Gubei Water Town: A place of poetry and worldly life, an ancient city, and an old street.

Gubei Water Town Travel Guide: Exploring the Jiangnan-style water town in the suburbs of Beijing. Gubei Water Town is located in Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing, backed by the Simatai Great Wall and surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is known as the "Northern Wuzhen." It has both the graceful charm of Jiangnan water towns and the profound history of northern ancient towns, making it a popular destination for excursions around Beijing. Whether it's a short weekend trip or an in-depth long vacation experience, Gubei Water Town can bring you a unique travel experience. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you plan your trip easily. I. Transportation Guide 1. By car: Depart from downtown Beijing and drive along the Jingcheng Expressway for about 1.5 hours to reach Gubei Water Town. There are multiple parking lots in the scenic area, making parking convenient. 2. Public transportation: Take the Gubei Water Town special bus from Dongzhimen Transportation Hub. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs CNY 48 per person, which is suitable for those without a car. 3. Chartered/shared car: If there are many people, you can choose to charter or share a car, which is both time-saving and comfortable. II. Ticket Information Gubei Water Town Ticket: CNY 140 per person (adult ticket), CNY 70 per person (student ticket). Simatai Great Wall Ticket: CNY 40 per person (must be purchased separately). Joint Ticket: The Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall joint ticket is CNY 170 per person. It is recommended to buy the joint ticket for better value. Night Ticket: CNY 80 per person (entry after 17:00), suitable for tourists arriving in the evening. III. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Simatai Great Wall: The only Great Wall in China that retains its original Ming Dynasty appearance, known for its steepness. You can choose to hike or take a cable car to the top and overlook the panoramic view of Gubei Water Town. 2. Water Town Night View: At night, Gubei Water Town is brightly lit, reflected in the water, like an ink painting. It is recommended to stay overnight in the scenic area to experience the tranquility and romance of the night. 3. Yongshun Dyehouse: Experience the traditional tie-dyeing process, make your own piece of dyed cloth, and feel the charm of intangible cultural heritage. 4. Zhenyuan Escort Agency: Learn about the history and culture of ancient escort agencies and feel the atmosphere of the martial arts world. 5. Eight Banners Guild Hall: Display Manchu culture and learn about the historical background of the Eight Banners system of the Qing Dynasty. 6. Tanghe Ancient Village: Stroll on the stone road, admire the quaint buildings, and feel the slow life of the water town. IV. Featured Experiences 1. Hot Spring Bath: Gubei Water Town has many hot spring hotels. It is recommended to take a hot spring bath after a day of sightseeing to relax. 2. Handicraft Experience: In addition to Yongshun Dyehouse, you can also experience traditional handicrafts such as paper cutting and pottery, and feel the spirit of craftsmen. 3. Food Check-in: There are many special snacks in the water town, such as Gubei roast duck, Qiaotou cake, and tofu feast. It is recommended to taste them one by one. 4. Night Tour of the Great Wall: The night tour of the Great Wall project is open in summer. Strolling on the Great Wall under the stars has a special flavor. V. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Boutique Hotels: Such as Gubei Water Town Hotel and Wuzhen Club Hotel, with complete facilities and attentive service, suitable for tourists pursuing quality. 2. Featured Homestays: Such as the homestays at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, with a quiet environment and affordable prices, suitable for families or friends to stay together. 3. Hot Spring Hotels: Such as Yushe Hot Spring Hotel, which provides private soup services, suitable for couples or family vacations. VI. Travel Tips 1. Best Season: Spring and autumn have pleasant climates, suitable for travel; summer can escape the heat, and winter has ice and snow activities. 2. Clothing Recommendations: Most of the scenic area is paved with stone roads, so it is recommended to wear comfortable flat shoes; pay attention to keeping warm in winter and bring sunscreen in summer. 3. Travel Time: It is recommended to arrange 1–2 days to deeply experience the customs of the water town. 4. Book in Advance: There are many tourists during holidays, so it is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid temporary unavailability. VII. Nearby Recommendations 1. Miyun Reservoir: About 30 km from Gubei Water Town, you can visit it along the way and enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains. 2. Yunmeng Mountain National Forest Park: Suitable for tourists who like hiking and mountaineering to feel the magnificence of nature. Gubei Water Town is a comprehensive scenic spot integrating natural scenery, historical culture, and leisure and entertainment. Whether it is a parent-child tour, a couple tour, or a gathering of friends, you can find your own fun. I hope this guide can help you with your trip to Gubei Water Town and wish you a happy time!