[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Great Wall At Simatai (Updated May)

First visit to Gubei Water Town, located in the outskirts of Beijing, near the Simatai Great Wall. The ancient town is built along the water, with many Ming and Qing dynasty, as well as Republic of China style mountain courtyards preserved on the streets. It exudes the grandeur of a northern ancient town while also featuring the charm of a southern water town, creating a simple and elegant environment. The park is car-free, making it perfect for walking tours. Along the way, you can see ancient houses, archways, pagodas, bridges, and more, as if stepping into a time tunnel back to ancient times. You can also take sightseeing cars and boats. The town has many unique shops, making eating, staying, and shopping very convenient. The western end of the ancient town is connected to the Simatai Great Wall scenic area, where you can climb the Great Wall after touring the ancient town and experience the steep and beautiful Simatai. The entrance fee to the scenic area is 150 RMB, and the Simatai package ticket is 170 RMB, which is more cost-effective.

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck Let's take the cable car to the Great Wall of China, Shimatai Pass. This is one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall of China and is the only Great Wall of China that has been completely preserved from the Ming Dynasty and has been registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you get up there, the view is beautiful. I must say that you should come here at least once! When you arrive in Beijing, you can see a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It is another beautiful viewpoint of the Great Wall of China. After getting off the Great Wall, take a walk around the village. If you want to rent ancient Chinese clothes to take beautiful photos, there are plenty of them here. Plus, at night, the lights are just as beautiful as during the day. #TravelChina #TravelBeijing #GreatWallofChina

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🎫This time I bought a package of Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall, which includes a round-trip bus from Beijing's "Guomao" subway station in the morning, lunch, tickets to Gubei Water Town and the Great Wall, and a round-trip ticket for the ropeway (cable car). If you search for "Gubei Water Town" on trip.com, you will find many package combinations. I think the lazy package is the same as mine but without lunch. 💰 Average consumption per person: 2000-3000NTD (including package tickets and self-provided meals) Personal suggestion: There are many things to eat in Gubei Water Town, so there is no need to include lunch. Just buy whatever is delicious when you go there. 🏠Gubei Water Town: A very beautiful town (but really not small), every corner is good for taking pictures. It’s not too cold to go there in October, and the leaves are turning red, which is very beautiful. I really recommend that you prepare enough space for taking photos because it is so beautiful. The feeling during the day and at night is very different. The day is very suitable for family trips, while the night is a must for dates. The partner will instantly become very charming at night, I don’t know why. 🏰Simatai Great Wall: Be sure to buy a ticket for the cable car! ! ! Just walking to the entrance here probably means I have less than half of my strength left. If I climb up the mountain, I might cry before I even reach the Great Wall. The cable car ride takes a very long time, and if I walk, I might not get there before dark (I'll really cry). 🌟This is the third of the three most famous Great Wall attractions in China because it is the most tiring and the most shaky. But I must say, it is really beautiful. When you finally reach the top of the Great Wall, you will temporarily forget how tired you were from climbing just now. No wonder everyone says that you must visit the Great Wall once in your life to realize how beautiful it is. I think it’s a pity that no matter how hard I try to take pictures, I can’t capture its grandeur, so please come and see it when you have the chance! ❤️ #Beijing Attractions #Gubei Water Town #Simatai Great Wall #Beijing Tourism #Beijing #2024 Travel Review

#Beijingtravel Arriving at Gubei Water Town in Beijing, we faced the spectacular Simatai Great Wall, an ancient building full of historical mystery. Standing opposite the lake, looking at the winding Great Wall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in my heart💖. The Simatai Great Wall is famous for its five characters: "dangerous, dense, complete, skillful and strange", and this is by no means a false name! Climbing the Great Wall, the scenery in front of you is amazing🌄. Jagged mountains intersect with lush greenery, creating a spectacular scene. Especially the "Ladder" and "Overpass" sections made me feel the real dangers. The slope of the sky ladder is steep, and walking on it makes your heart beat faster😳. When I arrived at the sky bridge, it was only 40 centimeters wide, with breathtaking cliffs on both sides, which instantly made me shudder💨. In such a steep challenge, in addition to enjoying the spectacular natural scenery✨, there is also the contemplation of dialogue with history. Stepping onto this Great Wall with a long history, every moment you feel is a challenge to yourself and awe of nature! Looking forward to coming back next time and continuing to explore this magnificent land🌍!

