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

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🌍!

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.

| A Dazzling Pearl at the Foot of the Great Wall. Why not choose a sunny weekday to start a water town journey in Hubei! Travel Guide - Self-driving: Navigate to Gubei Water Town parking lot, Parking Lot No. 2 is the closest. - Train: Depart from Qinghe/Beijing North/Changping North Station to Gubeikou Station, then take a shuttle bus to the town. - Bus: Take bus routes 942 or 855 directly from Dongzhimen Bus Station. Must-Try Experiences 1. Yongshun Dye House: Try DIY tie-dye, perfect photo spot, highly recommended! 2. Hilltop Church: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the entire town. 3. Sun and Moon Island Square: The core performance area, don't miss the drone shows and sky lanterns. 4. Yuelao Temple: Make wishes for love and hang love locks. 5. Simatai Great Wall: Beautiful night views, cable car available for going up and down, tickets need to be purchased separately. 6. Sima Xiaoshao: Local specialty liquor, the 53° white liquor makes a great souvenir. 7. Eight Banners Guild Hall: Immersive experience of Manchurian culture and the life of Eight Banners soldiers. 8. Yinghua Academy: Enjoy afternoon tea and relax in a slow-paced environment. 9. Zhenyuan Escort Agency: Recreated escort scenes with interactive experiences. 10. Wangjing Street: Watch the Great Wall music and water show, an impressive light spectacle. Food Recommendations - Must-try: Zhang's small meatballs, tofu triangles (savory and flavorful), mung bean shaved ice, hawthorn ice cream. - Worth trying: Radish pancakes (slightly oily), hot dry noodles, preserved vegetable flatbread, lamb skewers, reservoir fish. - Try with caution: Bridge cake (personally found it bland). Useful Tips 1. Accommodation advice: Choose hotels/inns inside the town. When checking in, you can have your luggage delivered, and hot spring tickets are included. 2. Seasonal activities: Check the seasonal event schedule before your trip to avoid missing special performances. 3. Hot spring tips: Book hot springs in advance, bring swimwear, and choose indoor/outdoor pools as needed. 4. Check-in process: All accommodations are processed at the service hall at the scenic area entrance. While the sunshine is perfect, come to Gubei Water Town to experience the delightful blend of history and everyday life!

📍Location: Gubei Water Town is located in Miyun District, Beijing. It's a replica ancient scenic area themed around northern water towns. It combines the gentle beauty of southern water towns with the solid architecture of the north, making it a popular day trip destination from Beijing. 🚗Transportation: 1. Self-driving: Take exit 24 from the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, about 1.5 hours direct drive, parking lot costs 10 yuan/day. 2. Public transportation: Take the Gubei Water Town special line from Dongzhimen (48 yuan/person, departures at 9:00/12:00/15:30 on working days, with additional buses on holidays). Lazy person's recommendation: Book a "round-trip shuttle + ticket" package through platforms like Trip.com for convenience. 3. High-speed rail: Take the S5 line from Beijing North Station to Gubekou Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus (ticket discounts available in spring). 👍️Must-visit spots: 1. Recommended route: Main entrance → Yongshun Dye House (beautiful light and shadow at the cloth drying field) → Zhenyuan Escort Agency → Hilltop Church (panoramic view) → Simatai Great Wall (the only section of the Ming Great Wall open for night tours). 2. **Special experiences** - **Rowing boat ride**: Experience the charm of a water town, recommend Route A (Yangui Dock → Sun and Moon Island Dock, 80 yuan/person). - **Intangible cultural heritage crafts**: Tie-dye, shadow puppetry, kite DIY, perfect for families. - **Hot springs**: Longfeng Pool Hot Springs or Gubei Light Hotel's infinity pool, especially recommended in winter. 3. **Night highlights** - **Water show**: 19:30 3D light and music fountain performance at Wangjing Street. - **Drone show**: Weekend exclusive, hundreds of drones light up the night sky (spring activities may change to other themes). - **Night tour of Simatai**: Climb the Great Wall with lanterns, where starlight meets lamplight for maximum romance. 🎟️Tickets: Gubei Water Town scenic area 140 yuan/person, Simatai Great Wall 40 yuan/person (day tour). Recommended to buy combo tickets (water town + Great Wall combo 170 yuan, night tour ticket 80 yuan) for better value. - **Hidden benefit**: Stay at hotels within the scenic area for free admission and free shuttle service. - **Special offers**: Pay attention to scenic area promotions, such as free Great Wall day tour tickets during the May Day period. 💗Other tips: May Day holiday (late April to early May 2025): Poet-themed parades and poetry/drinking competitions, follow the official "Drunk Travel Through Millennium" wonderful journey. Holiday activities: Such as drone shows and intangible cultural heritage markets. Check the "Gubei Water Town" official WeChat account for the latest arrangements before your trip.

