Youjian Chuiyan’s Lollipop Courtyard in Babaotang, Huairou, Beijing: A Light-Luxury Hidden Paradise

“I see the smoke rise again, twilight cloaks the land, I ask the drifting smoke, the setting sun is poetry, the dusk is a painting, though poetry and painting are beautiful...” With a single song, a graceful ink-wash painting of a mountain village comes to life, effortlessly sketched and brimming with deep emotion. The melody is light, evocative, and lingering like the rich aroma of a cup of coffee.

‘You Jian Chui Yan’ (I See the Smoke Again) speaks to the longing for pastoral beauty—fallen leaves at sunset, evening smoke at dusk, a fresh and elegant landscape as enchanting as a fairyland. It’s a home deep in the mountains, far from worldly cares, where everything is indescribably serene.

When I arrived at Babaotang on the Baihe River Bay, 95 kilometers from the city, and discovered the Youjian Chuiyan Lollipop Courtyard, the song became more than a melody—it became a poem, a painting, a dream, a sentiment, a touch of nostalgia… a resting place for poetry and distant horizons.

The Lollipop Courtyard sits in Babaotang Village, Liulimiao Town, Huairou District, Beijing. Nestled within the Baihe Canyon Scenic Area, the village enjoys a privileged natural setting on the northern slope of the valley, surrounded by mountains, with the Baihe River winding through the gorge below—a classic small mountain hamlet.

I had long heard of ‘Youjian Chuiyan’ and the story of Sister Man. I had been searching for the mood of those lyrics, longing for their romance: a countryside dusk, the slanting sun, crimson sunset clouds draped over fields and hills. Cattle graze lazily, cowherds play on the ridges, elms and willows stand beside cottages, dogs bark in deep lanes, roosters crow from mulberry trees, green mountains in the distance, villages nearby, square courtyards, thatched huts, smoke rising gently from chimneys, soft and graceful, mingling with the scent of grass—she lingered in a pastoral idyll.

Stepping into the Lollipop Courtyard among many village homes, my vision of pastoral charm was turned pleasantly on its head. While the original structure remained, clever touches transformed the space—East meets West, a few clean lines giving the courtyard a style that is modern yet generous, effortlessly chic yet cozy, dignified yet warm, leisurely yet refined, simple yet luxurious.

There are five guestrooms, named Cotton Candy, Pop Rocks, Rainbow Candy, Malt Sugar, and Liqueur Candy—such playful, whimsical names made me eager to peek inside each one.

Cotton Candy and Pop Rocks flank the courtyard. The host thoughtfully designed them as loft-style spaces, with living and sleeping areas on separate floors, all constructed in pure wood with exquisite craftsmanship, warm and natural, perfect for family holidays.

Like the other rooms, both loft units have private bathrooms, wet and dry areas separated, spotless and fresh. Compact yet tasteful, the washbasins and faucets don’t skimp on quality; the backlit mirrors add a premium touch, and Xiaomi gas water heaters, bathroom heaters, and integrated ventilation ensure every comfort.

Rainbow Candy, in the middle, is a family-friendly twin room where a family of three can share happiness. All guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, bringing the outdoor scenery inside without obstruction—lie in bed and watch clouds crest the mountains, or count stars and moon at night.

Through every window of the bedroom, a beautiful tableau unfolds—a flower, a blade of grass, a tiny vignette, all bring nature’s peace and harmony.

Malt Sugar and Liqueur Candy are standard twin rooms, and like the others, they come with Xiaomi wall-mounted air conditioners, quiet and comfortable.

Overall, the rooms are understated yet far from simple. Every design detail hides the designer’s thoughtful touch—whether a picture on the wall or the lamp by the bed, there’s a high-tech twist. Private bathrooms, solid beds, soft mattresses, smooth linens, a full suite of Xiaomi smart devices—these modern amenities let you enjoy five-star pampering even in this hidden haven.

The Tatami Yan Guo Book Nook is a space to read and write in quiet, or to sing and watch movies. It also has its own bathroom and can double as a bedroom, easily sleeping five or six people.

The Lollipop Courtyard also boasts a spacious, bright dining room and a late-night kitchen, so you can savor joyful moments while showing off your cooking—adding extra fun and flavor to any gathering.

Come to the Lollipop Courtyard for a get-together or a holiday, and you’ll find not just green mountains and clear waters but a uniquely luxurious, beautifully curated space. Here, there’s pastoral melody and bohemian flair, poetry and painting, sentiment and story.

The Lollipop Courtyard’s transformation is the second step in Sister Man’s ‘Five-Color Happiness Plan’ to empower rural revitalization, and a key practice in helping villagers use their homes to participate in the plan and close the loop. The founder of Youjian Chuiyan, Jiang Man, has had a bond with Babaotang Village for five years, witnessing and contributing to its change. With close cooperation between the village collective and social forces, the holistic ‘Five-Color Happiness Plan’ has gradually become an effective model for energizing rural revitalization. It benefits farmers, reshapes the countryside, and has a strong social impact.

Youjian Chuiyan is not just the Lollipop Courtyard. It’s a multi-yard, multi-functional holiday destination, with accommodation complemented by a tea pavilion, a tavern, a restaurant, a bookshop, a little theater, and more. Come to Babaotang and experience a different stay at Youjian Chuiyan.

When you’re tired of city noise and your body and mind are worn out, head to Babaotang deep in the mountains. Climb the hills, paddle in the streams, cast off your worries, throw yourself into nature’s embrace, and soak in the green of life. Feel the mood of ‘seeing the smoke rise again,’ savor the simplicity of country living, and at the same time, enjoy light-luxury quality in a hidden paradise. Experience peace and ease while listening to the people of Babaotang tell the story of Sister Man.