The legendary spot with 1 of the 7 wonders of the world that is closest to the ancient village is ‘Simatai Great Wall’, the Simatai Great Wall, the most amazing point of the Great Wall of China because it is the only one that is still in its original condition since the Ming Dynasty. It is 5.6 kilometers long on the steep mountain range. Even though you are walking on the stone wall, it is recommended to wear comfortable sneakers because some parts are steep and rough. But I must say that both sides of the road are beautiful and grand. If anyone is staying overnight in Gubeishuizhen Village, I recommend trying to walk at night. They will turn on orange lights along the way, giving it another kind of romantic vibe. #Chinese architecture

After visiting the Simatai Great Wall, I really have to exclaim: Why go to crowded places when you can enjoy the Simatai Great Wall so much! Having lived in Beijing for many years, I used to accompany others to the Great Wall, and without exception, it was always the Badaling Great Wall. Initially, I would climb with them, but gradually, I just waited in the parking lot because there were simply too many people! This time, I chose to go to Simatai, intuitively thinking there would be fewer people. 🚗 The Simatai Great Wall is located in the Gubei Water Town scenic area. I have visited Gubei Water Town many times but never climbed the Great Wall there, so this time I headed straight for the Great Wall. 🌄 I really didn't expect so few people walking up the Great Wall. You can walk slowly and quietly enjoy the scenery. I wonder if this is the norm for Simatai? It might be because it's a weekday, and many tourists don't know about this place, or it's too far from the city center, so they don't choose it easily. 🏔️ Thinking about it, it seems the only two times I actively wanted to climb the Great Wall were both in Miyun. The first time was many years ago when that section of the Great Wall was just broken bricks and foundations. Standing on the uneven remnants of the Great Wall, there was a real sense of desolate grandeur. If you're not in a hurry and have good physical strength, you can choose to walk. It takes about half an hour from the entrance of the Great Wall scenic area to the foot of the Great Wall, all on winding stone paths that are relatively gentle, and most sections have shade. As the terrain gradually rises, you can see the full view of Yuanyang Lake below and the Yuan Tong Temple Pagoda in Gubei Water Town. The scenery from high up is really beautiful. There are several sections of the Great Wall with beacon towers, and the steps are somewhat steep, but each time you climb a section, the cool mountain breeze makes it all worth it. 🌆 You can also visit the Great Wall at night, but only by cable car. We didn't go up at night, but from the ancient town, the lit-up Great Wall looked like a winding dragon, offering another beautiful view. I really recommend staying overnight in Gubei Water Town. After climbing the Great Wall, you can rest and stroll around at night. I come here once or twice a year, no matter what others say. The place is big enough, well-managed, clean overall, with many performances to keep you entertained, and the food is not bad. With all these conditions, what more could you ask for? A two-hour drive is much more convenient than traveling out of town.

Finally checked in at the solo Great Wall. I always thought the hardest part would be walking on the wall, but it turned out to be various stone climbing and unexpected wild road conditions that got me. Right off the bus, under the watch of local villagers, I crazily rushed up the mountain, running a long stretch. Coupled with the muggy weather, my legs lost most of their strength. Just climbing a slope, after a few steps, my legs felt extremely tired, and my thighs were sore. I gritted my teeth and persevered, step by step. Along the way, crossing large slopes, leaf-covered dirt roads, I slipped and fell 3 times, thankfully without injury. Besides the exceptionally difficult sandy roads, what followed were large stones that required hands and feet. Up and down, it felt like a roller coaster ride. Every time I climbed a big stone, I thought it was the last one, but reaching the top, I saw another one behind it. Walking on the wall was the easiest part, the path wasn't as narrow as I imagined. The difficulty was descending the stone steps over a meter high. Just support your body with both hands and slowly lower to the ground. Once your feet are stable and you're brave, you can walk very fast. Overall, the last section of the Great Wall had better scenery, mostly a mix of huge rocks and watchtowers. It felt lonely. I'm planning to come back in a better season with good weather.

