Travel with Reya: A 2-Day Sightseeing Trip to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall

Autumn is the most beautiful season in Beijing and is a good choice for a weekend outing. Located on the outskirts of Beijing, Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall attract many tourists for their unique combination of cultural and natural scenery. Therefore, we started a two-day autumn tour of Gubei Water Town and the Simatai Great Wall.

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2 Days Gubei Water Town & Simatai Night Great Wall Tour

Itinerary: Beijing / Simatai / Jinshanling
Highlights: Gubei Water Town, Simatai Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall

Day 1: Charming Water Town and Illuminated Simatai Great Wall

Our journey began early in the morning, as we got on the shuttle bus from downtown Beijing, eager to explore the quaint Gubei Water Town and the magnificent Simatai Great Wall. The bus ride, though long, was filled with anticipation as we chatted and admired the passing countryside scenery. After approximately two hours, we arrived at the entrance of Gubei Water Town, nestled in the lush greenery of Miyun District, Beijing.

Entrance of Gubei Water Town

Stepping into Gubei Water Town was like entering a living picture scroll. With its canals, wooden houses, and quaint streets, the town immediately transported us to another era. The blue sky framed the ancient buildings, and the tranquil waters mirrored their reflections, creating a serene atmosphere. We wandered through the labyrinth of alleys, admiring the intricate carvings on the facades of houses and bridges. The Ming and Qing Dynasty-style courtyards exuded an air of dignity and tranquility, making it hard to believe we were just a stone's throw away from the bustling city.

Quaint Gubei Water Town

We crossed the bridges, stopping every now and then to capture the picturesque scenes with our cameras. The sound of running water accompanied our footsteps, adding a melodic note to our exploration. We visited Yongshun Dyeing House (永顺染坊), Yinghua Academy (英华书院), Sima Brewery (司马酿酒馆) and Zhenyuan Bodyguard Bureau (震远镖局), learning more about the daily lifestyle of the residents,and were also impressed by their exquisite handicraft skills.

Yongshun Dyeing House in Gubei Water Town

Then we climbed up the hill and arrived at the Gubei Church (山顶教堂), where we could enjoy a panoramic view of the entire town.

Gubei Church

The sun began to set, turning the horizon orange and red, and the lights in the ancient town at the foot of the mountain gradually came on.

Charming Gubei Water Town at Night

After the night fell, we embarked on the most anticipated part of our journey - the night tour of Simatai Great Wall. Illuminated by soft lights, the Great Wall glowed against the darkening sky, resembling a dragon winding its way through the mountains. We got on the cable car, which took us to the foot of the wall, where we began our climb.

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The night brought a different perspective to the wall, with the twinkling stars above and the warm glow of lanterns below. Each step we took revealed a new perspective, and we couldn't help but marvel at the engineering marvel that had stood the test of time. The night air was crisp, and the silence was only broken by by our fellow visitors' occasional laughter and whispers.

4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing

Itinerary: Beijing / Jinshanling / Simatai / Gubeikou Water Town / Beijing
Highlights: Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall Evening Sightseeing, Gubei Water Town

We were also lucky to watch the drone performance in Gubei water town, dozens of drones slowly lifted off in the night sky to form a variety of patterns and text. Meantime, flying Kongming light lit up the night, receiving tourists’ surprise.

Drone Performance in Gubei Water Town

Day 2: Simatai Great Wall Hiking with Autumn Sightseeing

The next morning, we woke up to the chirping of birds and the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains. From our hotel window, we could see the outline of the Great Wall against the rising sun, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold. We grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out to explore Simatai Great Wall in its morning glory.

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Upon arrival at the foot of Great Wall, we got on the cable car. As we ascended higher, the breathtaking scenery unfolded before our eyes. The cable car offered a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys, their hues of gold and brown blending seamlessly with the emerald forests, Below, the occasional village dotted the landscape, adding a touch of humanity to this majestic human masterpiece.

Villages Viewed from Simatai Great Wall

Stepping off the cable car, l found myself face to face with the ancient stones of the Great Wall. Each brick carried the weight of centuries whispering tales of warriors and emperors long gone. I began my hike, each step echoing against the walls, a silent conversation with history. The views from the wall were breathtaking, stretching as far as the eye could see, with mountains rolling into the horizon.

Ancient Bricks of Simatai Great Wall

As we climbed higher, the scenery transformed into a vivid tapestry of autumn colors. The trees around me burst into a fiery display of reds, oranges, and yellows, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight, The Great Wall seemed to be painted with nature's most vibrant hues, creating a backdrop that was both majestic and serene. l stopped frequently to admire the Feast of Red Leaves, taking in the breathtaking beauty and feeling grateful for this fleeting moment in time.

Golden Autumn in Simatai Great Wall

Reaching the beacon towers, l paused to catch my breath and take in the panoramic view. From these ancient watchtowers, one could see for miles the Great Wall snaking its way across the mountains, its strength and resilience a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese architects. Looking out, I imagined the sounds of drums and horns echoing through the valleys, alerting soldiers of impending danger. It was a humbling experience, one that made me appreciate the importance of this historical landmark.

Panoramic View of Simatai Great Wall

As we got on the bus for our return journey, we couldn't help but feel a sense of reluctance. Our two-day adventure had been filled with wonders, history, and delicious food. Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall not only showcased the rich cultural heritage of China but also offered us a glimpse into a simpler, more tranquil life.

The memories of the towering walls, the serene canals, and the delightful meals would stay with us for a long time. As we traveled back to the city, we realized that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that take us away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of nature and the wisdom of our ancestors.

Our journey, though ended, we vowed to return, perhaps to explore a different Great Wall hiking tour, or to embark on a new hiking journey in a different region in China.

2 Days Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Scenic Hiking Tour

Itinerary: Beijing / Jinshanling / Simatai
Highlights: Jinshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall

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Hi, I'm Reya. Are you interested in my exploration in Beijing? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

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