Explore Beijing: Spend a Night at Gubei Water Town

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network | Photos by Xihong Travel Agency and shutterstock.com

In recent years, not only have "time-travel dramas" been popular, but "time-travel tourism" has also become a trend. Have you jumped on this bandwagon? Now, when visiting Beijing, you can not only climb the Great Wall but also stay overnight at Gubei Water Town at the foot of the Wall. Immerse yourself in its nostalgic atmosphere, experience the culture and lifestyle of ancient border defense times, and enjoy a unique new way to explore Beijing.

Located at the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, Gubei Water Town has historically been a military stronghold, renowned for its steep and strategic terrain. Literary figures such as Su Zhe from the Song Dynasty, and emperors Kangxi and Qianlong from the Qing Dynasty, all left famous writings praising its ruggedness and importance. The Gubei Water Town resort highlights the historical culture of Simatai, and the area is subdivided into several districts: the Old Camp District, the Republican-Era Street District, the Water Street Charm District, the Wolong Fort Folk Culture District, the Tanghe Ancient Village District, the Homestay & Dining District, as well as Hou Chuan Chan Valley, Eden Valley, and Yunfeng Cui Valley. The resort includes three theme hotels, four boutique hotels, and 23 homestays, totaling approximately 956 rooms. It also offers over 10 cultural exhibition and experience facilities, specialty shops, and restaurants, providing one-stop comprehensive services. Here, you can enjoy the dual allure of both the "water town and the Great Wall."

The Simatai section of the Great Wall is located within Gubeikou Town and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the only ancient architectural site that retains its original Ming Dynasty appearance and has been hailed by renowned scholars as "the finest of China’s Great Wall." The British newspaper The Times selected it as the "top of the 25 must-see views in the world." Stretching from Wangjing Tower in the east to Hou Chuan Kou in the west, the Simatai Great Wall was built along steep mountain ridges with about 35 watchtowers closely spaced together. The landscape is ruggedly majestic, offering both offensive and defensive advantages. The towers and battlements feature uniquely diverse architectural styles, embodying the characteristics of being "steep, dense, strange, ingenious, and complete," allowing visitors to appreciate the most authentic look of the Great Wall.

Notable attractions within Gubei Water Town include the Sima Xiaoshao Distillery, Yongshun Dye Workshop, Moon God Temple, Yinghua Academy, Yang Wudi Temple, Zhenyuan Escort Agency, and the Eight Banners Guild Hall. Among them, the Sima Xiaoshao Distillery started by brewing folk liquor used for keeping warm and later became one of the “Three Sima Delicacies” (baked cake, roasted meat, and distilled liquor). The century-old Yongshun Dye Workshop was once famous in Beijing under the brand name “Yongshun Dye.” Today, the workshop not only showcases traditional dyeing techniques but also offers DIY experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy the fun of dyeing fabric at the large dye vats. As for the Eight Banners Guild Hall, it was once a garrison station for the Imperial Guard of the Plain Yellow Banner dispatched by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, and is now a small museum displaying Manchu culture. It's also worth recommending that Gubei Water Town has many distinctive guesthouses. Staying in one is highly recommended—you can enjoy classic charm and comfort while looking out your window at the Great Wall for an unprecedented experience.

Gubei Water Town isn't just about seeing the Great Wall and experiencing borderland culture; it's also a famous hot spring destination for winter soaking. The hot springs of Gubei Tangwu use naturally drawn mineral water sourced from over 3,000 meters underground, with exceptional quality. The iron ion content even meets national iron spring standards. This winter, come to Gubei Water Town and enjoy the unique experience of soaking in hot springs at the foot of the Great Wall.

When exploring Beijing, besides climbing the Simatai Great Wall and staying at Gubei Water Town, you shouldn’t miss iconic historical sites such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. There are also modern landmarks like the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Bird’s Nest, the Water Cube, and the World Window. Take the time to experience Beijing’s blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, home to 24 emperors, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the largest and best-preserved ancient palatial complex in the world. Another highlight is the Summer Palace, built around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, designed to resemble the scenery of Hangzhou’s West Lake. Once burned down by the Anglo-French Allied Forces, it was later reconstructed and renamed by Empress Dowager Cixi. It served as an imperial garden and temporary palace for the Qing Dynasty and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Recommended Itinerary: Spend a Night in the Ancient Town ~ Gubei Water Town, Lights on the Ancient Great Wall, Beijing Premium 5-Day Tour (No Shopping)

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