Gubei Water Town is a gorgeous fairy-tale town situated below the Great Wall. The Simatai Great wall looms so high above the water town, it gives the impression that it may be floating in the clouds, as the lights of wall switch on at dusk and are just barely visible through a thin layer of mist that gently veils the mountain. I suggest a walk up to the Great Wall, the scenery is incredible, and then to take the cable car down. The water town is best explored in the evening/night, it really comes to life and there are many types of delicious foods and beautiful trinkets to be bought. Enjoy your Fairy-tale escape☺️ #beijingtrip #thegreatwall #watertown #fairytale

#bucketlistreboot Simatai, a section of the Great Wall of China located in the North of Miyun County, 120 kilometers northeast of Beijing, holds the access to Gubeikou, a strategic pass in the Eastern part of the Great Wall. Take the cable car from which you can walk to East Tower 5 or East Tower 8( about 30 minutes) to have a great look down on Gubei Ancient Town. The cable car may stop operating when there are high winds. The simplest way to come here, is to take part the day tour organise at Beijing, you also can chose to go up the Great Wall at night. Simatai Great Wall is the only one that opens to tourists at night.

This attraction is located in Beijing, but in the most remote area - Miyun. This is a small village that resembles ancient China. But all this is new, built a few years ago. You can go there and visit the beautiful section of the Great Wall of China - Simatai. It is especially beautiful in the evening at sunset, when the lights are turned on. There are hotels with hot springs. This excursion is for 1-2 days. Lots of restaurants, street cafes. When you walk around the village, you feel like you are in an Ancient China drama. #themepark

Great hiking beautiful walk all the way the only problem is to come down after you climb the stairs. I felt like my legs were shaking and shivering body. the climbing was fun than coming back down. later I got to use the cable cars to climb up in the night which gave me a very beautiful view on top to see the whole gold city. there’s lots of entertainment down. The place is surrounded by water, great hotels with beautiful views, on weekends it’s kinda full of Chinese cause they like to visit their own country so it’s better you do it on weekdays to get nice views at the wall and in the evening you can chill and relax in so many hotels around. #gooutside

The Great Wall of China is a representative tourist destination that always appears when traveling to China, and is a tremendous cultural heritage left by mankind.. The Great Wall of China is one of the famous and representative tourist destinations that needs no explanation or other modifiers. When I first set foot on this wall, which was built over centuries to guard against invasions by northern peoples, it was not as high as I thought, and there were many narrow sections, so I was a little disappointed, but as I encountered the endless persistence on the incredibly steep hills, and the sections that made me wonder how humans could have built structures in such a place at that time, I could see why this place was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. That's a bonus for many people, lol. Personally, the Great Wall that has been developed into a tourist attraction is worth seeing, but the sections that have almost completely collapsed were even more impressive. #Must-see historic site #China #Beijing #China travel #Great Wall

Simatai is perhaps the most exciting section of the Great Wall accessible to visitors. It is nothing short of awesome to see the Great Wall snaking over the tops of the mountains. Simatai is less crowded than other Wall sites. It hasn’t been fully restored yet, so it’s a good opportunity to see parts of the original wall. Simatai is 5.5 km (3.4 miles) long with 34 towers, though only 10 are officially open to the public. Steps are steep in the restored section, and you should be careful if you hike beyond this area as drop-offs are steep. If you want to avoid the hassle of getting there yourself, a guided hiking tour of the Great Wall might be easier. This full-day tour takes you to one of the most beautiful stretches to hike along. Over the course of the day, you’ll walk from Simatai West to Jinshanling Pass. With stunning views wherever you look, hiking along this historic and impressive human-made monument promises to be an unforgettable experience. #beijingtrip #urbanexplorer #ancientlandmark

