Stay at Youlan, a slow-paced encounter

Autumn in Beijing always carries a touch of serene ritual. Sunshine filters through the tree shadows, the wind brushes the bamboo leaves, and even the air is filled with the scent of osmanthus and wood.

This time, I chose a place where you can "slow down"—Youlan Hotel.

Pushing open the wooden door, beneath my feet is a path paved with gravel, moss growing between the stones, a few rocks and a maple tree quietly standing in the center of the courtyard.

The courtyard is small but layered—bamboo shadows sway, water flows gently, like a hidden mountain forest in the bustling city.

Every detail reveals Eastern restraint and tranquility: the texture of the wooden fence, the lines of the gray tiles, the sound of flowing water under the stone lantern.

Afternoon sunlight spills over the green tiles and wooden railings, tea fragrance curls up, and the tree shadows outside the window sway into a moving painting.

Sitting in the courtyard, I only hear the wind blowing through the bamboo leaves, even time seems to slow down.

Some say this place resembles a machiya in Kyoto, others say it’s more like the lost tranquility in an old Beijing hutong—

But to me, it feels more like an autumn dream with no need to rush.

The autumn Youlan is just the right color.

Maple leaves turn red, bamboo shadows remain green, the stone path and old wooden door form a picturesque scene.

The night is slightly cool, light a lamp, watch the stars on the stone bench, listen to the wind passing through the bamboo forest—

Only such a Beijing night feels complete.