🌈Spring is a love letter written by nature, every character overflowing with tenderness and romance. 🥳As the spring breeze gently caresses the earth, I came to Gubei Water Town, filled with anticipation for a beautiful spring day. Here, time seems to slow down, and every inch of air is filled with poetry. I'm🌼spending spring at Gubei Water Town📷, embarking on a journey of deep affection with nature and history. 🌸Spring has arrived, and everything is coming back to life. Every ray of light and shadow in Gubei Water Town is filled with the tenderness of northern spring~ ✨"So close, so beautiful, come to Gubei for the weekend" Here's your guide to romantic flower viewing spots in Gubei Water Town this spring~ 🔔[Spring Train] Special Offer🔍 🚄Transportation: S503 Train: Beijing North - Gubeikou ⏰Time: March 29 - May 30 🧧Offer: Tourists can purchase discounted Gubei Water Town tickets for 100/person for 2 days at the Gubei Water Town ticket window with train ticket and ID information❗️❗️ 🏯[Great Wall Day Trip Offer] ⏰Time: Before April 26 🧧Offer: Tourists who purchase scenic spot tickets and accommodation will receive a standard number of Simatai Great Wall day trip tickets, worth 40/person❗️❗️ 📅[Itinerary Recommendation] Day1⃣️: Yongshun Dyehouse - Sima Xiaoshao - Hilltop Church - Yue Lao Temple - Great Wall Music Water Show - Drone Show Day2⃣️: Simatai Great Wall - Boat Tour - Yida Silk (Handmade Silk Experience) - Lantern Shop - Candied Haws - Linjia Inn - Return Trip 💡[Tips]: It is recommended that tourists with children and foreign friends experience traditional handicrafts. 🏠[Accommodation] 1⃣️Water Town Hotel: Private parking lot, complete swimming pool and fitness facilities, suitable for seniors and children 2⃣️Yongshun Inn: Inn within the scenic area, close to Yongshun Dyehouse, convenient for travel, delicious inn cuisine 3⃣️Liyuan Inn: Located in the prime area of the scenic spot, built by the water, with an opera theme, full of southern charm 4⃣️Xichen Inn: Wash away the dust. Recommended for those who like to climb the Great Wall, as it is very close to the Great Wall. This spring, come to Gubei Water Town and enjoy the pleasant spring time~

Hiking the Great Wall is like stepping into a living legend. 🏯 Every stone, every turn reveals a new breathtaking view—from crumbling wild sections swallowed by nature to majestic restored stretches curving over the mountains like a dragon’s spine. 🐉 Whether it’s catching the first golden light at sunrise or standing on a lonely watchtower with the wind in your hair, this adventure feels both timeless and surreal. ✅ Highlights: Hidden, unrestored parts of the Wall for a true off-the-beaten-path experience Jaw-dropping panoramic views that stretch beyond the horizon Sunsets and sunrises that paint the Wall in unforgettable colors 💡 Pro Tip: Bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water, and your sense of wonder—you’re going to need all three! #naturalwonders #travel #hiking #thingstodo #GreatWall #HikingAdventures #NatureLovers #ChinaTravel 🌄🚶♂

