Gubei Water Town Travel Guide: What to See & How to Visit
Nestled in the mountains of Miyun District, northeast of Beijing, Gubei Water Town combines traditional-style Chinese architecture, canals, local food, night views, and the dramatic Simatai Great Wall.
Unlike historic water towns such as Wuzhen, Gubei Water Town is a modern recreation of a traditional Chinese water town. It was built around the former villages at the foot of Simatai Great Wall and has developed into a large resort with hotels, restaurants, cultural attractions, and leisure activities.
For international visitors, Gubei Water Town is particularly interesting because you can experience a water town and the Great Wall in the same trip. It can be visited as a long day trip from Beijing, but staying overnight allows you to enjoy the town after dark and spend more time around Simatai.
Gubei Water Town at a Glance
| Project | Content |
|---|---|
| Location | Miyun District, northeast Beijing |
| Best for | Water-town scenery, night views, local food, and the Simatai Great Wall |
| Time needed | 1 day, or 1 night for a more relaxed visit |
| Main attractions | Gubei Water Town, Simatai Great Wall, canals, traditional streets, cultural workshops, Drone Show |
| Best experience | Combine the water town with Simatai Great Wall |
| Good for | Couples, families, photographers, and travelers interested in Chinese culture |
I. Gubei Water Town and Its History
1. Gubei Water Town: A Modern Recreation of an Ancient Water Town
It is important to understand what Gubei Water Town actually is.
Although the surrounding Gubeikou area has a long history connected with the Great Wall and China’s northern frontier, Gubei Water Town itself is not an ancient water town preserved from centuries ago.
The resort was built on the former five natural villages of Simatai Village, near the Simatai Great Wall. Its architecture, canals, bridges, streets, and traditional-style buildings recreate the atmosphere of an old Chinese water town.
The nearby Gubeikou area, however, has a much longer history. Gubeikou was an important military pass and strategic gateway to Beijing, and the surrounding Great Wall sections reflect centuries of military history.
This combination of historical Great Wall scenery and a modern recreation of a traditional water town is what makes Gubei Water Town different from many other attractions around Beijing.
2.Simatai Great Wall: The Main Reason to Visit
The Simatai Great Wall is directly connected with Gubei Water Town and is one of the main highlights of the area.
Unlike some heavily restored sections of the Great Wall, Simatai retains much of its original Ming Dynasty appearance. The wall follows steep mountain ridges, creating dramatic views over the surrounding mountains and Gubei Water Town. Only East Watchtowers 2–10 are currently open to visitors. The western section is not open to the public.
World-Class Landscape: The Simatai section has been rated by The Times as “One of the Top 25 Places Not to Be Missed in the World.” It is known for its steep terrain, complete 20-tower structure, and dramatic mountain curves. The “Fairy Maiden Tower” and “Wangjing Tower” (nearly 986 m above sea level) offer dizzying vistas back toward Beijing.
Hiking Paradise: Early morning or dusk is ideal for the climb—through the so-called “Heavenly Ladder” (near-vertical slope) and “Sky Bridge” (a narrow walkway suspended on the cliff). The sunrise pouring over a sea of clouds from the summit makes the effort worth it.
II. What to See in Gubei Water Town
You do not need to visit every attraction in the resort. Much of the enjoyment comes from simply walking through the streets, crossing the small bridges, and following the canals.
Here are some of the highlights worth looking for.
1. Core Attractions
- Tanghe Ancient Village: A canal meanders through this part of town, willows dip their branches, traditional wupeng boats drift. We recommend a boat ride from “Wild Goose Pier” (Yan Gui Matou) to “Mandarin Duck Lake Pier” (Yuanyang Hu Matou) for panoramic views of the town.
- Yongshun Dyehouse: In the vast drying yard indigo-printed cloths flutter in the breeze—a scene reminiscent of the famed scroll Along the River During the Qingming Festival. You can try traditional tie-dyeing and take home a custom souvenir.
- Zhenyuan Escort Agency: A meticulously restored Ming- and Qing-era security firm—with wax figures of bodyguards, weapon displays and route maps—it transports you into a wuxia world. Daily “Escort Parade” performances add interactive fun.
- Eight Banners Hall: This cultural space displays artefacts and hosts folk performances that bring the Manchu Eight-Banners system to life. Try on historical Manchu attire for photos or watch a “Shaman Priest” drum dance.
- Hilltop Church: For one of the easiest panoramic views of Gubei Water Town, head toward the Hilltop Church. The viewpoint overlooks the rooftops, canals, and surrounding mountains. The climb takes only several minutes, although you can also use the local shuttle service if you prefer not to walk uphill. This is particularly attractive around sunset and after dark.
2. Gubei Water Town at Night
Gubei Water Town changes considerably after sunset. Traditional-style buildings are illuminated, the canals reflect the lights, and the surrounding mountains become a dark backdrop to the town.
Walking along the canals at night is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the atmosphere.