On the way up to Simatai Wall through this nice Brook of Rivers and Flowers. The relaxing sound of the water in a green lush mountain foot is a perfect introduction. Don't forget to get ice cream on your way back down. #scenicspotguide

#triplocal #triplocal

The Simatai Great Wall, located in Gubei Water Town, is the only Great Wall in China that preserves the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty. The entire Great Wall is built on the precipitous mountain. It is known as the odd, special and dangerous, and has 20 complete enemy buildings. In particular, the Wangjing Building is built on a steep peak at an altitude of 1,000 meters. The scenery is excellent and you can see the city of Beijing. Simatai Great Wall was identified by UNESCO as the Original Great Wall. In 2012, the Times of the United Kingdom translated the Great Wall of Simatai into "the top of the 25 landscapes that should not be missed globally." Under the blue sky and white clouds, the ancient Great Wall is quaint and quaint, and the old walls silently tell the story of the wolf. The Jinge Iron Horse has become a past, and now the Great Wall has long been transformed into a tourist attraction that the Chinese have to visit once in their lifetime. It is a symbol of the Chinese nation, a testimony to history, and a legend of the blue bricks.

The Simatai Great Wall is adjacent to the Gubei Water Town. The wall of the Great Wall is built on the precipitous mountain and is known as the strange, special and dangerous. Chinas famous ancient architect Luo Zhewen once commented that Chinas Great Wall is the best in the world.

#ThailandAirfareEvent Simatai Great Wall is a section of the Great Wall located in Huairou District (怀柔区), a little away from Beijing. It is a quiet and secluded place where you can walk as if you were taking a stroll because there are not many tourists. The Great Wall is relatively well preserved, so you can feel the weight of ancient history and time as you walk, and the surrounding natural scenery is really beautiful, so the view from the top is so magnificent that it is difficult to express in words. There were some steeper sections of the stairs than I thought, but there were places to rest in between and many good photo spots, so it was nice to take a leisurely look around. It was a precious time to feel the real history and nature of China in a completely different atmosphere from the bustling city of Beijing. ⸻ 📍 Location: Huanghuashu Great Wall (黄花水长城), Yulin District (榆林沟), Huairou District, Beijing, China 

#ThailandAirlineEvent Since the Simadae Great Wall cable car can reach the top of the Great Wall without much effort, even those with weak physical strength can enjoy it without burden. The beautiful scenery of the mountains and walls that unfolded from the moment you boarded the car was breathtaking. The scenery seen from the cable car was like a painting, and while moving slowly while feeling the wind, I felt the breath of nature and history with my whole body. When you arrive at the top and come down, it is also fun to walk, and the harmony of the mountain path and stone wall comes across even more vividly. If you want a comfortable yet impressive Great Wall tour, I highly recommend the Simadae Great Wall cable car. 📍 Location: Huanghuashui Great Wall (黄花水长城) in Huairou District, Beijing, China

Simatai Great Wall truly lives up to the name of a 'hidden gem.' Without dazzling lights, scarce shops, and fewer crowds, it’s a unique place where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and ancient heritage. The hiking trail was more physically demanding than expected, but every step was a sensory experience—feeling the texture of the trees, the breeze, and the stone paths. Reaching the summit was breathtaking, giving the feeling of standing alone above the world. This journey, free from any rush, allowed me to move at my own pace, and I was grateful for it. For those who want to walk quietly at their own rhythm, this place is the perfect choice. 📍 Location: Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Huairou District, Beijing, China

Samatai Great Wall felt more like a sanctuary in nature rather than a typical tourist spot. Escaping the hustle and bustle of Beijing, every moment spent walking along the quiet paths of the Great Wall was truly precious. Its unembellished and natural appearance made it feel even more authentic. As I climbed the stone steps, the sky seemed closer and the vast mountain ranges unfolded before me, washing away the heaviness in my heart and bringing a refreshing sense of relief. Walking slowly while feeling the breeze, I found my mind gradually calming down, immersing myself in the serene atmosphere. The stereotype of 'Great Wall = crowded' was completely shattered here, and I discovered the true charm of the Great Wall. It was a perfect path for walking alone or with someone. 📍 Location: Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Huairou District, Beijing, China

Simatai Great Wall offers a much quieter and more natural experience compared to the more famous sections of the Great Wall. As soon as I arrived, the harmony between the lush mountains and the Great Wall opened up my view. With fewer visitors, I could peacefully immerse myself in the scenery and my emotions. The stairs are quite steep, but if you take your time climbing, you'll be greeted by stunning views along the way, making it perfect for a leisurely ascent. The curves of the Great Wall and the silhouettes of the mountains seen from the top were truly breathtaking. There are plenty of great spots for photography, allowing you to capture memorable shots at your own pace. If you're looking to experience the pure blend of the Great Wall and nature without the commercialized atmosphere, Simatai Great Wall is an excellent choice. It was a trip that truly refreshed my mind. 📍 Location: Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Huairou District, Beijing, China

Sima Great Wall is a relatively quiet section of the Great Wall in Beijing, offering a unique charm distinct from bustling tourist spots. The serene atmosphere of the wall hidden amidst nature made it a perfect place for a peaceful stroll without the crowds. Though the uphill sections were more physically demanding than expected, the increasingly expansive views as I climbed made the effort worthwhile. The sweeping lines of the Great Wall seen from above were truly awe-inspiring, and the open sky combined with the layered mountain ranges provided a liberating sense of tranquility. The paths were well-maintained and the signage was clear, making it easy to explore without inconvenience. There were also plenty of picturesque spots ideal for capturing aesthetic photos. If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience a quiet sense of awe, this is a destination you shouldn't miss. 📍 Location: Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Huairou District, Beijing, China

Simatai Great Wall is one of the lesser-known sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, which makes it even more special. Compared to the more famous tourist spots, it is much quieter, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the scenery and emotions. The uphill path is quite steep, so wearing sneakers is a must. However, with each step you take, the breathtaking views that unfold before your eyes make it all worthwhile. Once you reach the top, you are greeted with a panoramic view of the vast mountain ranges and the winding line of the Great Wall. At that moment, you truly feel the overwhelming realization of being at the Great Wall. The paths are well-maintained, and there are clear signs, making it easy to navigate without much difficulty. There are also plenty of great spots for photography, so you can capture some unforgettable shots. For those who prefer a quiet place to experience history and nature rather than bustling tourist destinations, I highly recommend Simatai Great Wall. It’s a place of serene and profound beauty.

During my trip to Beijing, I visited the Simatai Great Wall, a place with a unique charm compared to other sections of the Great Wall. It was relatively quiet with fewer tourists, allowing me to stroll through the area in a peaceful atmosphere. The wall itself is well-preserved, and every step along the path carried the weight of ancient history and time. The surrounding natural scenery was breathtaking, and the view from the top was so magnificent that words could hardly describe it. Although some sections of the stairs were steeper than expected, there were resting spots along the way and plenty of great photo opportunities, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration. Unlike the bustling city center of Beijing, this place offered a precious moment to truly experience China's history and nature. If you ever visit Beijing, I highly recommend stopping by.