Explore the Simatai Great Wall in Beijing: A magnificent historical wonder On the outskirts of Beijing, Simatai Great Wall attracts many tourists with its spectacular scenery and unique history. This section of the Great Wall is not only well-preserved, but also retains many of its original architectural features, making it a great place to appreciate the beauty of the Great Wall. The Simatai Great Wall was built along the steep mountain terrain and is famous for its five major characteristics: danger, density, neatness, ingenuity and completeness. Compared with the Mutianyu Great Wall and Badaling Great Wall that we are generally familiar with, it retains a more original appearance of the Great Wall since the Ming Dynasty. 🤍Must-see attractions 1. Climb the witness of history: Simatai Great Wall winds along the mountain ridge. Walking on the Great Wall, you can feel the ambition and determination of the ancient guards. The scenery along the way is magnificent, surrounded by mountains, which makes people feel relaxed and happy. 2. Unique Architectural Style: The Great Wall here is uniquely designed with multiple watchtowers and fortifications. From these towers, you can overlook the surrounding beauty and experience the heavy sense of history. 3. Night light show: If you have the opportunity, you might as well take part in the night light show of the Great Wall. The Great Wall under the lights is like a mysterious ancient relic, with a unique flavor. ⚠️Travel Tips ⌛️Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, with pleasant weather and the most charming scenery. 👟Wear comfortable shoes: It is recommended to wear suitable shoes for climbing and walking on the Great Wall. 💦Carry water and snacks: A long climb may make you thirsty and hungry, preparing some water and snacks will make your journey more enjoyable. #Mainland Travel #Simatai Great Wall #Great Wall Guide #Beijing

Here's a Miyun travel guide: Transportation Guide - Public Transportation: Take the Suburban Railway Line S5 to enjoy the scenery along the way. Some stations are close to scenic spots. You can also take a long-distance bus from Dongzhimen to Miyun, and then transfer to local buses or minibuses to reach various attractions. - Self-driving: Depart from downtown Beijing and take the Jingcheng Expressway. Follow navigation for easy access to Miyun's attractions. Attraction Recommendations - Gubei Water Town: Nestled in the arms of the Tang River and backed by the Simatai Great Wall, it combines the grandeur of the north with the gentleness of the south. Stroll along ancient streets, visit traditional workshops like the Yongshun Dyehouse, enjoy hot springs, and watch the water and light shows at night. - Chateau Changyu AFIP Global: Visit the Gothic castle and underground wine cellar, experience grape picking and wine tasting. In spring, the peach blossoms west of the main castle and the pear blossoms in front are in full bloom, creating a fairytale world. - Panlongshan Great Wall at Gubeikou: 5 km long and largely unrestored, it retains a simple and desolate beauty. The General's Tower and the 24-Eye Tower are the highlights. In spring, the apricot blossoms add to the charm. - Yunmengshan Great Wall Ruins Park: Known as the "Little Yellow Mountain," it features towering peaks, unique rock formations, waterfalls, and streams, with the Great Wall winding through the mountains. Enjoy the apricot blossoms in full bloom at the end of March. - Heilongtan Scenic Area: With steep cliffs on both sides of the canyon, three waterfalls and eighteen pools run through it, offering a combination of novelty, wonder, and danger. In spring, the mountain flowers are in full bloom, making it a great place for hiking and flower viewing. Food Recommendations - Miyun San Shao: Includes roast pork, liquor, and sesame seed cakes. The roast pork restaurant is a Gubei Water Town specialty. - Local Farmhouse Dishes: Featuring fresh ingredients and unique cooking methods, such as fish stew in a clay pot and cornbread. - Reservoir Fish: Miyun Reservoir fish is known for its delicious taste. Try dishes like stove-cooked fish and braised fish. Suggested Itineraries - Two-day Trip: Arrive at Gubei Water Town in the morning on the first day, explore the ancient town, experience traditional crafts, and watch the water and light shows in the evening. On the second day, visit Chateau Changyu AFIP Global, tour the castle and wine cellar, enjoy wine tasting, and return in the afternoon. - Three-day Trip: On the first day, visit the Panlongshan Great Wall at Gubeikou, experience the historical charm, and admire the apricot blossoms in spring. On the second day, go to Yunmengshan Great Wall Ruins Park for hiking and sightseeing, enjoying the natural scenery and the Great Wall. On the third day, visit Heilongtan Scenic Area in the morning to explore the three waterfalls and eighteen pools. In the afternoon, go shopping or enjoy local cuisine in Miyun before returning.