Depending on the season and current schedule, the resort may also have evening performances, light shows, or other special events. Schedules can change, especially during weekends, holidays, and special events, so check the official schedule before your visit.
If you have enough time, we highly recommend staying overnight to experience a different side of Gubei Water Town after dark.
III. What to Eat in Gubei Water Town
Gubei Water Town has plenty of restaurants and snack shops, so you can easily eat inside the scenic area. Some local-style foods and snacks to look for include:
Miyun Local Dishes
Miyun cuisine includes a number of hearty northern Chinese dishes. You can find local specialties featuring meat, fish, tofu, and seasonal ingredients.
Qiaotou Cake
Qiaotou Cake is a traditional-style sweet snack made from glutinous rice flour, often with a red-bean filling. It is small enough to enjoy while walking around the town.
Gubei Roasted Pear
Roasted pear is a seasonal sweet snack served warm, often with rock sugar and other sweet ingredients. It is particularly appealing during the colder months.
Copper-Pot Hot Pot
For a more substantial meal, northern-style copper-pot mutton hot pot is another option. The traditional setup uses a copper pot with a charcoal or heated center and is commonly served with sesame dipping sauce and other condiments.
IV. Gubei Water Town Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Perfect Visit
How to Get to Gubei Water Town from Beijing
Gubei Water Town is about 120 km from central Beijing, so it is not a quick subway ride from the city center.
By Direct Bus
For visitors without a car, the direct express bus from Dongzhimen is one of the simplest public transportation options. The official Gubei Water Town website currently lists departures from Dongzhimen at:
Monday–Friday: 9:00, 12:00, 15:30
Saturday, Sunday & holidays: 9:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30
The listed fare is ¥48, paid directly on the bus. Return buses leave from Parking Lot P2 at Gubei Water Town. Because schedules can change, check the latest timetable before leaving.
By Car or Private Transfer
Driving or taking a private transfer is another convenient option, especially for families or travelers staying overnight. The journey from central Beijing generally takes around two hours or more depending on traffic.
For international visitors traveling with several people, a private transfer can also make the trip easier because you do not need to coordinate several public transportation connections.
Should You Stay Overnight?
For travelers who have enough time, staying overnight gives you a very different experience.
An overnight stay makes sense if you want to:
- See Gubei Water Town after dark
- Experience the Simatai night tour
- Enjoy the town at a slower pace
- Try local restaurants without rushing
- Use the hot springs
- Combine the water town with a daytime Great Wall hike
A Simple Two-Day Plan
Day 1
Arrive in Gubei Water Town → explore the town → dinner → enjoy the night views → optional Simatai night tour
Day 2
Breakfast → continue exploring → visit Simatai Great Wall during the day → return to Beijing
This is also a more comfortable option for families who do not want to squeeze everything into one day.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Gubei Water Town?
Gubei Water Town can be visited throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring
Milder weather and fresh greenery make spring comfortable for walking around the town and hiking the Great Wall.
Summer
The mountain setting provides a pleasant escape from central Beijing, although summer can be hot during the day.
Autumn
Autumn is one of the most scenic periods, especially when the surrounding mountains turn golden and red.
Winter
Winter brings a quieter atmosphere and, when conditions are right, snow-covered rooftops and mountains can create beautiful scenery.
For the most comfortable sightseeing experience, spring and autumn are particularly good choices. If your priority is snow scenery or winter atmosphere, however, winter can also be rewarding.
Gubei Water Town Travel Tips
1.Wear comfortable shoes
Even if you do not hike the Great Wall, you will walk quite a lot around the water town.
2.Check Great Wall tickets separately
The Gubei Water Town entrance ticket and Simatai Great Wall tickets are separate products, although combination tickets are available.
3. Do not plan a sunrise hike
The official FAQ states that daytime ticketing begins in the morning, so a sunrise hike on Simatai is not currently possible.
4. Check evening schedules
Light shows, performances, and seasonal activities can change. Do not rely on an old schedule you found online.
5. Bring layers in spring and autumn
Temperatures can feel quite different between central Beijing and the mountain area around Gubei Water Town.
6. Consider staying overnight
If you want to experience both the daytime scenery and the illuminated town, one night gives you much more flexibility.
V. Is Gubei Water Town Worth Adding to Your Beijing Trip?
Gubei Water Town is a good fit if you want to experience several things in one destination:
Traditional-style Chinese architecture and canals
A relaxed water-town atmosphere
Nighttime scenery
Local food and cultural activities
The Simatai Great Wall
An overnight resort experience
However, there is one important distinction to keep in mind:
Gubei Water Town is a modern recreation, not an untouched ancient water town. Its appeal is the combination of water-town scenery, resort facilities, and the Great Wall in one place.
If you are planning a longer Beijing trip, you can also see our 5-Day Beijing Itinerary, which includes Gubei Water Town as part of a multi-day Beijing route. For more places to visit, explore our Beijing Tourist Attractions guide.
