Gubei Water Town Beijing
A beautifully preserved ancient water town at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, offering a magical escape with stunning night views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical lights
Gubei Water Town Beijing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved ancient water town at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, offering a magical escape with stunning night views.
"The town is worth visiting, especially for the night views and the Simatai Great Wall!"
🏨 Book Accommodation Early
Consider an overnight stay for the full experience; book hotels inside the town for convenience and discounts.
🚗 Private Car for Convenience
Hiring a private driver from Beijing is recommended for ease, especially for early morning or late night travel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Simatai Great Wall
Adjacent to Gubei Water Town
Experience the dramatic, rugged beauty of the Great Wall, especially stunning at night with illuminated sections.
Gubei Water Town Charm
The town itself
Wander through ancient-style streets, enjoy traditional crafts, and savor local delicacies in this picturesque water town.
Nighttime Spectacle
Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall
Witness the town come alive with lights and enjoy the unique experience of a night tour on the Great Wall.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There Smartly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏨 Book Accommodation Early
Consider an overnight stay for the full experience; book hotels inside the town for convenience and discounts.
🚗 Private Car for Convenience
Hiring a private driver from Beijing is recommended for ease, especially for early morning or late night travel. +1
✨ Embrace the Night
The town and Simatai Great Wall are spectacular after dark; don't miss the illuminated views.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Travel advice needed for going to Gubei water town and Beijing
Tips
from all over the internet
🏨 Book Accommodation Early
Consider an overnight stay for the full experience; book hotels inside the town for convenience and discounts.
🚗 Private Car for Convenience
Hiring a private driver from Beijing is recommended for ease, especially for early morning or late night travel. +1
✨ Embrace the Night
The town and Simatai Great Wall are spectacular after dark; don't miss the illuminated views.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📱 Download Useful Apps
The TRIP app can help with accommodation listings and local information for Gubei Water Town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the picturesque beauty of Gubei Water Town, especially its enchanting nighttime illuminations and the dramatic Simatai Great Wall. Many recommend an overnight stay to fully experience the atmosphere and enjoy the unique night tours.
"Watertown Hotel. Booked on trip.com for a great price with unlimited entry to the scenic area included plus breakfast, return cable car tickets, shuttle bus use within the scenic area (just show your card and indicate on a map where you want to go), and a hot springs voucher. The Royal hot springs are at the far end of town on the left at the last shuttle stop. Noticed the local ladies wear very conservative swimwear so advisable to wear swim shorts/skirt. The hotel is very grand in style. Some of the furniture is looking a bit worn out but it doesn't detract from the overall feel of the place. Breakfast includes a full continental selection (bread, jam, yoghurt, pastries, cereals) plus eggs cooked every way, sausages, potatoes and a good range of Chinese hot food. The coffee is strong. The Western restaurant wasn't open for lunch when we arrived around 2:30pm but the Chinese resteraunt let us order food before turning off the music, which we took as a cue to hurry up and get out despite a sign saying it was open from 11am until late at night. Check in was efficient and easy. Some staff return your smile but many don't."
Michelle Kent
"nice room. there was a balcony but there were many flies the room is very spacious, having a bathtub in the toilet."
Rowell
"Located at Miyun district, China. This hotel is huge and the rooms are very spacious though the interior is a bit dated. Despite all that, it is near the Great Wall and the Shuizhen town where you have a great time taking photos and have good eateries along with Lawson convenient stores around!"
Honglian Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Beijing, but many travelers find hiring a private car or using ride-sharing apps like Didi more convenient. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours. +1
Yes, it's possible, but it's a long day. Many visitors recommend staying overnight to fully enjoy the town and the Simatai Great Wall.
Gubei Water Town is adjacent to the Simatai Great Wall, making it easily accessible. For other sections like Jinshanling, arranging a private driver in advance is advised.
Absolutely. Hotels in Beijing can often arrange this, or you can use ride-sharing apps. Expect to pay between 600-1000 RMB.