## Gubei Water Town Travel Guide is Here! [Introduction] When the gentleness of Jiangnan water towns meets the magnificence of the northern mountains, the stunning "Northern Wuzhen" – Gubei Water Town – is born. With both the tenderness of small bridges and flowing water and the grandeur of the Great Wall, it is an ideal place for urbanites to escape the hustle and bustle. Follow this guide to start your 48-hour slow life in the water town. [Highlights] 1. Ink Painting at the Foot of the Great Wall: Backed by the Simatai Great Wall and overlooking the Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir, the 2.5 square kilometers are covered with Ming and Qing style buildings. 2. Rare River Network System in the North: The Tang River tributary runs through the town, and 23 ancient bridges connect 7 functional areas. 3. A Photography Paradise with Scenery in All Seasons: Cherry blossom rain in spring, cool nights in summer, red leaves in autumn, and ice and snow festivals in winter. [Top 5 Must-Experience] 1. Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall (the only section of the Great Wall in Asia open at night) - It is recommended to take the cable car up the mountain at 18:30 to watch the sunset and the lights gradually light up. - There is a Great Wall music light show every Saturday night. 2. Take a Boat Ride Through the Waterways - Classic route: Riyuedao Pier → Yuanyang Lake Pier (approx. 25 minutes) - The best time to shoot is from 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning, when the mist is like a fairyland. 3. Yongshun Dyehouse DIY Tie-Dye - Rebuilt from a time-honored brand in the Qing Dynasty, you can experience traditional plant dyeing. - The cloth drying yard on the second floor is a popular spot for photos. 4. Sunset at the Church on the Top of the Mountain - Romanesque architectural complex, you can overlook the whole town when you reach the top. - It is recommended to go at 17:00, and there are often sea of clouds wonders in autumn. 5. Hot Spring Soak and Stargazing - Duanjia Courtyard Hot Spring faces the Great Wall directly. - Reservations are required 3 days in advance for snow soaking in winter. [Featured Accommodation Guide] 🏮 Boutique Hotel Lovers: Wuzhen Club (courtyard room type with private hot spring) 🏮 Literary and Art Youth Choice: Hangu Villa (minimalist design, starry sky room) 🏮 Recommended for Family Travel: Gubei Light (parent-child theme, direct access to the swimming pool) 🏮 Cost-Effective Choice: Barracks Inn (military school style, 200+ per person) [Food Map] 🍲 Must-Try Three Treasures: Miyun Braised Pork (Simagang Restaurant), Ancient Method Roasted Pear (Tangshi Street), Great Wall Beer (brewed in the workshop area) 🍜 Hidden Delicacies: Bridgehead Cake (Riyuedao Bridge), River Snail Rice Noodles (next to the Water Town Post Office) ☕ Afternoon Tea Recommendation: Cloud Coffee (Church on the Top of the Mountain), Braised Pork Restaurant Terrace [Useful Information] 📍 Address: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing 🚗 Transportation: Take the Gubei Water Town special line from Dongzhimen Bus Hub (CNY 48/person) or drive by yourself (1.5 hours) 💰 Tickets: CNY 140 (CNY 80 for night show), discounted for guests staying overnight 📅 Best Season: September-October (red leaf season), December-February (Christmas ice and snow season) [Photography Tips] • Classic Spots: Yinghua Bridge for the morning glow, Yangui Pier for reflections • Night Scene Parameters: ISO800-1600, tripod is essential • Hanfu Shooting: Many rental shops in the town (approx. CNY 200/set) [Conclusion] When the lanterns light up one by one, and the sound of gurgling water is accompanied by the Pingtan tunes, you will understand why this place is called "the most gentle border in the north." The charm of Gubei Water Town lies in its ability to let you touch the weight of history and the poetry of life at the same time. Pack your bags, this time-traveling vacation is worth your stay.

The magnificent Simatai Great Wall is a must-visit at least once in your lifetime! 🏯 Located near Beijing, it retains the original charm of the Great Wall of China. 🧱 The atmosphere is peaceful and not crowded, perfect for enjoying beautiful natural scenery 🏞️ and breathing in fresh air. Ideal for nature lovers and those who appreciate tranquility. ⛰️ The photos turn out amazing, and the views are stunning, making every angle look like a postcard! 📸 📍Address: Simatai Great Wall, Beijing

