Escape for a Weekend in the Country at Cedars

Like any big city, the fast pace of life in Beijing can get overwhelming sometimes. When that happens, an escape to the countryside can be exactly the prescription you need in order to relax and reset. Located just a two-hour drive north of downtown Beijing, Cedars Country Holiday Hotel offers just that.

Set in a quiet valley on the banks of a small river, Cedars boasts 10 elegantly appointed rooms (from RMB 788 per night Mon-Thu, RMB 988 Fri-Sun) arranged around a central courtyard. Four of the rooms are duplex suites that look out over the river and the hills rising beyond and every room has a unique theme or color scheme full of plush touches, setting Cedars apart from the rustic minimalism that many similar hotels and guesthouses favor. 

No matter which room you choose, though, each is furnished with amenities such as tea and coffee making facilities, cozy slippers, and internet TV with access to hundreds of movies and TV shows. The majority also have a bath, which will be a treat for those of us living in cramped downtown apartments.

Those looking for a particular sense of zen will want to choose the Japanese-style duplex suite (RMB 1,388 Mon-Thu, RMB 1,688 Fri-Sun), complete with tatami rooms and a deep wooden soaking tub. The suite has two separate bedrooms, making it a good value option for two couples or a family. This and the other duplex suites have a seating area downstairs where you can sit and watch village life go by outside the window.

While you could spend a happy day here simply strolling along the banks of the river or hiking the path that climbs up into the hills opposite the hotel, there are plenty of activities and scenic areas within easy reach. The closest is Yunmeng Mountain National Forest Park, a scenic 2,208-acre area of mountains and forests. With the park’s highest peak reaching 1,414m, this will be a popular choice for keen hikers and climbers. The park is famous for its three “seas,” namely the “sea of clouds,” “sea of flowers,” and “sea of trees.” In winter, Huaibei International Ski Resort is just a 30-minute drive away. 

At the end of a long day, come back to the hotel to enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal. The room rate only includes breakfast but other meals can be ordered à la carte from a menu of classic, country-style Chinese dishes, which are reasonably priced considering the remote location. In summer, they also offer chuan’r and whole roast lamb in the courtyard, a fun way to dine if you’re traveling with a crowd. Vegetables for many of the dishes on offer, such as fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, are sourced from the hotel’s own small farm nearby (or otherwise from trusted suppliers). Guests can even visit the farm and pick their own vegetables. After dinner, grab a drink from the bar downstairs (offering a small selection of wines and spirits) and kick back by the fire or in the courtyard.

The hotel also offers a convenient round-trip pick up/drop off service from any downtown address for RMB 600 (vehicle seats three people). Opportunities for R&R don’t come easy in Beijing but at Cedars, you can sit back and relax knowing you are in good hands.

Spring Peach Blossom Festival 
From Friday, Mar 29 to Sunday, Apr 28, Cedars is holding a Peach Blossom Festival in celebration of the sea of flowers that appears in the area around the hotel at this time of year. In addition to the usual elegant rooms and delicious food, guests who visit during this time can enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea including handmade pastries stuffed with a floral filling. Call 132 6198 8851 now for more information and to make a reservation.

Cedars
13-14 Shangwenpu Village, Liulimiao Town, Huairou District (132 6198 8851)

柏璟•山水赋 乡村度假酒店：怀柔区琉璃庙镇双文铺村13-14号院

This post is paid for by Cedars
Photos: Uni You, Wikimedia