Yes, there are bus services from Beijing to Gubei Water Town, though they might be less frequent or convenient than private transport options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees for Gubei Water Town can vary, but booking in advance or staying overnight might offer discounts. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, Simatai Great Wall typically requires a separate ticket, especially for night tours. It's often bundled with Gubei Water Town packages or available for purchase on-site.
Gubei Water Town is generally open throughout the day and into the night, with specific hours for attractions within the town and the Great Wall. Evening hours are particularly popular.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your entry and potentially get better rates. The official website is the best source.
Staying overnight in Gubei Water Town often comes with discounted entrance fees. Check for package deals or special promotions on their official website.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire town is picturesque! Focus on the ancient architecture, canals, and bridges during the day. For stunning shots, capture the illuminated town and Simatai Great Wall at night.
Yes, Simatai Great Wall offers a unique night tour experience with illuminated sections, providing dramatic and memorable photo opportunities.
Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) offers beautiful light for the town's architecture. Nighttime is essential for capturing the illuminated charm and the Great Wall.
Drone usage is typically restricted in tourist areas like Gubei Water Town and the Great Wall to ensure safety and preserve the environment. Always check local regulations.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for general shots. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the Great Wall, and a tripod is essential for night photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gubei Water Town offers a variety of traditional Chinese cuisine, including local Beijing specialties. You'll find street food, casual eateries, and more formal restaurants.
While many dishes are meat-based, most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Look for vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and noodle soups.
Keep an eye out for local snacks like Jianbing (savory crepes), various skewers, and traditional pastries. Exploring the food stalls is part of the experience.
The focus is on traditional Chinese cuisine. While some places might offer basic Western breakfast items, international dining options are limited.
Prices can vary. Street food and casual eateries are generally affordable, while sit-down restaurants might be more moderately priced. Eating outside the main tourist areas can sometimes be cheaper.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider an overnight stay to allow children to enjoy the town's evening illuminations and the unique experience of seeing the Great Wall at night. Pack comfortable shoes for everyone, as there will be plenty of walking. Look for kid-friendly food options like dumplings and simple noodle dishes.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Consider joining a small group tour for transport from Beijing if you prefer company, or arrange a private driver for flexibility. Staying overnight allows you to experience the town's ambiance at your own pace and enjoy the evening lights without rushing back.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Plan to stay overnight to photograph the town's stunning nighttime illuminations and the unique night tour of the Great Wall. Bring a tripod for low-light shots and a versatile lens to capture both wide vistas and detailed scenes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Simatai Great Wall
Travelers often recommend staying overnight in Gubei Water Town to fully appreciate the Simatai Great Wall, especially for the night tour. The proximity means you can easily access it after exploring the town. Be prepared for a challenging but rewarding hike, as some sections are quite steep.
When planning your visit, check the official website for Simatai Great Wall ticket prices and operating hours, particularly for the night tours, as these can be limited. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential, and consider bringing a flashlight for added safety during the night tour.
Planning Your Transport to Gubei Water Town
A popular and highly recommended option is to hire a private car or driver from Beijing. This offers flexibility, especially if you plan to visit other attractions like the Great Wall on the same day. Drivers can be arranged through your hotel or via ride-sharing apps, with costs typically ranging from 600 to 1000 RMB for a day trip.
If you're on a tighter budget, researching bus routes in advance is key. For those staying overnight, consider arranging transport with your hotel, as they often have connections with reliable drivers who can assist with early morning or late-night travel needs.
The Magic of Gubei Water Town at Night
Beyond the visual spectacle, the town offers various evening activities, including cultural performances and traditional craft demonstrations. The night tour of Simatai Great Wall is a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the illuminated fortifications against the night sky.
An overnight stay is highly recommended to fully immerse yourself in this nighttime charm. It allows you to experience the town's ambiance without the daytime crowds and witness the transition from day to night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit