Gubei Water Town and Surrounding Short Trip In-Depth Guide!

Here is an in-depth travel guide for **Gubei Water Town + surroundings**, covering classic activities, hidden gems, accommodation options, and nearby combined routes. Perfect for weekend trips or a 3-day short holiday. Highly recommended to save! --- **🌉 Core Guide to Gubei Water Town** **📍 Address**: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing **🚗 Transportation**: - **Self-driving**: Jingcheng Expressway → Daguang Expressway (Simatai exit), about 1.5 hours, parking fee 10 RMB/day (P1/P4 parking lots are closest). - **Bus**: From Dongzhimen take the "Gubei Water Town Shuttle" (48 RMB/person, 2 hours direct) or transfer at Miyun urban area to Mi 51 bus. **🎫 Tickets**: - Water Town ticket 140 RMB (night ticket 80 RMB after 17:00); - Simatai Great Wall + Water Town combo ticket 280 RMB (recommended! Cable car extra 90 RMB one way). --- **📸 Must-Do Experiences** **【Daytime Activities】** 1. **Simatai Great Wall** (China’s only Great Wall open at night) - Climb early morning or evening (avoid the heat), among the 10 watchtowers "Wangjing Tower" offers the best view. Take the cable car up and walk down to save energy. 2. **Yongshun Dyeing Workshop** - DIY tie-dye (starting at 98 RMB), photo opportunities on the second-floor fabric drying area, recommended to wear solid color clothes. 3. **Zhenyuan Escort Agency** - Immersive script murder game "Escort Agency Storm" (198 RMB/person), reservation required. **【Night Highlights】** 1. **Great Wall Music and Water Dance Show** (19:30/20:30 two shows) - Wangjing Street 3D fountain + light show, arrive 30 minutes early to secure a spot. 2. **Lantern Night Tour of Simatai** - Rent Hanfu + lantern in the scenic area (50 RMB/hour), cable car night tour of the Great Wall is super romantic. 3. **Hot Spring Soak** - Recommended "Chengshang Hot Spring Pavilion" (198 RMB), soak while enjoying the Great Wall night view. **【Hidden Gems】** - **Sun and Moon Island Square**: Folk acrobatics performances at 14:00/18:30. - **Kite Culture Museum**: Free small kite making experience (reservation required). --- **🏨 Accommodation Guide** | **Type** | **Recommended Hotel** | **Features** | **Price (Peak Season)** | |----------------|----------------------|----------------------------------|------------------| | **Luxury** | Wuzhen Club Boutique Hotel Waterfront Room + Private Hot Spring, includes tickets + hot spring 2500 RMB+/night | **Cost-effective** | Gubei Water Town Grand Hotel At the scenic area entrance, spacious family rooms 1200 RMB+/night | **Unique Homestay** | Yanmen Inn At the foot of the Great Wall, terrace stargazing 800 RMB+/night > **💡 Money-saving Tip**: Staying inside the scenic area hotels offers ticket discounts + free shuttle bus, some include breakfast; book 2 weeks in advance during peak season! --- **🍜 Food Map** | **Must-Try** | **Recommended Shop** | **Per Person** | |--------------------|----------------------|---------| | Gubei Roasted Pear (in ceramic pot) | Tangshi Street stall | 15 RMB | | Miyun Reservoir Fish Head with Pancakes | Simagang Restaurant | 120 RMB | | Qiaotou Cake (red bean filling) | Qiaotou Cake stall | 5 RMB | | Lamb Offal Soup + Sesame Seed Cake | Late Night Canteen (opens after 22:00) | 35 RMB | --- **🚗 Nearby Combined Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights Recommended)** **Day 1: Core Tour of Gubei Water Town** - Morning: Simatai Great Wall → Yongshun Dyeing Workshop - Afternoon: Ride a Wupeng boat around the water town (120 RMB/person/one way) → Zhenyuan Escort Agency script murder game - Night: Water dance show + hot spring **Day 2: Miyun Natural Scenery** - **Morning**: Drive 40 minutes to **Yunmengshan Forest Park** (ticket 78 RMB), hike Heilongtan or take cable car (one way 80 RMB). - **Afternoon**: **Qingliang Valley Scenic Area** (ticket 50 RMB) glass plank road + alpine water slide (summer only). - **Overnight**: Homestay at the foot of Yunmengshan (e.g., "Shanjinju", includes private hot spring). **Day 3: Culture + Return** - **Morning**: **Bailongtan Scenic Area** (ticket 30 RMB) explore the royal palace ruins. - **Afternoon**: **Changyu Aifubao Winery** (ticket 80 RMB including wine tasting), European-style castle photo ops. --- **⚠️ Notes** 1. **Avoid pitfalls**: Shopping inside the scenic area is expensive; souvenirs can be bought at the "Tourist Service Center" near the exit (same items at lower prices). 2. **Clothing**: Lots of stone paths, wear comfortable flat shoes; bring a light jacket for night tours (large temperature difference in the mountains). 3. **Pets**: Pets allowed in the park (agreement required), some hotels do not accept pets. --- **📆 Best Seasons** - **Autumn (October)**: Red leaves reflect on the Great Wall, golden photography period; - **Winter (December-February)**: Ice and snow town + hot springs, full of festive atmosphere; - **Avoid crowds**: Weekend/holidays have 3 times the visitors of weekdays, recommended to visit Tuesday-Thursday. **"Northern Wuzhen + Night Great Wall + Hot Springs — Gubei Water Town is the closest Jiangnan dream to Beijing!"** 🌙🏮