Two Days, One Night in a Fairytale Treehouse: Beijing's Real-Life Jungle World for Families

Text & Photos by Muchengzi.

A friend once told me that if I didn't know about the Fairy Tale Treehouse, I should reconsider whether I've been out of touch with the parent-child scene. More than just a hotel, I personally feel it's like a real-life fairy tale world. Every adult and child secretly wishes to step into a fairy tale, to become the kind and beautiful Snow White, or the brave Jack who outwits the giant... to be the protagonist in a fairy tale and go on an adventure. We have long grown up, but we can fulfill a childhood dream or create beautiful memories while our own little ones are still young.

On a scorching summer day, my friend and her little princess, along with me, made a group of five driving to the Beijing suburbs for a cool escape, a 'two-day, one-night trip to Miyun' with the kids.

At the Happiness Station in front of the Yunfeng Mountain Fairy Tale Treehouse, we parked the car and took the scenic shuttle bus directly to the visitor service center. As soon as we got off, the five of us were captivated by a giant slide. I (Chengzi) couldn't help but exclaim, 'This is huge...' Little Princess Duoduo dashed over in a flash to Peter's Slide Park, pulling all us big sisters to slide with her again and again.

As the sun climbed higher and the day heated up, our gang needed a cool treat: ice cream. Right across from the slide park, a small cart sells lavender ice cream. I strongly recommend all visitors to try it, because it's absolutely delicious!!!

The price hasn't increased since it opened, and the ingredients are generous. Just a minute after taking photos, the ice cream started to melt. The purer the ingredients, the easier it melts. After two snapshots, I couldn't resist any longer.

Taking a bite, my mouth filled with the rich aroma of milk, mingled with the unique refreshing floral scent of lavender. Even as someone who rarely eats sweets, I couldn't get enough. I feared that once back in the city, I'd never taste this flavor of summer again.

Halfway to the lavender garden, there's a fork—right next to Peter's Slide Park, a gate leads to a scenic ancient path called Shibapan Trail. Following it for about 20 minutes, you'll reach Bulaotun village below the mountain. The trail is filled with signs of the changing seasons; in spring and autumn, it's perfect for enjoying maple leaves and willow trees, leisurely and delightful.

An ancient legend of 'Bulao' (eternal youth) is told—the story of Wang Zhi meeting an immortal—and there is also a cliff inscription. Curious visitors can sit on the 'immortal's' stone bench, or visit the mini One-Line-Sky to marvel at nature's craftsmanship. Unfortunately, we didn't have time this trip. If you stay for two days, you can explore at leisure.

On the way to Dream Field Garden, the roadside is planted with all sorts of plants: verbena that little bunnies love, catnip that drives cats wild, and apricots within reach... If you look closely and tilt your head up, you'll spot adorable bird-shaped cookies nestled among the branches.

Along the way, there's a viewing platform where you can gaze at the lush green scenery, feeling light and cool. Looking down, you'll see a red-roofed European-style building standing silently among the hills, as if isolated from the world.

Walking down the slope, you arrive at Dream Field Lavender Garden, a true paradise.

In front of the garden is a floral archway with a little device. Press a button, and the archway sprays a fine mist infused with lavender essential oil, descending from above and dancing in the air. Standing beneath the arch feels moisturizing and refreshing, like stepping into a fairyland. It has a fitting name: 'Happiness Fragrance Corridor'.

Here, you can walk deep into the lavender field, gently touch the fragrant purple blossoms, and bend down to inhale the delicate, pure scent of lavender.

Under the blue sky, in the breeze, amidst the sunshine, in the fields, the lavender quietly tells romantic stories.

Leaving the Fragrance Corridor, you'll see a fairy tale house named Leventi.

Wind chimes at the door sway in the breeze; each gentle collision produces a pleasant sound, each note soothing the soul.

As soon as we entered the lavender shop, Little Princess Duoduo was drawn to the adorable dolls. She reached out and, by herself playing two roles, had a little chat with the stuffed animals.

The shop's products are delightful: body lotion, shower gel, shampoo, face masks, lavender pillows, aromatherapy, eye masks, candles... everything is exquisite. If you fancy DIY, you can also have items customized! I recommend the handmade sachets; they're affordable and repel mosquitoes in summer, a great choice for yourself or your little one.