#Mainland Travel Simatai Great Wall is located in Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing. It is the only section of the Great Wall in China that retains its original appearance from the Ming Dynasty. It is famous for its five major features: "dangerous, dense, strange, ingenious and complete". It was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. It is 5.4 kilometers long and has 35 watchtowers. The "Fairy Tower" and "Wangjing Tower" in the eastern section are classic landmarks. The Wangjing Tower is 986 meters above sea level and offers a distant view of the city of Beijing. This place combines steep mountains with unique geological landscapes, such as the "ladder to the sky" (slope 85 degrees) and the "sky bridge" (only 40 cm wide), making it a top choice for photography and adventure enthusiasts. Transportation Self-driving: It takes about 2 hours to drive from downtown Beijing. Navigate to Gubei Water Town Parking Lot and take the free shuttle bus to the Great Wall entrance. Public transportation: Take the "Gubei Water Town Through Bus" from Dongzhimen Bus Hub, which costs 48 yuan per person for a one-way trip and takes 2 hours. The bus departs at 9:00 and 13:00 every day. Night tour transfer: If you want to climb the Great Wall at night, you need to take a special bus from Gubei Water Town Scenic Area. Only tourists who have purchased package tickets are allowed. Tickets and opening hours Day tour ticket: 40 yuan/person, cable car one-way 90 yuan, round-trip 160 yuan; night tour package including cable car 160 yuan/person. Combined ticket discount: Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall combined ticket is 170 yuan, including multiple entries and exits to the water town and free shuttle bus. Opening hours: Day tour 09:00-17:00 (last admission at 15:00); night tour adjusted according to the season, until 21:40 in summer. Tour route and highlights Essential route: Take the cable car to East Five Eyes Tower → walk to Wangjing Tower (No. 10 enemy tower in the east section). Along the way, you can challenge the ladder and sky bridge and overlook the cold and hot springs of Yuanyang Lake. Night tour experience: It is recommended to combine it with the Gubei Water Town itinerary, climb the Great Wall in the evening to watch the sunset, and overlook the lights of the water town and the drone show at night. Family Route: The terrain of the west section No. 1-5 enemy towers is relatively flat, suitable for families, and can be combined with the traditional craft experience in Gubei Water Town. Precautions Safety tips: Some sections of the road have no guardrails and narrow stairs, so you need to wear non-slip shoes and avoid going there on rainy days; the elderly and children are recommended to take the cable car. Reservation Instructions: To visit the Great Wall alone, you must make a real-name reservation on the official website one day in advance. Admission is divided into three batches per day (10:00, 12:00, 14:00). Equipment recommendations: Bring your own drinking water and light dry food, protect yourself from the sun in summer and keep warm in winter. A windproof jacket is required as the mountaintop is windy. The Simatai Great Wall combines historical dangers with natural magnificence. It is recommended to plan a one-day tour with Gubei Water Town to experience the shock of the "original Great Wall" and the poetry of the surrounding towns. #Mainland China Attractions #Beijing

To be honest, I was expecting to go to Beijing to see Great Wall since it is a must, as I was transiting there and I had a hard yet fun trip in Mongolia, I decided to stay at the Gubei Watertown (the hotel is the most expensive in this trip but most worthy because I get to stay inside the watertown and I explored around at night and early in the morning. Best thing is no crowd there and I can take as many photos as I want. I went to Simatai Great Wall first thing in the morning and the guard also said I was the first person of the day to hike up. I took 3 hours to and flo and no regrets of seeing such a nice great wall (no crowd as you can see)

