Gubei Water Town – Right at the Foot of Simatai Great Wall

The picturesque waterways of Gubei Water Town offer a visual feast, but there’s much more to discover beyond its charming streets. The town features several attractions that allow visitors to enjoy stunning views and immerse themselves in local folk culture.

Gubei Church (山顶教堂): If you’re not planning to visit the Simatai Great Wall, head to Gubei Church, perched on a small hill. It provides a panoramic view of the entire town.

Yuantong Pagoda (圆通塔): For those interested in Buddhist culture, the Yuantong Pagoda is a must-visit. Here, you can meditate with monks, sample Buddhist tea, and enjoy a vegetarian lunch.

Sima Brewery (司马酿酒馆): To explore the process of making alcohol, visit Sima Brewery, where you can witness the brewing process and sample traditional grain dishes.

Yongshun Dyeing House (永顺染坊): Explore the art of ecological dyeing at Yongshun Dyeing House. If you’re interested, you can join a class to learn weaving or create your own dyed items for an additional cost.

Yinghua Academy (英华书院): At Yinghua Academy, immerse yourself in traditional Chinese calligraphy, sip fragrant tea, and relax in the courtyard. You can also try movable-type printing and paper-making for a small fee.

Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall (杨无敌祠): Discover the history of the soldiers who once guarded the Great Wall at the Yang Wudi Ancestral Hall, where you can learn about General Yang Wudi’s life.

Zhenyuan Bodyguard Bureau (震远镖局): Visit the Zhenyuan Bodyguard Bureau, built during the Qing Dynasty, to practice martial arts and gain insight into the life of ancient bodyguards. You can also experience crossbow shooting for an added charge.

Gubei Water Town Hot Spring

The Gubeikou area boasts abundant geothermal resources, resulting in numerous natural hot springs. Legend has it that the soldiers who built the Great Wall would visit these springs to unwind after a day of hard labor. Most hotels in Gubei Water Town offer hot spring services, and if you opt for the hot springs near Yuanyang Lake in the eastern part of the town, you can enjoy views of the winding Great Wall in the distance while you soak. Please note that most hot spring facilities are located within hotels, and they typically do not provide swimsuits and towels for free. Be sure to bring your own or purchase them on-site.

Gubei Water Town Nightscape

The nights in Gubei Water Town are incredibly romantic and unique. You can hike along the Great Wall for a stunning panoramic view of the entire town, or stroll through its charming streets. Bathed in warm yellow lights, the town exudes a quaint and tranquil atmosphere. The river sparkles under the stars, creating a magical backdrop for a night out with friends or loved ones.

Gubei Water Town Sightseeing Boat

In addition to wandering the streets, you can also take a boat ride. There are three routes available for tourists: two half-routes and one full route. The full route departs from Yangui Pier (雁归码头) near the tourist center and goes to Yuanyang Lake Pier (雁归码头) next to the Simatai Great Wall, taking about 40 minutes. The half-route tours run from Yangui Pier to Riyuedao Pier (日月岛码头) or from Riyuedao Pier to Yuanyang Lake Pier, each lasting approximately 20 minutes. As you glide along the water, you can enjoy views of the traditional buildings lining the banks and the distant Simatai Great Wall, making for a relaxing experience.

▲ Scenic Area Entrance Fare

Gubei Water Town Scenic Area: CNY 140

Simatai Great Wall: CNY 40

Combo Tickets (Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall): CNY 170

Notice: Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall are located in the same scenic area. You can visit both of them or just Gubei Water Town. However, you need to book your ticket one day in advance online, if you only want to visit Simatai Great Wall.

Stay-in guests of Boutique Hotels enjoy free Water Town Entrance ticket.

Stay-in guests of Water Town Hotels/Guesthouses/Inns enjoy discounted Water Town Entrance ticket rate CNY 80.

▲ Sightseeing Boat Single Trip Fare

Route A (available from May to October): Yangui Wharf to Yuanyang Lake Wharf: CNY 120

Route B: Yangui Wharf to Riyue Island Wharf: CNY 80

Route C: Yuanyang Lake Wharf to Riyue Island Wharf: CNY 80

Children below 4.9 feet (1.5m) enjoy half price.

