Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town is located on the northeastern side of Miyun and is an ancient town scenic area reconstructed on the foundation of a historic village. Built along the water, the town boasts the grandeur of a traditional northern Chinese settlement while also incorporating many features of the Jiangnan water towns. Visitors can enjoy hot springs, savor local cuisine, and hike the Simatai Great Wall without needing a reservation, making it an excellent choice for leisure and vacation in the suburbs of Beijing.

No vehicles are allowed within Gubei Water Town, making it perfect for exploring on foot. The town is built along the riverbank and is roughly an east-west oriented strip, about 2 kilometers long. Most visitors enter from the west entrance and then stroll around at their own pace, spending anywhere from half a day to a full day. Along the way, you can admire classic Chinese architecture such as traditional houses, memorial archways, ancient towers, and bridges. Many of these structures are authentic ancient homes relocated from places like Shanxi, featuring intricately carved lintels and decorations that are both ancient and exquisite — perfect for appreciation and photography. Additionally, taking a boat ride (suspended in winter) is another great option. Sitting at the bow of the boat, you can leisurely enjoy the charming views of the ancient town, creating a truly relaxing experience.

There are several must-visit attractions within the town. Right at the entrance is the Sima Xiaoshao Distillery, where you can observe the traditional brewing process and even purchase liquor on-site. To the east of the distillery is the Yongshun Dye Workshop, which uses ancient vat-dyeing techniques. Here, you’ll see large swaths of colorful fabric hanging to dry, reminiscent of scenes from period dramas — an ideal spot for memorable photos. Further east on Sun-Moon Island stands an old opera stage where classic northern Chinese performances, such as Hebei Bangzi, are often held. At the easternmost end of the town lies the Zhenyuan Escort Agency, a faithful reconstruction of an ancient escort business, where you can learn about the history of safeguarding goods. In front of the agency, there is also an open-air hot spring footbath — a great place to soothe tired feet after a day of walking (you may bring your own towel or purchase one for 10 RMB at the site).

Beyond the main sights, the town’s many unique shops are also highlights for visitors. These shops are more concentrated on the western side near the entrance, including stores selling kites, New Year paintings, shadow puppetry exhibits, and tea, all housed in quaint, classic-style buildings that are fun to explore. On the eastern side of the town, you’ll find more cafés and teahouses, making it a good idea to spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the riverside venues. Gubei Water Town also offers a wide variety of food options, most of which are concentrated on the eastern side. Here, you’ll find foreign-style restaurants such as pizza shops, steak houses, dessert shops, and halal eateries, as well as signature local treats like the roast meat restaurant and pancake shop near Yuanyang Lake Dock on the east side. You can try the town’s specialty — Miyun roast meat. Although the prices are slightly higher than average, they are reasonable and definitely worth trying.

Additionally, the western end of the town connects to the Simatai Great Wall scenic area. Visitors who have already purchased a ticket to Gubei Water Town can enter the Simatai Great Wall without needing a separate reservation. After exploring the town, consider hiking the Great Wall to experience its breathtaking beauty and dramatic landscapes.

Suggested Duration

Half a day or one day

Transportation

By car: Take Exit 24 (Simatai) on the Beijing-Chengde Expressway, then turn left onto the ramp on your right and drive for about 2 minutes.

By public transport: Take Bus 980 from Dongzhimen, get off at Miyun Xidaqiao Station, then transfer to Bus Mi 37 (the bus marked “Miyun–Simatai”) or Bus 51, and get off at Simatai Village Station. Walk to Gubei Water Town from there.

Tickets

Admission: 150 RMB; Sightseeing shuttle bus (from parking lot to town ticket office): 10 RMB; Full-course boat ride: 120 RMB (private boat: 600 RMB for up to 6 people); Half-course boat ride: 80 RMB (private boat: 400 RMB for up to 6 people). The scenic area also offers night tours with tickets priced at 80 RMB.

Opening Hours

The town is open from 9:00 to 17:30. Night tours are available in summer (May–October): non-weekdays 17:30–22:30, weekends 17:30–23:00, with ticket sales until 21:00. Winter hours: non-weekdays 17:30–20:00, weekends 17:30–20:30, with ticket sales until 20:00.

Location

Gubei Water Town, Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun County, Beijing