Gubei Water Town(古北水镇)
Gubei Water Town is located in Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. This small town based on northern Chinese water town culture has become a fashionable new Beijing landmark. It combines sightseeing and scenery with folk custom experiences, performances, delicious food, and unique homestays, creating an altogether immersive experience for tourists.
When you visit Gubei Water Town, you feel like you are in south of the Yangtze River regions of China. Gubei has a long history and a unique culture has grown up around its bridges and waterways.This is a place where you will feel the magic of tradition as well as the convenience of modernity.
Route Overview
Day 1- Travel to Gubei Water Town. Stroll around the quaint streets, taste Beijing-style specialties,take in views of the Great Wall, and take a cruise on the water and enjoy the scenery. In the evening,climb Simatai Great Wall, watch the sunset, and tour the Great Wall at night with lanterns. Return to the water town to have dinner and watch a performance. Spend the night at a specialty boutique hotel or an inn at the foot of the Great Wall.
Day 2 -Get up early and head to the summit of Simatai Great Wall to watch the sunrise. Return to the water town, and take some free time to walk around and experience some traditional folk crafts.Depart after lunch.
Attractions
Summary:Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall are about 120 kilometers away from downtown Beijing, or around 2.5 hours by car. The two scenic spots are jointly managed, and hotel check-in and tickets can be processed at the entrance to the water town. There is a shuttle bus between the entrance to the water town and the entrance to the Great Wall, and between important scenic spots and connection points inside and outside the scenic spot. Pick up a map at the entrance to the scenic spot for details.
Gubei Water Town is surrounded by mountains and rivers. Most of the town's main attractions are located along the main street by the water.There are a number of large and small restaurants serving different types of cuisines, as well as shops selling local souvenirs.
The Simatai Great Wall winds along the top of a steep mountain. Built during the Ming Dynasty,much of the Simatai Great Wall is well-preserved,and retains its original appearance. Most of the wall consists of uneven, steep stone steps, making it a great challenge for people who love hiking.Those who prefer a more leisurely day out can also
take the cable car to the top of the Great Wall and enjoy the scenery.
Address: Gubei Water Town (Simatai Great Wall) International Tourism Resort, Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing
Phone: 8610-81009999
Website: http://www.wtown.com.cn/
Eight Classic Views
1. Yuantong Pagoda Temple
Climb to the highest point of the temple to enjoy a panoramic view of Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall. In addition to enjoying the scenery,you can also try some vegetarian food and take part in activities such as copying scriptures and tasting tea.
2. Sima Xiaoshao
You cannot complete your visit to Simatai without tasting this unique, locally-brewed wine.
3. Yongshun Dyeing Workshop
This workshop showcases the achievements and characteristics of hundreds of years of printing and dyeing technology. Experience a DIY printing and dyeing lesson and infuse your life with color.
4. Yuelao Temple
The red thread of Yuelao Temple connects lovers together across time and space. Visit here with your beloved for good luck!
5. Yinghua Academy
The eastern and western buildings of this elegant academy have their own characteristics. The waterside corridor in the eastern courtyard is a great place to relax and look at the lotus flowers in summer. The lecture hall and the Wenchang Pavilion in the west courtyard have a strong academic flavor.
6. Zhenyuan Bodyguard Agency
Discover the strength and artistry of skilled martial arts bodyguards.
7. Eight Banners Guild Hall
During the Qing dynasty, Gubei Xiongguan was the home of the Zhenghuang Bannermen. The Eight Banners are planted in the Guild Hall, which is quite imposing and makes people feel the style of the horseback ethnic group.
8. Yang Wudi Temple
This temple tells the story of a loyal Yang family general, and is the ancestral hall where local people come to honor his memory. Traditional folk performances are held regularly on the small stage opposite the Yang Wudi Temple.
New Experiences
1.Tang River Cruise
There are three cruise terminals in Gubei Water Town, Yangui Wharf, Riyue Island Wharf, and Yuanyang Wharf, offering convenient access to the Tang River, with scenic views from the winding waterways. Take a night tour for an even more romantic experience and immerse yourself in the bright lights slipping by on both sides of the water.
2. Hilltop Church
Located on a hill in the center of Gubei Water Town, this beautiful church is a great place to enjoy the scenery. It is a favorite place for couples to take photos and even share their vows. The church incorporates both Chinese and Western-style design.
3. Cloud Café
This cute café is the perfect place to chill out with a latte either alone or with a group of friends.
4. Water Town Post Office
In the age of the Internet, sending a postcard feels like slowing down and going back in time, and it makes a thoughtful gift for distant family and friends.
5. Jinyu Hutong
A favorite spot for Hanfu fans and cosplayers, especially at night. Whether you are dressing up or not, Jinyu Hutong is a great spot for a photo.
Do It Yourself
1. Jiankuntang Lantern Shop
摄影:华北平原毛毛虫
Light up your life by making a lantern under the leadership of Li Zhenzhong, a master of traditional Chinese lantern making skills.