Gubei Water Town, Beijing A romantic trip to a northern water town. A must-visit is the Hawthorn Tree Traditional Candied Haws Shop! 🍡 Hey, sisters! 👋 This time, I'm taking you to Gubei Water Town, a hidden gem in the suburbs of Beijing! 🏰 Here, you will not only find the unique charm of a northern water town, but also mouth-watering delicacies! 🍴 In particular, the Hawthorn Tree Traditional Candied Haws Shop, which has been around for a century, is simply a paradise for sweet tooths! 😍 ✅ Transportation 🚘 Self-driving: Navigate to the Gubei Water Town Parking Lot. Lot 2 is the closest. 🚞 Train: Take a bus from Qinghe/Beijing North/Changping North Station to Gubeikou. 🚍 Take a bus: Dongzhimen Bus 942, 855 ✅ Gubei Water Town Features 1️⃣ Yongshun Dyehouse: DIY tie-dye, great for taking photos, a must-go 👍🏻 2️⃣ Summit Church: Overlook the entire town 3️⃣ Riyuedao Square: The main performance venue in the town, drones, Kongming lanterns, etc. are all performed here. 4️⃣ Yue Lao Temple: You can pray for marriage and concentric locks here. 5️⃣ Simatai Great Wall: Buy tickets separately. The night view is super beautiful. If you don't want to climb, there is also a cable car 🚡, which is very convenient. 6️⃣ Sima Distillery: A special liquor in the town. I bought a bottle of 53° for my dad, and he said it was good. 7️⃣ Eight Banners Clubhouse: You can see the Manchu culture and the Eight Banners culture. The scene deduces the military and life of the Eight Banners children. 8️⃣ Yinghua Academy: Take a nap and enjoy tea in the afternoon. 9️⃣ Zhenyuan Escort Agency: Restore the scene of receiving escorts and the life of the escorts, with multiple interactive scene experiences. 1️⃣0️⃣ Wangjing Street: Watch the Great Wall Musical Water Dance Show. ✅ Featured Food 1️⃣ Zhangse Little Balls 2️⃣ Fried Tofu, recommended, I think it's delicious. 3️⃣ Radish Pancake, the taste is okay, but it's very oily. 4️⃣ Hot Dry Noodles 5️⃣ Bridgehead Cake, so-so, I personally don't like it. 6️⃣ Mung Bean Smoothie, so delicious 7️⃣ Hawthorn Ice Cream, delicious 8️⃣ Preserved Vegetable Pot Helmet, tastes good 9️⃣ Mutton Kebab, not bad. 🔟 Reservoir Fish, not bad. ✅ 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations ✨ Gubei Light: In the center of the water town, open the window and you will see a bridge and flowing water. ✨ Wuzhen Club: Jiangnan garden style, quiet environment. ✨ Starry Sky Tent: Located on the top of the mountain, it is super romantic to watch the stars at night. ✅ 💡 Travel Tips 🎉 Suitable for visiting in all seasons. Spring and autumn have pleasant climates, summer is for summer vacation, and winter is for enjoying the snow. 🎉 The night view of the water town is beautiful, so be sure to come out for a stroll at night. 🎉 There are many specialty shops where you can buy some souvenirs. Gubei Water Town, a place that will make you linger, come and experience it! 🎈🎈🎈🎈

