Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town is located in the Miyun County in Beijing, China. It is backed by one of the most beautiful and the most dangerous Great Wall section - Simatai, and is near to Yuanyang Lake reservoir. It is a rare ancient village with a combination of natural landscape of water, mountain in the suburb of Beijing. This village also boards Hebei Province. It enjoys convenient transportation. It takes about one and a half hour from Beijing Capital International Airport, about 45 minutes from the Miyun County or Chengde City by car. Gubei Water Town now is a popular resort near to Beijing. Attracted by its green waters and antique Northern China village architectures, many local people come and enjoy their weekends here, to enjoy the beautiful landscape and peaceful life around.

The water town contains rrunning waters across the town and rows of old residential houses during the Republic of China. You may take a boat there and appreciate stories of the old town. The old town exerts a history of over a thousand years and everything looks impressive. It will show visitors another kind of beauty in extremely cold winter, when it snows. Most tourists who went to Wuzhen Water Town before would feel like that this village has a similar look with Wuzhen.

This resort is rebuilt on the basis of three natural villages, well preserving the original mountain courtyard buildings in during Republic of China’s style. It covers a total area of 430,000 square meters, containing two five-star hotels, six small boutique hotel, more than 400 guest houses, restaurants and shops, more than 10 cultural experience areas, as well as many other improved supporting facilities.

What to Do in Gubei Water Town

There are many interesting things to do in and around the town. You may tour to the nearby Simatai Great Wall, which is one of most beautiful and popular Great Wall sections in China. Many beautiful views are awaiting your discovery while climbing the wall. The steps of the wall are dense and your legs might get sore from climbing, but when you get to see the wonderful scenery, you will feel that the trek is well worth it. If you are energetic, you may get up early to see the sunrise on the wall, to capture the first sunlight. The view of sunrise on the wall is quite attractive.

It is suggested to stay for one night in the village, to get unique experience feelings of local folk at the foot of the Great Wall. And the view of this water village is attractive too, with lights decorating the houses. Local authentic food and snacks are tasty, it is recommended to have a try. You can also visit to the nearby attractions like experience visit Yongshun Dye House, Zhenyuan Escort Agency, Sima Chinese Distillate Spirits Mall, Ba Qi( Eight Banners) Hall and other places. 

Key Attractions in Gubei Water Town

Simatai Great Wall

The Simatai Great Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks near Gubei Water Town. Located to the southeast of the town, it is a Ming Dynasty structure known for its steepness and distinctiveness. The wall follows the rugged mountain landscape, and its strategic design includes 20 intact watchtowers, with the most famous being the Wangjing Tower, located at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. From this tower, you can get a spectacular view of Beijing’s urban area. The Simatai Great Wall is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named one of the "25 Must-See Scenic Spots in the World" by the Times in 2012.

Yuantong Pagoda

Located at the peak of a mountain near Gubei Water Town’s main road, the Yuantong Pagoda is part of the Yuantong Temple. The pagoda is octagonal and seven stories tall, with two floors underground. The temple complex is composed of several halls, including the Hall of the King of Heaven and the Great Bodhisattva Hall. The site provides a spiritual retreat for tourists and locals, offering experiences such as vegetarian meals, Buddhist scripture copying, and tea tasting.

Simatai Distillery

The Simatai Distillery is famous for producing one of the three traditional "shao" liquors in the region. Visitors to the distillery can learn about the brewing process, view the ingredients and tools used, and participate in the production of traditional fermented dishes. This is a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese brewing culture.

Yongshun Dye Workshop

Located in the Water Street historical district, the Yongshun Dye Workshop is famous for its hand-made dyeing techniques using natural colors and plant-based dyes. The workshop showcases the rich history of Chinese textile dyeing and offers guests the opportunity to create their own hand-dyed products.

Yinghua Academy

Near the center of the town, Yinghua Academy is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Chinese literary and educational traditions. The academy consists of two courtyards: the East Courtyard with a waterside pavilion and the West Courtyard, home to the Wen Chang Pavilion, dedicated to the god of literature, Wenchang Dijun. This location is a cultural hub, hosting educational and literary exhibitions.

Yang Wudi Temple

Yang Wudi Temple, located near Yinghua Academy, is dedicated to Yang Wudi, a famous military figure in Chinese history. The temple is divided into two sections, with the first section honoring Yang and his sons, and the second section dedicated to the female generals of the Yang family. The temple serves as a reminder of the Yang family's heroism in defending the northern borders of China.

Zhenyuan Escort Bureau

At the far end of the resort, in the Tanghe Ancient Village area, the Zhenyuan Escort Bureau re-enacts the life and deeds of the famous ancient escort Zhang Zhenyuan. Visitors can learn about the traditional Chinese security and escort services, observe the practice of martial arts in the training yard, and even participate in a mock escort mission. The highest point in the bureau is the watchtower, which was historically used to survey the area for any potential threats.

Eight Banner Guildhall

The Eight Banner Guildhall, located at the end of the Guildhall Street, showcases the military and cultural history of the Qing Dynasty. This area was once home to the military forces of the Qing's first Yellow Banner. Through exhibitions on the military system, lifestyle, and customs of the Manchu people, visitors can gain insight into the legacy of the Eight Banners and their role in Chinese history.
 

Experience Traditional Handicrafts in Gubei Water Town

Discover the Art of Tie-Dyeing at Yongshun Dye Workshop

At the Yongshun Dye Workshop, immerse yourself in the ancient craft of tie-dyeing, a skill that has been passed down through generations in China. You can try their hand at creating their own dyed works, using natural materials to achieve beautiful results.

Create Lantern at Jiankun Lantern Workshop

In the Jiankun Lantern Workshop, visitors can step into the world of traditional Chinese lantern-making, a skill that UNESCO recognized in 2008 as an important cultural heritage. Here, you can learn the techniques behind crafting beautiful, intricate lanterns and create your very own lantern to keep as a lasting memory of your visit.

Craft a Kite at Wind House

The Wind House, located on Tangshi Street, is dedicated to the rich history and cultural significance of kite-making in Beijing. You can learn about the origins of the Beijing kite and even try their hand at crafting one under the guidance of a local master. It’s a great way to connect with this centuries-old tradition and take home a piece of history.

Experience Shadow Puppet at the Shadow Puppet Theater

Experience the ancient art of shadow puppetry, which was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2008.  At Gubei Water Town’s Shadow Puppet Theater, visitors can not only watch performances but also participate in the creation of their own shadow puppets, learning the full process from design to performance.
 

How to Get to Gubei Water Town

You may take Bus No.980 at Dongzhimen Bus Station and get off at Miyun Xidaqiao Station, then transfer to Bus No.38 (密云-司马台) or Bus Route No.51 to Simatai and get off at Simatai Village Station, then walk to Gubei Water Town. It is recommended to spend one day to visit the place.