Haiyuan Yaji: Resting on the Millennia Breeze of Guangyue Mountain, Staying Amid the Ancient City's Hearths
In the heart of Liaocheng Ancient City, beneath the silhouette of Guangyue Tower’s upturned eaves, lies a secret haven where time slows down—Haiyuan Yaji Guesthouse. Here, there is no urban clamor, only the gentle warmth of bluestone paths, the tranquility of ancient alleys, and the vibrant life steeped in a thousand years of canal culture. Step inside, and it feels like traveling through time, allowing every traveler from afar to find a spiritual refuge among the blue bricks and black tiles.
The name Haiyuan Yaji holds deep respect for Liaocheng’s cultural heritage. “Haiyuan” is derived from the ancient place name “Haiyuan Pavilion,” a cultural sanctuary that once housed a million volumes of books and is the spiritual root of the city; “Yaji” continues the elegant tradition of gathering friends through literature and tea, making the guesthouse not just a resting place but a space to inherit Eastern aesthetics. The guesthouse is renovated from a Ming and Qing dynasty residence, preserving the traditional courtyard layout with black tiles, gray walls, carved window lattices, and vermilion doors—each detail engraved with historical marks. The designer skillfully integrates modern comfort elements, maintaining the authentic charm of the ancient building while enhancing the living experience with quality, achieving a harmonious blend of “ancient spirit and modern coexistence, tradition and comfort.”
Entering the courtyard, a bluestone-paved open space unfolds. The corner trees flourish with lush leaves, adorned with red flowers in spring and summer, and heavy fruits in autumn; rustic lanterns hang under the corridor, and when night falls, warm yellow light filters through the paper shades, casting dappled shadows and creating a full atmosphere. The table and stools in the center of the courtyard are perfect for sipping tea and chatting leisurely. Brew a pot of black tea, watch the fragrant steam rise, listen to the wind passing through the alleys, and occasionally hear the bell toll from Guangyue Tower in the distance—time quietly flows in this serene moment. Rainy days are even more delightful, as raindrops fall from the eaves onto the bluestones, splashing tiny water droplets, accompanied by the gentle chime of copper bells under the eaves, composing a natural ancient melody that captivates and enchants.
The guest rooms perfectly combine classical aesthetics with modern comfort. Named “Guangyue Sunset,” the floor-to-ceiling windows face the ancient city skyline, allowing guests to quietly watch the sunset gild Guangyue Tower at dusk; or styled as “Scholarly Elegance,” with bookshelves displaying Liaocheng’s cultural and historical books. The room furnishings are carefully selected, with solid wood furniture showing natural grain, soft and skin-friendly pure cotton bedding, private bathrooms equipped with branded toiletries, and modern facilities including central air conditioning and smart toilets. Opening the window reveals rooftops of blue bricks and gray tiles or greenery in the courtyard, with the quiet sounds of the ancient city filling the ears, making every breath feel relaxed.
Locally, the taste buds can also encounter a feast crossing ancient and modern times. Freshly cooked guata is crispy outside and tender inside; sesame-sprinkled water chestnut pancakes have distinct layers, paired with a bowl of rich sweet soup, full of the flavor of everyday life. Amid the fragrance of tea and the sweetness of snacks, enjoy a lazy afternoon. For those wanting to taste Liaocheng’s specialty cuisine, the guesthouse hosts warmly recommend nearby time-honored restaurants.
Staying here requires no strict itinerary; a stroll through the ancient city is the best travel. Just a three-minute walk along the bluestone path leads to Guangyue Tower. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city, with rows of blue bricks and black tiles, and the canal winding around the city like a ribbon, resembling a living “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” painting. At dusk, take a walk along the canal, watch the sunset dye the water golden, fishing boats return, and willows sway gently in the breeze, experiencing the unique charm of “one river connecting north and south, the ancient city hiding spring and autumn.”
The owners of Haiyuan Yaji are native Liaocheng people, embodying the simplicity and warmth of the ancient city. They know every street and every piece of history, sharing legends of Guangyue Tower, stories of the canal, and recommending lesser-known hidden spots. Here, there is no sense of alienation, only the warmth and care of family, making every traveler feel at home.
When the fast pace of the city tires you, consider staying a few days at Haiyuan Yaji. Here, you can fall asleep under the night sky of the millennia-old city, wake up to birdsong and morning light; put down your phone, drink tea and read in the courtyard, savoring the poetry of slow living; wander through ancient alleys, touch the warmth of history, and encounter unexpected beauty. Haiyuan Yaji is not just a guesthouse but a spiritual home to escape the noise and return to authenticity.
Whether you are a solo backpacker, a couple traveling together, or a family on a trip, you can find your own peace and joy here. Come to Haiyuan Yaji, let the breeze from Guangyue Tower brush away your fatigue, let the ancient city’s vibrant life warm your journey, and leave behind an unforgettable memory of Liaocheng woven with millennia of culture and everyday life.