselves in rural Chinese culture.
Conveniently located, take Beijing Metro Line 14 to Dongguantou Station, then transfer to a dedicated shuttle bus—total travel time is about one hour from central Beijing.
The most convenient option is taking a direct shuttle bus from Beijing West Railway Station or Capital Airport, which reaches Liyuan Library in about 70 minutes without transfers. For self-drivers, take the Jingkun Expressway (G5) to the Liqihe Exit, then follow signs to the library—approximately 80 minutes from downtown. Free parking is available on-site, and roads are well-maintained.
To avoid weekend crowds, arrive before 9:00 AM. Several tour agencies also offer bundled packages including guided tours and tea tastings, ideal for first-time visitors. Nearby, scenic hiking trails and bike paths wind through ancient villages and rice fields, perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape from urban life.
Near Liyuan Library, visitors can join traditional handmade paper-making workshops led by local artisans using mulberry bark, offering insight into centuries-old craft techniques. Daily morning meditation and tea ceremony sessions are held in the courtyard, fostering mindfulness and appreciation for the art of tea. The library hosts monthly literary salons featuring author talks and reader discussions, with limited-edition hand-copied poetry books given as souvenirs.
For deeper cultural immersion, explore nearby Baimasi Ruins and ancient village ancestral halls, showcasing Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and intricate wood carvings. All activities require advance HopeGoo—recommended to reserve at least three days ahead. Inside the library, a 24-hour self-service borrowing zone allows free access to curated collections of global humanities classics, enabling personalized reading journeys.
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