[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Hilltop Church (Updated May)

Hey, everyone! I recently took a trip to Gubei Water Town, and it was absolutely amazing! It felt like I traveled to a Jiangnan water town in a second! The key is that it's super cost-effective, making it easy for budget travelers to enjoy. Here's my treasure guide with both hands, taking you to enjoy Gubei Water Town and get the most bang for your buck! [RoundNails] Address: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District 🚗 Transportation Guide [Car] Self-driving: Starting from Beijing, the whole journey is about 120 km, and it takes about 2 hours to drive. The scenery along the way is super beautiful, and you can hum a little song while enjoying the scenery outside the window, making it a leisurely experience. But be sure to check the road conditions in advance, don't get stuck on the road, otherwise the good mood will be worn away by the "traffic jam army"! [Bus] Bus: There is a special bus line directly to Gubei Water Town outside Dongzhimen Bus Station. The ticket is about CNY 48💰, and the journey is about 1.5 hours. You can also take a nap on the bus to recharge your energy and start playing when you arrive! [Taxi] Ride-hailing: If you don't want to drive yourself or take a bus, you can also find a ride online or near the station. It costs CNY 100–150💰 per person, and you can share the cost with more people. 🎫 Ticket Information The ticket for Gubei Water Town is CNY 140💰/person. If you also want to climb the Simatai Great Wall, the day ticket is CNY 40💰/person, and the night ticket (including the cable car) is CNY 160💰/person. There are also discounts for students, the elderly, etc. Remember to bring relevant documents🙄 ‼️ Must-see Attractions 1⃣ Simatai Great Wall: Tour the Great Wall at night and overlook the panoramic view of the town. It's so beautiful. 2⃣ Yuantong Pagoda: The foot of the mountain has a worldly atmosphere, and the mountain has a Zen-like and tranquil matchmaker temple: a sacred place for marriage and blessings. It is said to be super effective. 3⃣ Summit Church: Accompanied by cloud coffee, the beautiful sunset🌄 can be seen. 4⃣ Yongxing Dyeing Workshop: Tie-dyed floral cloth, full of charm, a must-see attraction! 5⃣ Zhenyuan Escort Agency: Walk into the world of Jianghu and feel the changing situation of the Escort Agency. 3D Light and Water Dance Show: A visual feast of ice and fire, a naked-eye 3D shock is coming👍 ❗ Precautions ✅️ Power bank: There are many people in the scenic area, and power banks are in short supply. Be sure to bring your own, otherwise your phone will run out of power, and you won't be able to record the beautiful scenery. You can only worry! ✅️ Most of the water town is paved with stone slabs and super large steps. It is recommended to wear comfortable and lightweight sneakers👟. The mountainous area is still a bit cold at night, so you can bring a coat🧥~ ✅️ It is recommended to take a one-way cable car to the Simatai Great Wall, wear sunglasses, and apply sunscreen! Family members, pack your bags and head to Gubei Water Town. Believe me, this trip will definitely make you linger!

📍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~

## 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.

🎈Gubei Water Town in autumn is stunning! Every step is a scene, and every photo is a painting. 🎨 🚗Transportation: If you drive, just navigate to "Gubei Water Town P1 Parking Lot", check your luggage 🧳 to the hotel, and the parking fee is CNY 25/time. If you take public transportation, you can go to Beijing Dongzhimen Hub Station first, and then take the Gubei Water Town Express Bus 🚌, which is super convenient! 🏨Accommodation: Highly recommend staying in hotels 🏨 and inns in the scenic area, where you can enjoy the night view of the water town 🌃 at night and feel the quiet atmosphere in the morning. Many inns have special themes and great service 👍. 🌟Itinerary: 👉Morning: After entering from the visitor center, go to Yongshun Dyeing Workshop first. The colorful dyed cloths flutter in the wind, and the photos 📷 are amazing, with a high rate of good photos! Then you can visit the academy and feel the strong cultural atmosphere. 👉Noon: Have lunch at Gubei Water Street, where there are many snacks and restaurants along the way. I recommend trying the Qiaotou Cake and Radish Cake, which are super delicious 😋. 👉Afternoon: Take a boat ride and enjoy the ancient buildings along the river, as if you were traveling back to the water town of Jiangnan 🛶. After the boat ride, go to the hotel or inn for a comfortable hot spring bath ♨️, and feel relaxed. 👉Evening: Don't miss the music fountain and drone Kongming lantern show 🎇! The perfect combination of lights, music, and water dance is amazing! The patterns formed by the drones flicker in the night sky, which is extremely romantic 💕. After the show, you can go to the church on the top of the mountain to see the night view and overlook the lights of the whole water town.

Inside the Gubei Water Town scenic area, there is a high point. Every time I come, I see many tourists going up and down, but I have never climbed it. This time, I decided to go up and take a look. I found out that there is a very old mountain top church on the small hill. There are quite a few steps up and down. I chose to come to the mountain top church in the morning when there were the fewest tourists. The view from the top is very beautiful, offering a panoramic view of Gubei Water Town.

The whisper of autumn in the lens It is said that Beijing is the ceiling for enjoying autumn🍂 There is already a bit of coolness in Beijing now It's about to be the most beautiful season in Beiping Don't miss this place when you see red leaves in Beijing👉 Few people and beautiful scenery‼️ 📝It reminds me of a poem: 'You must remember the good scenery of the year, especially when the oranges and tangerines are green...' Here in autumn It seems to be a palette overturned by nature🎨 The ivy quickly turns red Changing the look of every small alley The ancient town with red There is a kind of instant feeling of crossing to the south of the Yangtze River in autumn 📍Gubei Water Town 🔺Best viewing period: Mid-October to late October 🍁Must check in for the red leaf season‼️ ✅You must go to the church on the top of the mountain with the one you love. On the way to the top of the mountain, you can overlook the colorful autumn colors of the entire ancient town, and you can also check in at the cloud coffee shop and squat a romantic sunset ✅You must go to Yongshun Dyeing Workshop, where various fabrics hang down, and it is very photogenic with Hanfu ✅You must go to take a rowing boat, enjoy the beautiful scenery of red leaves all the way, and feel the comfort of the south of the Yangtze River in a second ✅You must go to Wangjing Street in the evening to watch the Great Wall light and water dance show, which will shock you ✅You must go to Riyue Island Square at night to watch a drone Kongming lantern performance, you will be amazed～ ✅You must go to the night tour of Simatai Great Wall, you can take a cable car back and forth, overlooking the romantic small town under the Great Wall at the highest point ✅You must go to Yinghua Academy, where you can experience Chinese traditional culture ✅You must go to Yuantong Tower once, where you can experience living in a vegetarian room, eating vegetarian food, copying scriptures, and tasting Buddha tea ✅You must go to Zhenyuan Escort, where you can experience Hanfu and blessings ✅You must take a comfortable hot spring♨️ after watching the beautiful scenery ... There are still many ways to play waiting to be unlocked, I have already started to look forward to it☺️The red leaf season is very short, make a strategy in advance, hurry up and rush❗️

📍 Located in Gubei Water Town. It’s on the hill and there are many stairs and a bit tiring but totally worth it. ☕️ There is also a small coffee shop belonging to the church you can enjoy a cup of coffee and breath fresh air. ⛰ The atmosphere is great, clean and beautiful place. Very peaceful and breathtaking. ⛪️ Even if you are not religious it’s still an amazing place to be and to hold on a second and be in your head for a while. 📸 @_ana_mee_ on Instagram #church #beijingtrip #chinalife #gubeiwatertown #peacetoyou