At the Fairy Tale Treehouse, there's only one cultural restaurant called Ming Yuan. In front is a spacious lawn with a squeaking waterwheel. Children feed tadpoles with wild berries by the stream, while parents sit in the restaurant chatting and sipping tea.

Apart from the serene setting, what delighted me (Chengzi) most was the food. Focusing on healthy vegetable dishes, they use the freshest local ingredients and homemade sunflower oil.

The menu is quite extensive. We ordered the signature sour soup fish. Can you tell it's made of vegetarian ingredients? This is a vegetarian restaurant where you won't even feel you're eating vegetarian.

The sour soup fish is made with soy protein and seaweed; though not fish, it tastes delicious.

What amazed me most were two dishes that I couldn't tell apart from real meat, both in appearance and texture. Of course, besides 'meat,' greens are a must. Amidst the green hills and clear waters, breathing fresh air, you should also eat healthily.

Sipping the special lavender iced tea, I was surprised to find that after an hour of outdoor dining, there wasn't a single mosquito or fly. Asking, I learned that the area has little water so mosquitoes can't breed, and they also grow plants that repel pests. So children can play outside without moms worrying about bites.

The highlight of this trip I was most looking forward to was the fairy tale treehouses. Passing through the East Zen Hall where check-in takes place, we entered a door to a world of 'magic'.

Treehouses hidden in the forest, a castle among flowers—arriving at Yunfeng Mountain, you stay in a 'fairy tale' and become the hero of your own story.

Each treehouse has its own fairy tale name: The Nutcracker, Little Red Riding Hood, Don Quixote, The Happy Prince, Neverland, etc. If you have elderly family members with mobility issues, they can also stay at the East Zen Hall, which is more accessible and budget-friendly.

I remember most the lake-view rooms Swan Lake and Blue Bird; these two are incredibly popular and need to be booked far in advance. Kids prefer Jack and the Beanstalk and Robinson, which come with slides. All types of rooms are nestled between mountain and water, facing Miyun Reservoir, with lovely views.

Looking from a distance, you see beautiful roofs embraced by dense woods; almost every treehouse is built high up in the trees. To enter, you don't need to climb the tree—walk along the wooden boardwalks and stairs through the forest straight to the door.

On the pathway, seeing the long green slide of Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Princess Duoduo tugged her mom's hand and ran inside, chanting 'Play this, play this!' As soon as the door opened, she kicked off her shoes and scrambled up the stairs.

Like a scene from a storybook, the giant green beanstalk leads brave Jack to the sky giant's world, starting a strange adventure. Arriving at the attic, a round wooden door appears, reminiscent of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings. I (Chengzi) saw a journey full of unknowns. With a 'whoosh' down the slide from the mysterious attic...

Suddenly, a breathtaking panoramic view unfolds. This is a terrace surrounded by forest, with sofa-style rocking chairs where you can lie or sit as you please.

The balcony is exceptionally spacious. Facing the valley, it feels like sitting among the clouds. If needed, staff will prepare little slippers for kids and set up a small tent on the large terrace.

The bedroom has floor-to-ceiling windows with superb views, and the bathroom thoughtfully provides a child-sized toilet.

Overall, I (Chengzi) feel that the hotel completely immerses you in a fairy tale jungle life. Amidst towering trees and wild primordial forest, the natural environment lets children safely get close to nature—a dual enjoyment for body and soul.

Starting from the restoration of an ancient temple, the scenic area came to be, with lavender planted and accommodations built.

There are sunrises and sunsets, mountain paths and starry skies. Enjoy the full view of Yunfeng Mountain, with hills on one side and water on the other, and pine-lined boardwalks climbing up the mountain.

The uniquely shaped treehouse villas are scattered around, delighting countless children who dream of a fairy tale kingdom.

Secluded in the mountains, perched in the trees, listening to the wind and birds... it's a special delight.

1. Address: North of Yanluo Village, Bulaotun Town, Miyun District, Beijing.

2. Tip: Only overnight guests can enjoy the sunrise from Wujinyi Platform, as there are no mountains to the east to block the view, offering an excellent panorama.

3. Activities: The resort organizes daily parent-child activities, with different themed activities for different seasons.

4. Luggage: Don't worry about lugging your suitcases up the mountain. Hand them to the staff, who will transport them up by rope and deliver them to your room. When checking out, just make a call in advance.