Ban Quan Zhi Ye B&B and Camp by DL Atelier: A Fairy Tale Retreat Amid Yanqing's Landscapes

Located in the serene Yanqing District on the outskirts of Beijing, the Ban Quan Zhi Ye B&B and Camp by DL Atelier transforms a modest village site into a whimsical, immersive guesthouse experience. Designed in 2023, the 864-square-meter hospitality project reimagines rural architecture with contemporary functionality while preserving the poetry of the natural surroundings.

A Site of Tranquility and Transformation

Nestled in the northeast corner of Qianheilongmiao Village, near the Guanting Reservoir Wetland, the project begins with a journey through dense forests and picturesque views of Xiaohaituo Mountain—a destination once part of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The terrain gradually ascends from south to north, and an old orchard marks the gateway into this sanctuary. The eastern edge of the site is flanked by naturally growing trees on a slope, which inspired DL Atelier to craft a narrative of escapism and rediscovery.

Designing Experiences Through Terrain: The Sunken Courtyard

One of the most unique spatial gestures is the creation of a sunken courtyard, responding to a 3-meter elevation difference between the site and the village road. The original courtyard was excavated to form a subterranean plaza surrounded by entertainment lounges, kitchens, and service spaces.

By relocating the entrance to the northern wall, DL Atelier redefines the arrival sequence. Visitors walk through a brick-lined corridor that evokes the sensation of diving into a rabbit hole—emerging into a protected, dreamlike space. Light filters through six square columns, animating the courtyard and echoing childhood adventures with a sense of wonder.

Harmonizing Old and New: Rustic Revival Meets Modern Form

At ground level, the project opens to sweeping views of distant mountains and nearby treetops. The two original village homes were preserved, with one receiving a dramatic intervention—a colossal steel roof canopy that floats above a new glass-encased multipurpose hall. The bold volume acts as a landmark visible from the village, distinguishing itself from traditional forms while maintaining material continuity through the use of red brick façades.

The juxtaposition between the old and new is skillfully articulated through contrasting elements: exposed structural frames vs. original masonry, open glazed halls vs. intimate rooms. This layered design approach ensures the guesthouse's architectural identity remains deeply rooted in context while embracing modern needs.

Guest Room Clusters and the Courtyard Continuum

To the south, four guest rooms are arranged around a secondary, inward-facing courtyard. Linked by a corridor that flows from the communal lounge, these sleeping quarters offer tranquility and privacy. Mature trees are preserved, reinforcing the site's authenticity.

The experience extends to an outdoor infinity pool placed adjacent to the structure. A playful nod to childhood memories, the glass pool wall suggests a dreamlike encounter—blurring boundaries between nostalgia and fantasy, nature and design.

Multi-Level Landscapes: Platforms, Bridges, and Treehouses

DL Atelier re-sculpted the eastern slope of the site into a series of multi-functional platforms at varied elevations. Each tier carries a distinct character—from stone plazas that connect to the outdoors, to grassy terraces merging rusticity with contemporary landscape design, to wooden decks hosting elevated treehouse-style guestrooms.

The treehouses are arranged with thoughtful spacing to ensure privacy and visual rhythm. Simulated thatched roofs provide fire safety while preserving the illusion of organic construction. Connected by an elevated timber walkway, the architecture weaves through preserved vegetation, offering a sensory-rich experience akin to exploring the canopy of a forest.

Above the Trees: The Rooftop Dreamscape

At the highest level—+7.1 meters above ground—visitors ascend to a steel rooftop terrace that overlooks the surrounding landscape. This elevated platform invites stargazing and daydreaming, evoking childhood curiosity. From here, glimpses of the distant camping zone sparkle at night, further reinforcing the site's identity as a bridge between reality and fantasy.

Architecture as a Journey of Reenchantment

Ban Quan Zhi Ye B&B and Camp exemplifies a masterful blend of vernacular revival, spatial storytelling, and landscape integration. DL Atelier has transformed a rural site into a richly layered retreat where architecture becomes a narrative tool, reconnecting visitors with nature and imagination. It’s a place where climbing staircases and entering courtyards feel like stepping into a fairy tale—crafted not only from brick and wood, but from memory, emotion, and timeless wonder.

Project Details

• Project Name: Ban Quan Zhi Ye B&B and Camp
• Architects: DL Atelier
• Location: Yanqing District, Beijing, China
• Area: 864 m²
• Year: 2023
• Photographer: Yumeng Zhu