Diaowo

Perched high in the mountains, Diaowo Village earned its name, “eagle’s nest”, from a majestic eagle that once soared above it. Diaowo Village is nestled in Pinggu District’s Huangsongyu Valley. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet modern life, creating a unique experience for visitors. The village is embraced by mountains on three sides and bordered by the Huangsongyu Reservoir on the west. This creates a tranquil setting. Diaowo Village consists of 54 households with just over 100 villagers. Many villagers welcome city dwellers seeking a weekend escape. They offer home-cooked meals and homestay experiences. A popular dish is the Whole Roasted Lamb, grilled over fruitwood for a crispy exterior and tender inside. This culinary treat is a must-try for visitors. Diaowo Village also holds natural beauty beyond its borders. Shilin Gorge (Stone Forest Gorge) spans 12 square kilometers and features dramatic peaks and unusual rock formations. Other nearby attractions include the Jingdong Grand Canyon and Jinhai Lake. The village’s charm has attracted artists who have established seven art studios within Diaowo Village. Diaowo Village reflects a shift in lifestyle preferences. Decades ago, urban life was favored over rural areas like Diaowo. Thanks to government efforts, the countryside around Beijing has flourished. Environmental protection policies have helped restore the natural beauty of the area. Reforestation efforts and the conversion of farmland back to pastoral land have revitalized the landscape. Villagers now thrive by sharing their homes, food, and warm hospitality. One such resident is Lady Lee, who retired to her husband’s birthplace, Diaowo Village. She cultivates a vegetable garden, raises geese and chickens, and enjoys the bounty of fruit trees on a nearby hill. Lady Lee embodies a healthy, organic lifestyle. Her son visits on weekends from the city, keeping the family connected. Arriving at Diaowo Village, you’ll drive along the Huangsongyu Reservoir. The main street, a provincial road, bustles with shops and eateries. This road connects to Bolitai Village and further to Chengde in Hebei Province. Tucked away on a quiet back lane, below the south hill, is Lady Lee’s courtyard home. She often waits by the hawthorn trees near her gate, wearing a yellow apron. Her courtyard is divided into a front yard for vegetables and a back yard for poultry. Her bungalow sits between, housing a kitchen, a drawing-room, and bedrooms for the family. Diaowo Village is best visited in spring or autumn. Spring unveils the world’s largest peach orchard in Pinggu, creating a stunning sea of blossoms. Autumn paints Jinhai Lake with vibrant colors, offering a scenic drive alongside the lake and mountains. Diaowo Village is more than just a destination. It’s a glimpse into a harmonious blend of past and present, nature and artistry, tranquility and warm hospitality.