Make your escape in Beijing (2)

The 25 rooms of the resort all offer original designs, private terraces and grand, open windows with views of the Great Wall. Best of all, fireplaces can be found in the lodge and a few select suites. All the rooms come equipped with space heaters. To add to the feel of a retreat from your chaotic urban life, Brickyard sustainability program manager Wuyuntana - she's Inner Mongolian and goes by one name - said that they pre-heat the rooms for guests, before arrival.

If you can manage to leave your cozy abode, get a whiff of fresh air by taking a hike on the Great Wall using a map from Brickyard of the area, or indulge in amenities like a spa and outdoor Jacuzzi. For those who can't completely let nature conquer, there is Wi-Fi.

Getting there: Take a direct route on the No. 916 bus from Dongzhimen bus terminal. Private cars for hire are available for an extra cost. For more information, visit www.brickyardatmutianyu.com.

2. Local lodging

Nestled in the mountains and located nearby the Great Wall is Fairyland, or Nali Resort. Located in Huairou district, about an hour and a half drive from Beijing, this resort is often frequented by locals but less known among the expat contingent. The best thing about this resort is its prices: renting a room costs as low as 168 yuan, a deduction from the normal peak-season prices.

The concierge desk recommends guests come prepared to do little but relax, unwind and eat, as wintertime is quiet and offers little group activities. (But as the usual activities involve things like paintball, don't feel like you've missed out on too much!) The resort restaurant cooks up local specialties, including wild greens and steamed fish. Do be prepared to speak primarily in Chinese though, because most of the staff do not speak English.

Getting there: Take bus No. 916 from Dongzhimen bus depot or arrange for private transport; visit www.nalikeshe.cn (in Chinese) for more information.

3. City confines

If it seems like too much of a hassle to even figure out how to get somewhere far, yet you are still in dire need of a retreat, consider booking a room through Airbnb, an international room-renting website with offerings spanning six continents. Think high-end couch surfing in the adventurous sense, but less hostel and more high-end. The site is easy to navigate, allowing you to check reviews, rankings and even log on to Facebook to see if any friends have stayed there.

The concept is simple. People rent out their residence or spare room as a hotel, and guests browse for the best option, whether it's a restored courtyard in the Second Ring Road or a traditional hutong in Dongsi, Dongcheng district. One highly ranked residence, for instance, is the Fly by Knight Courtyard, a "Martial Arts themed luxury BnB" that is ranked 5.5 out of 6 stars. With private rooms and bathtubs, it starts at 553 yuan a night.

Enjoying another side of Beijing and getting away from your current neighborhood may offer the feel of a getaway, at a price cheaper than most mainstream hotels.

Getting there: Location and price vary based on accommodation, but are all within Beijing city; check out www.airbnb.com.

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