Gubei Water Town Travel Guide

Gubei Water Town is located in Miyun District, Beijing, a retro-style resort town themed around northern Chinese water town charm, backed by the Simatai Great Wall and blending natural scenery with cultural attractions. Here’s a detailed travel guide: --- **1. Basic Information** - **Address**: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing - **Opening Hours**: - Water Town: 9:00-22:00 (may extend to 23:00 in summer) - Simatai Great Wall: Daytime 8:00-18:00; Nighttime 17:30-21:00 (advance booking required) - **Tickets**: - Water Town: ¥140/person (peak season), ¥100/person (off-season) - Simatai Great Wall: ¥40/person (daytime); nighttime requires a combo ticket (approx. ¥280) - Additional fees for boat rides, hot springs, etc. --- **2. Transportation** 1. **By Car**: - From downtown Beijing, take Jingcheng Expressway (G45) to Simatai exit (~2 hours). - Parking: P1/P2/P3 (~¥10/day). 2. **Public Transport**: - **Dongzhimen Bus Station**: Take the Gubei Water Town shuttle (¥48/person, ~2 hours direct). - **Miyun District**: Transfer to Bus Mi 51 to Gubei Water Town. --- **3. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Simatai Great Wall** - The only Great Wall section preserving its original Ming Dynasty appearance, known for steep terrain. - **Night Tour** (requires cable car) offers stunning views of the illuminated water town. 2. **Water Town Scenic Area** - **Yongshun Dyehouse**: Try traditional tie-dye crafts; photogenic. - **Zhenyuan Escort Agency**: Explore ancient security escort culture. - **Yuelao Temple**: Romantic spot for couples. - **Hilltop Church**: Panoramic views, especially at night. 3. **Light Shows & Performances** - **Wangjing Street Light & Water Show**: Free 3D fountain performance. - **Peking Opera/Acrobatics**: Daily shows at Riyuedao Square. 4. **Hot Springs** - Try Chengshang Hot Spring or Duanjia Courtyard for a soak with Great Wall views (extra fee). --- **4. Local Food** 1. **Snack Street**: - Qiaotou Cake (¥5), Gubei Roasted Pear (¥15), Luosifen Noodles (¥20). 2. **Dining Recommendations**: - **Shaorouguan**: Miyun reservoir fish, braised pork. - **Simatai Jar Restaurant**: Northern rustic dishes. - **Midnight Diner**: Opens at 22:00 for night owls. --- **5. Accommodation** 1. **In-Town Hotels** (with ticket discounts): - **Luxury**: Gubei Water Town Grand Hotel, Wuzhen Club Hotel. - **Boutique Inns**: Yanmen Inn, Baqi Inn (with hot springs). 2. **Outside Town**: - Budget-friendly farm stays or Miyun city hotels. --- **6. Itinerary (1-2 Days)** - **1-Day Trip**: Morning: Water Town (Dyehouse → Simatai Brewery → Yinghua Academy) Afternoon: Simatai Great Wall (daytime) Evening: Light show + night stroll. - **2-Day Trip**: Day 1: Water Town + hot springs; Day 2: Great Wall hike + return. --- **7. Tips** 1. Book nighttime Great Wall tours in advance (cable car mandatory). 2. Sun protection in summer; warm layers in winter (cold nights). 3. High prices inside; bring snacks/water. 4. Drones prohibited; camera users mind safety on the Wall. --- **8. Best Seasons** - **Spring/Autumn** (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Ideal for hiking. - **Winter** (Dec-Feb): Snow-themed activities. - **Summer**: Cool nights but crowded. --- Perfect for families, couples, or photographers, Gubei offers a unique mix of Great Wall and water town charm. Avoid holidays for a smoother visit.