The water town in Beijing is most like those in Jiangnan. You can experience the tranquility and harmony of the Jiangnan water towns, and also appreciate the majestic Great Wall. The Western-style church adds to the charm and makes you linger. Although Gubei Water Town is like the water towns in Jiangnan, it also has characteristics that the water towns in Jiangnan do not have, that is, the distinct four seasons of the north, which adds a unique color. Thanks for checking in at these attractions: Visitor Center: Start your Gubei journey! Yangui Cruise Terminal: Overlook the lake and feel the tranquility of the water town. Shui Street Historical and Cultural District: The quaint streets seem to take you back to ancient times. Sima Xiaoshao Distillery: Experience the traditional brewing process and the rich aroma of wine. Yongshun Dyeing Workshop: Experience ancient printing and dyeing techniques, colorful dyed fabrics, and a great place for taking pictures. Shadow Play Theater: Watch a shadow play and feel the traditional culture. Yuantong Pagoda: Pray for blessings and peace of mind, and experience Buddhist culture. Yuelao Temple: A must-visit for singles to pray for a happy marriage. Yinghua Academy: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of poetry and books, and experience the culture of ancient academies. Summit Church: A romantic sunset waiting spot, overlooking the beautiful scenery of the ancient town. Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall Stage: Learn about the story of the Yang family and enjoy opera performances. Sun Moon Lake Square: A holy place for taking pictures, and the drone Kongming Lantern show amazes the night sky. Eight Banners Clubhouse: Rent Manchu court costumes and experience archery activities. Zhenyuan Escort Agency: Learn about the operation of ancient escort agencies and experience the chivalry of the world. Simatai Great Wall: Those who are not in good physical condition can take a cable car back and forth to overlook the ancient town under the Great Wall. Food and snacks: Radish Pancake: Golden, crispy, appetizing and healthy. Qiaotou Cake: Old-fashioned cake with red bean paste filling, best eaten while it's hot. Gubei Roasted Pear: Refreshing and sweet, relieves greasiness after meals. Dried Plum Cake: Crispy and delicious, with endless aftertaste. Activities: Dress up and check in: Put on Hanfu or cheongsam and instantly travel back to ancient times. Handmade DIY: Experience weaving, paper-cutting and other handicrafts in Yongshun Dyeing Workshop. Cloud Coffee: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the town while tasting coffee on the top of the mountain. Shows: Chinese Style Performance: There are pipa and dulcimer performances in Sun Moon Lake Square. Beijing Opera and Hebei Bangzi: Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall Stage has traditional opera performances, which are full of charm. Chinese martial arts: Appreciate the charm of martial arts and feel the beauty of power. Drone Show: Drones weave magical patterns in the night sky.＜Travel information: Self-driving: Navigate to Gubei Water Town, parking fee is CNY 25 per time Bus: Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station - Gubei Water Town (direct) Departure time: 9:00, 13:00, one-way fare: CNY 48, buy tickets on site Return bus: 12:00, 17:00 (Parking Lot No. 2 of the scenic spot) Train: Huaimi Line small train from Beijing North Station (6:55) to Gubeikou Station (9:23), fare is CNY 12, transfer to bus to Gubei Water Town after getting off the train. Travel tips: Be sure to come early during holidays. Simatai Great Wall can choose day or night (17:00-20:00). The latest entry for the day is 3pm. If you climb, the play time is longer, 3 hours one way. If the time is tight, take the cable car, or climb a few turrets and return.