Hey ladies! Want to explore Chengde and its surrounding areas in depth? This guide unlocks a new way to play! Take a jeep through the untouched areas of the Wulan Butong grasslands, experience Naadam's wrestling, archery, and equestrian performances, and enjoy expert lectures on the Mountain Resort. Don't miss the reindeer tribe and bonfire evening under the stars. There's even the intangible cultural heritage of Dashuhua (molten iron fireworks) for you to experience! -------------------- 🚩Itinerary: D1: 🛫 Arrive in Beijing and transfer to Chengde. Experience the unique charm of this small city north of the Great Wall. Overnight stay in Chengde. D2: In-depth tour of the Mountain Resort -> Visit the Mountain Resort Museum -> Experience the fun of drifting on Lake Doluntai. What a fulfilling day! D3: Depart for Mulan Weichang -> Jeep tour across the Wulan Butong grasslands -> Encounter the mystical Ewenki Reindeer Tribe -> Overnight stay in Wulan Butong, enjoying the starry grassland sky and a bonfire 🔥. D4: Continue the Wulan Butong journey -> Visit the Saihanba National Forest Park and experience the magnificence of nature. D5: Visit the Simatai Great Wall and admire the majesty of the ancient wall -> 🛬 End the trip and return home with wonderful memories. This trip not only includes expert lectures on the history and culture of the Mountain Resort but also offers the chance to experience the traditional Naadam festival on the grasslands, including wrestling, archery 🏹, interacting with cute animals 🐎, and equestrian performances. Don't forget the spectacular Dashuhua performance, an intangible cultural heritage, waiting for you to discover! 🎇 -------------------- Must-See Attractions: 🌟 The Mountain Resort: This is a jewel of the Qing Dynasty's imperial gardens, where architecture and natural landscapes blend harmoniously. Every step reveals a picturesque scene, showcasing classical charm. 🍃 Wulan Butong Grasslands: Vast grasslands, enchanting scenery, and a filming location for numerous movies and TV shows. In autumn, the landscape transforms into a vibrant tapestry of colors. 🌿 Mulan Weichang: Lush grasslands and picturesque scenery. This was a filming location for the popular drama *Scarlet Heart*, allowing you to travel through time and experience the romance of the grasslands. 🌲 Saihanba National Forest Park: The close integration of grasslands and forests creates a mesmerizing tapestry of red and yellow autumn hues. This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where every frame is a masterpiece. -------------------- Travel Checklist: 🧳 What to bring for your trip to Chengde! 👚 Clothing: Chengde experiences significant temperature differences in March. Pack a light down jacket, thermal underwear, a windproof jacket, and a hat. 👟 Shoes: Comfortable athletic shoes are the best choice for hiking and walking. Remember to bring a spare pair. 🎒 Bag: A lightweight backpack is sufficient for snacks, a water bottle, and your camera. 🔋 Electronics: A power bank and charging cables are essential to keep your phone fully charged. 💊 Medicine: Pack stomach medicine, cold medicine, and band-aids, just in case. 📘 Documents: Keep your ID card, tickets, and entry passes safe. Don't forget them! 🧢 Sun and Rain Protection: An umbrella and sunscreen are essential for dealing with unpredictable weather. -------------------- A trip to Chengde offers a blend of beautiful scenery and captivating stories. Don't forget to leave your footprints and memories! If you like this guide, give it a like and save it~ ❤

|||🌟[Gubei Water Town Must-See Attractions in Beijing]🌟 📍Location: Gubei Water Town, Beijing 🎫Tickets: CNY 140/person 🚤Boat tour: Full route CNY 120/person, half route CNY 80/person, round-trip shared boat CNY 80/person ➡️ Yongshun Dyehouse ➡️ Sima Xiaoshao Distillery ➡️ Temple of the Old Man under the Moon ➡️ Yuantong Pagoda ➡️ Yinghua Academy ➡️ Hilltop Church ➡️ Simatai Great Wall (You can skip this if you're tired) ➡️ Evening shows (drone show, music and water show) 🍴Food: Cloud Cafe, Wild Goose Inn Riverside Restaurant, Qiaotou Cakes ✨[Cloud Cafe]✨ You must try their Sugar Hulu Iced Americano! ☕️ The icy taste combined with the unique sugar hulu flavor is the perfect summer treat! Sit in the cafe and overlook the entire water town, taking in the beautiful scenery. It's a great place to take photos! 📸 🐟[Wild Goose Inn Riverside Restaurant]🐟 Recommended dishes: grilled fish and dry-fried river shrimp! The grilled fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a mouth-watering aroma. The river shrimp are crispy and delicious, each bite is pure bliss! Sit by the river and enjoy the night view of the water town while you eat. The atmosphere is amazing! 🌙 🍰[Qiaotou Cakes]🍰 A special snack of Gubei Water Town, soft, glutinous, and sweet. Be sure to eat them while they're hot! Every bite is a childhood memory, definitely not to be missed! 🚤[Boat Tour]🚤 The full boat tour goes from Yangui Dock to Yuanyang Lake Dock, with picturesque scenery along the way, as if you are in a water town in southern China. The half route and round-trip routes also have their own characteristics, and the shared boat is more cost-effective! Tickets are sold at the three docks, remember to buy them in advance! 📌Tips 1. It is recommended to stay overnight. If you don't have time, you can come early in the evening, stroll around and eat for a day, the night view is super beautiful! 2. Remember to bring a jacket for the boat tour, as the river breeze can be a bit chilly at night. 3. Make reservations for recommended restaurants in advance to avoid queues.