Exploring the Oriental Water Town at the Foot of the Great Wall: The Millennial Poetry and Painting of Gubei Water Town

Nestled in the Miyun mountains northeast of Beijing, a remarkable destination called Gubei Water Town is capturing the attention of global travellers with its unique blend of northern water-town aesthetics and Great Wall grandeur. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Simatai Great Wall, this recreated “ancient Chinese town” of grey bricks, dark roof tiles and flowing water offers a cultural code that resonates across East and West—shaped by more than a thousand years of history.

I. The History and Heritage of Gubei Water Town: From Frontier Fortress to Cultural Haven

1. Gubeikou: The Beacon-Fire Memory of a Millennial Frontier Pass

• Strategic Chokepoint: Historically, Gubeikou served as China’s northern gateway, defending the Central Plains from various nomadic incursions. Traces of defence works date back to the Spring & Autumn period, while a town was established during the Liao Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty famed general Qi Jiguang rebuilt the wall here, leaving the perilous sections of Simatai and Wohu Mountain behind.
• A Monument to War: In 1933 the Battle of Gubeikou raged, and by 1945 this pass became the only location in the Beijing area where the Japanese formally surrendered—marked by a joint ceremony of the Eighth Route Army and Soviet Red Army.
• Cultural Mosaic: At the Gubeikou Historical & Cultural Museum you’ll find weapons from the Ming era, relics from the Warring States period, and exhibits of Manchu folk culture—revealing layers of civilisation within this frontier landscape.

2. Simatai Great Wall: An Epic on the Cliffs

• 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. Top Attractions in Gubei Water Town: A Step Through Time

1. Core Attractions: Must-Visit Spots

• Tanghe Ancient Village: A canal meanders through this part of town, willows dip their branches, traditional wupeng boats drift. We recommend a boat ride (≈ ¥80/person) 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 (≈ ¥120/session) 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 (≈ ¥50/set) or watch a “Shaman Priest” drum dance.

2. Night Tour Experience: Romance Under Lights and Stars

• Great Wall Music Water Show: On Wangjing Street every evening, 3D projections turn the Simatai Great Wall into a giant screen, paired with lasers, fountains and music for a breathtaking visual feast (free of charge—arrive early for best vantage).
• Drone Kongming Lantern Show: On weekends and holidays hundreds of drones ascend and form patterns such as the “Great Wall” and the “Phoenix”, reflected in the star-lit sky (free participation).
• Mountain-Top Church: Climb to the church observation deck to look down on the town’s nightscape—twinkling lights, canal reflections—it feels like a small European village in China.

III. Top Attractions in Gubei Water Town: A Step Through Time

Gubei Water Town’s cuisine brings together the boldness of northern flavours, the refinement of southern traditions, and even touches of international fusion.

Local Must-Eats in Gubei Water Town

• Miyun Three Roasts (San Shao): Roast pork (rich but never greasy), roast fish (tender and fragrant), and roast tofu (crispy outside, soft inside). For an authentic Beijing experience try the Jingtai blue-copper-pot hotpot at the “Guguan Hotpot Restaurant”, served with sesame paste and sweet garlic.
• Qiaotou Cake (Qiaotou Gao): A classic steamed glutinous-rice flour pastry with red-bean filling. Sweet yet light (≈ ¥5/piece)—perfect for snacking as you stroll.
• Gubei Roasted Pear (Gubei Kao Li): Seasonal favourite—pears roasted until tender, infused with rock sugar and sweet osmanthus—a lung-soothing treat (≈ ¥15/cup).

IV. Gubei Water Town Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Perfect Visit

• Transportation: From Beijing North Station take suburban railway S501 (≈ 2 h 26 m) to Gubeikou Station. A free shuttle bus runs from there to the town (≈ 10 min). If driving, use the Jingcheng Expressway (Exit 24); the mountain road panorama is spectacular.
• In-Depth Experience:
  • 6 AM – Hike the Simatai Great Wall to catch sunrise mist through a deserted watchtower.
  • Afternoon – Try movable-type printing at Yinghua Academy and make a rubbing of the phrase “Key Lock of the Capital” (Jingshi Suoyue).
  • Evening – Attend the “Dream Back to Gubei” night tour (7:30 PM – 9:00 PM) and immerse in 30+ immersive performances.
• Best Time to Visit: Suitable in all seasons: spring for flowers, summer for cool mountain escape, autumn for red leaves, winter for nearby skiing at Nanshan Ski Resort.
• Avoid Crowds: Weekdays are significantly quieter. On weekends or holidays aim to arrive before 9:00 AM for the best experience.

V. Conclusion: Why Gubei Water Town Is Beijing’s Hidden Gem

The enchantment of Gubei Water Town lies in its ability to recreate a timeless China—where the rugged legacy of the Great Wall meets the gentle calm of a water-village. It blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. For travellers, this isn’t just a charming getaway near Beijing—it’s a meaningful window into Chinese culture.

Interested in more inspired escapes around Beijing and beyond? Explore our Beijing Tourist Attractions Collection for curated itineraries, hidden gems and full-length guides.