2. Kite Culture Museum
摄影:华北平原毛毛虫
Shi Yanfang, a master of traditional Beijing-style kites, has been engaged in the making and research of traditional kites for more than 40 years. Come and join him and make a kite to fly yourself.
3. Paper-Cut Shadow Puppet
Shop Under the guidance of folk artists, color and assemble your own shadow puppets, and even perform your own show.
Wonderful Performances
1. Great Wall Musical Water Dance Show
摄影:华北平原毛毛虫
A unique musical fountain at the foot of the Great Wall.
Location: Wangjinglou Square
Time: Three times per day (first session starts at 20:00). Each session is 15-20 minutes, with 15 minutes in between. There is an additional session at 21:15 on Friday/Saturday.
2. Water Town Drone Show
Catch an incredible drone above the Great Wall and under the stars.
Location: Riyuedao Plaza
Time: Every day at 20:20
Tips
1. Before visiting the Great Wall at night, make your own lantern at the lantern shop to light up your journey.
2. If you need to enter and exit the water town multiple times during your stay, please ask for a multiple entry and exit voucher when you check in.
Simatai Great Wall(司马台长城)
The Simatai Great Wall is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and is the only part of the Great Wall that retains its original Ming Dynasty. In 2012, it was selected as “Top 25 Scenic Spots in the World" by British newspaper The Times. Now, visitors can experience its timeless charm from a new perspective.
New Experiences
1. Enjoy the Sunset and Visit the Great Wall at Night
Hike up to the Simatai Great Wall and watch the evening sun setting behind the beacon towers. As the glow of the sunset fades and the night arrives, the brilliant lights of the Great Wall are illuminated, and the water town is lit up below, creating an almost otherworldly vista.
Time: Lights come on at 19:40 in summer
2.Watch the Sunrise
Early risers can watch the sunrise on the Great Wall, bathing in the light from the east.
Tips
1. The climb is steep, please wear comfortable shoes and take care.
2. At the entrance to the scenic spot, you have the option to choose to take the ropeway up or down.
3. Please note that the hike up to the Great Wall takes about 1-1.5 hours. You can arrange to climb the Great Wall at 17:30, watch the sunset first, and then see the Great Wall at night.
Local Cuisine
1. Gubei Roast Duck King(古北烤鸭王)
Serving roast duck and other traditional Beijing dishes. Suitable for all ages.
Address: 031 Gubeiyi Street
Phone: 8610-81008355
Business hours: 11:30-14:30,17:00-20:30 (11:30-14:30, 17:00-21:30 on Saturdays and Sundays)
2. Roasted Pork(烧肉馆)
Restaurant Miyun’s local specialty dish is roasted pork. The shop selling sesame seed pastries next door is also worth a try!
Address: 008 Xidong Street
Phone: 8610-81009963
Business hours: 11:30-14:30, 17:00-20:30
3. Water Town Snack(水镇小吃街)
Street Pick up some local snacks to nibble on while you stroll around the streets.
Address: Tangshi Street
Business hours: 10:00-22:00
4. Liu Po Tea Shop(刘婆茶室铺)
Sit back and relax, old Beijing style, with a cup of tea and some traditional snacks.
Address: Tangshi Street
Business hours: 11:00-20:00
5. Great Wall Bookstore(长城书舍悦堂餐厅)
Café The best place to take a break from strolling.
Address: Opposite the Great Wall
Book House Hotel
Business hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:00
Phone: 8610-81008207, 81009699
Boutique Accommodation
1. Yushe Hot Spring Boutique(御舍温泉精品酒店)
Hotel A Japanese-style boutique hotel with private hot spring rooms, Japanesestyle tatami rooms, and open-air hot springs. This elegant and quiet hotel is suitable for guests and families who like to relax and take things slowly.
Address: Gubei Water Town Scenic Area, Simatai Village, Miyun District,Beijing
Phone: 8610-4006881177
2. Hangu Villa(函谷山庄)
A design hotel with an outdoor swimming pool and outdoor terrace BBQ. This is a fun, trendy hotel with a strong sense of style, making it suitable for younger couples or groups of friends.
Address: 16 Gubei Water Town Scenic Area, Simatai Village, Miyun District, Beijing
Phone: 8610-81009999
3. Gubei Water Town Inn(古北水镇客栈)
28 homestays at the foot of the Great Wall,furnished with a blend of antiques and modern facilities. The food is worth a special mention here, with even the breakfast coffee
freshly ground by the owner.
Address: Gubei Water Town Scenic Area,Simatai Village, Miyun District, Beijing
Phone: 8610-81009999
4. Tent Campsite
Sleep under the stars at this campsite is located next to Hangu Mountain Villa in spacious, modern tents with room for two people. There are public toilets and washrooms in the camp for guests to use.
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