As a mom who spends every week figuring out how to travel "light" with my kids, I have to share these 3 hidden gems with you all today—no need to rush to attractions or follow travel guides. Adults can chill on the sofa with a coffee, and kids can run wild and burn off energy. Here's the perfect "relaxing family trip" template! 1. Around Beijing | Gubei Water Town: Night Tour of the Great Wall + Family DIY, Have Fun Staying in a B&B I just took my kids to Gubei Water Town last week, and my biggest takeaway was how easy it was to plan! We chose a family-friendly B&B in the scenic area. Just push open the window to see the trickling water. My kids chased pigeons barefoot on the stone road, and I could watch them running around from the balcony, feeling totally safe. ✅Must-Do 1: Simatai Great Wall Night Tour (open after 17:30) Take the cable car up just in time to catch the sunset glow. The Great Wall lit up with lanterns looks like a string of red agates. It was the first time my kids had seen a "glowing city wall," and they were so excited they kept jumping up and down. The best part! There are fewer people at night, and it's not too hot. You can also watch the water dance show after going down the mountain. During the 19:00 show, the lights and shadows on the water curtain made my kids say it was like watching a "live-action cartoon." ✅Must-Do 2: Kite Shop & Dyeing Workshop Family DIY The next morning, I took my kids to the kite shop to paint kites. The owner will teach you how to tie the frame with bamboo strips. Kids over 4 years old can follow along and paint. After you're done, you can fly it directly in the square. The dyeing workshop next door is even more therapeutic. Choose a piece of blue and white cloth and learn tie-dye from the auntie. You can take the finished product home as a small tablecloth, which is full of ritual! 🍜Foodie Must-Try: Bridgehead Cake! The freshly steamed rice cake is filled with red bean paste. Take a bite while it's still hot, and the aroma of rice mixes with the fragrance of osmanthus. My kids ate two pieces in a row. We ordered a hot pot set at the B&B at night, ate mutton while looking at the stars, and my kids watched cartoons while munching on corn. The old mother finally got to drink iced milk tea~ ⚠️Tips: Bring a pair of non-slip shoes! The stone road is a bit slippery when it rains; remember to choose a B&B with children's toiletries to save yourself from packing. 2. Around Shanghai | Chongming Island · Ruihua Orchard: Rent an Entire Farm, Picking Cherries + Feeding Small Animals is Super Relaxing I went to Chongming Island once last May, and this year I found that Ruihua Orchard has been upgraded! The new "Cute Pet Interaction Area" is simply a paradise for kids. We rented a family bicycle (CNY 30/hour) and stopped along the way. The kids chased the little sheep and fed them carrots, and I spread a picnic mat under the shade of a tree and munched on freshly picked cherry tomatoes, breeze~ ✅Must-Do 3: Cherry Orchard Picking (ripe in mid-May!) Eat as much as you want in the orchard, and take away for CNY 50/0.5 kg. The trees are not high, so kids can reach them themselves. Remember to wear light-colored clothes, so you won't feel bad if the juice drips on them~ After picking cherries, go to the peacock garden next door. Buy a bag of feed for CNY 10, and the kids chased the peacocks for half an hour. I took the opportunity to take a nap on the bench. It was so great! ✅Lazy Itinerary: Drive 1.5 hours from the city to the orchard at 9am, first pick cherries + feed small animals, have farm dishes in the restaurant in the park for lunch (recommend stir-fried grass head with gluten, Chongming old rice wine braised river shrimp), go to Yingzhou Ecological Park next door for cycling in the afternoon, go to the riverside to watch the sunset at 4:30pm, the sunset glow dyes the river surface golden, and the kids don't want to leave while picking up shells~ 👜Travel Gear: Be sure to bring mosquito repellent spray! There are many flowers and plants in the orchard; prepare a set of replacement clothes, so the kids can change at any time when playing in the mud and water; choose a lightweight stroller that is easy to push on the pebble road. 3. Around Guangzhou | Huizhou Shuangyuewan: Digging Sand on the Beach + Catching the Sea in the Fishing Village, Watching the Sunrise from the Sea View Room is Super Healing Last month, I teamed up with my best friend's family to go to Shuangyuewan and accidentally found a "relaxing paradise"—Howard Johnson Resort Huizhou Shuangyue Bay. Downstairs is a private beach. The kids put on swimming rings and splashed in the shallow water. We ordered a cup of coconut jelly on the beach chairs and watched them build sandcastles and chase the waves. We were too lazy to even take out our phones~ ✅Must-Do 4: Xiaoxingshan Snorkeling (book a boat with local fishermen in advance, CNY 200/person) Go out to sea at 8am, and arrive at Xiaoxingshan in 20 minutes. The water is so clear that you can see schools of small fish! Rent a children's snorkeling mask for the kids (CNY 30/set), and follow the coach to touch starfish and pick up shells (note that only dead shells are allowed). When you are tired, lie on the boat and bask in the sun. The kids said, "It's like being in the sea in a cartoon~" ✅Must-Do 5: Port Fishing Village Early Market (6:30-8:00) The next day, get up early and take the kids to the early market. Buy the mantis shrimp and clams that just came ashore (remember to bargain!), and take them to the food stalls next door for processing. The boiled shrimp is so fresh and sweet that the kids ate three in a row. After eating, stroll around the fishing village alleys. The mugwort glutinous rice cakes sold by the old woman are CNY 10 for 3, soft, glutinous and fragrant, perfect for breakfast~ 💡Notes: Self-driving navigation "Shuangyuewan Xiwang", Dongwan is crowded and the beach is dirty; bring a set of sand digging tools for the kids (expensive to sell near the hotel); remember to apply physical sunscreen for snorkeling to protect the marine ecology~ After testing these three places, my biggest feeling is to "slow down the pace": no need to rush to attractions, let the kids play with curiosity—chasing lanterns in the water town, feeding lambs on the farm, and picking up shells on the beach. These seemingly "unplanned" times have become the happiest memories for the kids. Moms, don't think about "having to take beautiful photos". Occasionally put down the camera and paddle in the water and daydream with the kids. That's what weekends should be like~ Have you recently discovered any good places to take your kids? Tell me in the comments, and next time we'll change places and continue to relax~ 😉