Notice: You can charter a boat, which can accommodate six passengers, including infants. The cost is: Route A: CNY600; Route B/C: CNY400

Located in the northeast of Beijing outskirts, Gubei Water Town is adjacent to Hebei Province, facing Jinshanling Great Wall to the north. 

◣ Location: Gubei Water Town, Miyun District, Beijing 北京市密云区古北水镇

◣ Distance: 140km to Tainanmen square, 16km to Jinshanling Great Wall, 144km to the Summer Palace, 163km to Badaling Great Wall, 99km to Mutianyu Great Wall.

There are usually 2 ways to get to Gubei Water Town (Simatai Great Wall) from Beijing downtown.

By car (Option 1) - fast and comfortable, about 3 hours

Gubei Water Town is really far away from Beijing city, which makes it hard to get there by taxi. If you want to save the transportation troubles, you can choose the private car service provided by China Discovery. We will pick you up from your hotel and send you to the great wall safely with comfortable vehicles, skilled drivers, and professional guides.  >>Contact us now

By bus (Option 2 & 3) - economical, 3.5-4 hours

There are two bus choices. The first one: Simatai Tourist Bus. You can get on the bus at Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station (东直门外汽车站 Pinyin: Dongzhimen Wai Qichezhan) and get off at Gubei Water Town. The direct tourist bus from downtown Beijing to Simatai only departs about 4 times a day from 8:00am to 15:30pm. Besides the tourist bus, you can choose to take the city bus 980 at Dongzhimen Bus Station (东直门汽车站 Pinyin: Dongzhimen Qichezhan) to Miyun Bus Station (密云汽车站 Pinyin: Miyun Qichezhan) and transfer to Bus 51 to Simatai Scenic Area where you can walk to Gubei Water Town within half an hour.

>>How to Get to Simatai Great Wall

Siamtai Great Wall

Simatai Great Wall in Miyun District of Beijing links Jinshanling (金山岭) in the north and Gubeikou (古北口) in the west, right next to Gubei Water Town and it was served as a vital military defensive base from the ancient time, and impresses a lot of visitors for its breathtaking scenery, especially at night. A famous architect, once commented that, "China's Great Wall is the world's most, but Simatai section of the Great Wall is reputed as the most of China's Great Wall.">>Read More

In 2012, Simatai Great Wall was rated by the British Times as "the top 25 scenic spots in the world that can not be missed".

Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall is one of the best hiking sections with both good facilities and well-preserved hiking paths, while Simatai Great Wall is 16km next to it, about 0.5h by car. Both of them are less crowded and more "natural", comparing with the great wall sections closer to the Beijing downtown. Many people would like to hike both of them since the short distance between them, and each section of the two great walls offering different stunning scenery.

>> 2 Days Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Wild Hiking

>> Get from Jinshanling to Simatai

Gubeikou Great Wall

Gubeikou Great Wall is located in the southeast of Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing. It is about 120 kilometers away from Tiananmen Square. It is to the west of Simatai Great Wall (about 18km, half hour by car) and very close to Jinshanling Great Wall (about 10km, half hour by car). It is the most complete Great Wall system in the history of the Great Wall of China, and it is also the representative of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. Compared with the Mutianyu and Badaling Great Wall, it is more primitive and less crowded here.

>> 2 Days Wild Great Wall Hiking & Camping Experience

Gubei Water Town is located at the foot of Simatai Great Wall and next to the Jinshanling Great Wall within just 13km's distance. To fully explore the Gubei Water Town,and its surrounding areas, you are recommended to leave early from Beijing downtown to Gubei Water Town and have a night tour at Simatai Great Wall. If you can have a 2 days' stay, you can depart from Beijing and get to Jinshanling Great Wall . In the late afternoon , get yourself ready for the Simatai night adventure and stay at Gubei Water Town till the next day. It is recommended to start your trip early from Beijing to avoid the traffic jam and crowds.

Besides Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall, there are many other attractions offering you the same marvellous views, including the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven. China Discovery offers you tailor-made tour service, and you can fully experience all the famous in about 4 days. If you have more time, it's also recommended to explore other great wall sections, such as Mutianyu Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and More!

Top-Recommended Beijing Tours:

>> 4 Days Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing

>> 2 Days Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Wild Hiking

>>3 Days Beijing Essential Short Stay Tour

>>4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package