How Two Travellers Built China’s Most Beloved Mountain Retreat

When you dream of escaping the city—really escaping—it helps to have a friend who’s seen as much of the world as you have. For Ji Xiaoxiang and Yang Mohan, that dream began on hiking trips during their urban planning studies at Tongji University, then grew into a mission after years of exploring North America and China. Their search for the perfect place to build a hotel that reflected their love for design, travel, and nature led them to a snowy hillside in Zhejiang’s Moganshan Mountains.

In 2013, standing on the terrace of an old northern Zhejiang farmhouse during a snowfall, the pair knew immediately: this was the spot. Today, their project ‘Daliyisi’ (‘The Forgotten Place’) spans six renovated and newly built villas, a restaurant, and a café nestled in the bamboo forests of Biwu Village.

The Spark: A Snowy Terrace and a Vision

It was New Year’s Day 2013 when Ji and Yang first visited Biwu Village in Moganshan. That day, snow blanketed the hills, and the pair, then both turning 30, stood on the terrace of a dilapidated 1980s northern Zhejiang home. Facing a mountain covered in white, they shared a moment of clarity: this was the place to build their vision. They rented the house that day—it became Daliyisi Building 1—and over time expanded to renovate or construct five more villas, plus dining spaces.

Their work transformed the quiet village. Young residents began moving in, and the once-sleepy hamlet evolved into a destination known for thoughtful design and deep connection with nature.

Daliyisi: A Name Rooted in Myth

The name ‘Daliyisi’ comes from the ancient Chinese text Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas), where it refers to a “forgotten beautiful place.” Tucked amid Moganshan’s bamboo forests and hills, the retreat is threaded by a small stream. Here, silence reigns—broken only by birdsong and the murmur of water. Guests wake to stillness; at night, only the sound of the stream lulls them to sleep.

This atmosphere defines the entire property. It’s not just about luxury or views—it’s about being immersed in a place that feels untouched, yet thoughtfully shaped by human hands.

Building with Nature: The Villa Philosophy

Every structure at Daliyisi reflects a deep respect for its surroundings. The original buildings were typical 1970s–80s northern Zhejiang farmhouses, built with wooden frames. Rather than demolish them, Ji and Yang preserved these frames while reimagining the spaces with modern architecture. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls became a signature feature, drawing mountain views deep into living spaces.

“We wanted guests to open their windows and see snow-covered mountains,” Ji said. That vision shaped every design choice—from the elevated terrace of Building 1, offering panoramic hill views, to the careful placement of each villa to preserve trees and natural features.

Building 1: The Panoramic Launchpad

Building 1, the original farmhouse, sits on high ground. Its standout feature is a terrace with unobstructed views of the surrounding hills. “Our dream was simple,” Ji explained. “To sit and look at green mountains. That was enough.” The design maximizes that view, with large windows and open spaces that frame the landscape year-round.

Inside, the preserved wooden framework contrasts with contemporary furnishings. The team even imagined a library space inspired by Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore—though it ultimately became a wall of bookshelves, a quiet nod to their original inspiration.

Building 2: Hidden Among Giants

Building 2 is tucked behind a 100-year-old yew tree. The entire courtyard wraps around this ancient specimen, making the tree the centerpiece of the space. Every detail here, from window placement to furniture arrangement, was considered personally by the founders. “We designed every view and every seat ourselves,” Yang noted, ensuring harmony with the tree’s presence.

This villa exemplifies their hands-on approach—even without formal hotel management training, Ji and Yang managed every element, from layout to décor.

Building 3: A Path Less Paved

To reach Building 3, guests walk along a stream. Originally, the plan was to build a “house over the water,” but a large tree blocked the way. Rather than remove it, the team rerouted the design to keep the tree intact. This philosophy—working with nature, not against it—shaped every villa.

The building includes a small sitting room perfect for relaxing with friends. Sunlight streams through windows during the day, creating a cozy spot for napping or daydreaming. In winter, a fireplace surrounded by freshly split wood invites guests to gather for evening chats. A terrace offers star-gazing under the clear mountain sky. Even minor details were addressed: creaky floorboards were replaced to ensure quiet comfort.

The Café: Coffee in the Green

Local resident Chen Yue was brought on to run Daliyisi’s café. Drawn to the village, she envisioned a space where the focus is solely on coffee—“not chicken wings, but cups of coffee,” she said. Surrounded by green hills, the café became a tranquil spot for guests to enjoy craft coffee amid nature.

Her approach reinforced the retreat’s commitment to simplicity and authenticity, offering a quiet contrast to the often-commercialized world of rural tourism.

The Restaurant: Farm-to-Table in the Forest

The on-site restaurant sources ingredients directly from the surrounding hills and streams. Ji and Yang often forage for fresh bamboo shoots or catch wild fish and shrimp from the creek. These ingredients require little preparation—often just simple cooking, sometimes with no seasoning at all—to highlight their natural flavors.

This farm-to-table ethos ensures that every meal feels personal and connected to the land.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Daliyisi located?

Daliyisi is located in Biwu Village, Xiantan Village, Moganshan Town, Deqing County, Zhejiang Province, China. It sits within the Longtan Scenic Area of the mountain, surrounded by bamboo forests and hills.

How many buildings does Daliyisi include?

Daliyisi includes six renovated or newly built villas, as well as a restaurant and a café. The first building was the original 1980s farmhouse rented in 2013, with others added over time.

What is the design philosophy behind Daliyisi?

The founders prioritise preserving the natural environment. They kept the original wooden structures of old farmhouses while adding modern elements like floor-to-ceiling glass to enhance mountain views. Design choices always consider the impact on nature—such as avoiding cutting down trees.

What makes the café at Daliyisi unique?

The café is run by a local resident who wanted to create a space focused solely on coffee, surrounded by nature. Unlike typical rural eateries, it doesn’t push snacks or fried food, instead offering a quiet place to enjoy brewed coffee.

What kinds of activities can guests do around Daliyisi?

Guests can explore the bamboo forests, hike in the hills, relax by the stream, or stargaze from the villa terraces. The location encourages a slow, nature-immersed experience rather than organized activities.

How did the founders find this location?

Ji Xiaoxiang and Yang Mohan, former classmates and avid travellers, searched for years before finding the snow-covered farmhouse in Biwu Village during a visit on January 1, 2013. They knew immediately it was the right place.

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