[2025 Beijing Hotels] Travel Guide for Hangu Valley Retreat Gubei Water Town (Updated Aug)

## Gubei Water Town Travel Guide is Here! [Introduction] When the gentleness of Jiangnan water towns meets the magnificence of the northern mountains, the stunning "Northern Wuzhen" – Gubei Water Town – is born. With both the tenderness of small bridges and flowing water and the grandeur of the Great Wall, it is an ideal place for urbanites to escape the hustle and bustle. Follow this guide to start your 48-hour slow life in the water town. [Highlights] 1. Ink Painting at the Foot of the Great Wall: Backed by the Simatai Great Wall and overlooking the Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir, the 2.5 square kilometers are covered with Ming and Qing style buildings. 2. Rare River Network System in the North: The Tang River tributary runs through the town, and 23 ancient bridges connect 7 functional areas. 3. A Photography Paradise with Scenery in All Seasons: Cherry blossom rain in spring, cool nights in summer, red leaves in autumn, and ice and snow festivals in winter. [Top 5 Must-Experience] 1. Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall (the only section of the Great Wall in Asia open at night) - It is recommended to take the cable car up the mountain at 18:30 to watch the sunset and the lights gradually light up. - There is a Great Wall music light show every Saturday night. 2. Take a Boat Ride Through the Waterways - Classic route: Riyuedao Pier → Yuanyang Lake Pier (approx. 25 minutes) - The best time to shoot is from 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning, when the mist is like a fairyland. 3. Yongshun Dyehouse DIY Tie-Dye - Rebuilt from a time-honored brand in the Qing Dynasty, you can experience traditional plant dyeing. - The cloth drying yard on the second floor is a popular spot for photos. 4. Sunset at the Church on the Top of the Mountain - Romanesque architectural complex, you can overlook the whole town when you reach the top. - It is recommended to go at 17:00, and there are often sea of clouds wonders in autumn. 5. Hot Spring Soak and Stargazing - Duanjia Courtyard Hot Spring faces the Great Wall directly. - Reservations are required 3 days in advance for snow soaking in winter. [Featured Accommodation Guide] 🏮 Boutique Hotel Lovers: Wuzhen Club (courtyard room type with private hot spring) 🏮 Literary and Art Youth Choice: Hangu Villa (minimalist design, starry sky room) 🏮 Recommended for Family Travel: Gubei Light (parent-child theme, direct access to the swimming pool) 🏮 Cost-Effective Choice: Barracks Inn (military school style, 200+ per person) [Food Map] 🍲 Must-Try Three Treasures: Miyun Braised Pork (Simagang Restaurant), Ancient Method Roasted Pear (Tangshi Street), Great Wall Beer (brewed in the workshop area) 🍜 Hidden Delicacies: Bridgehead Cake (Riyuedao Bridge), River Snail Rice Noodles (next to the Water Town Post Office) ☕ Afternoon Tea Recommendation: Cloud Coffee (Church on the Top of the Mountain), Braised Pork Restaurant Terrace [Useful Information] 📍 Address: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing 🚗 Transportation: Take the Gubei Water Town special line from Dongzhimen Bus Hub (CNY 48/person) or drive by yourself (1.5 hours) 💰 Tickets: CNY 140 (CNY 80 for night show), discounted for guests staying overnight 📅 Best Season: September-October (red leaf season), December-February (Christmas ice and snow season) [Photography Tips] • Classic Spots: Yinghua Bridge for the morning glow, Yangui Pier for reflections • Night Scene Parameters: ISO800-1600, tripod is essential • Hanfu Shooting: Many rental shops in the town (approx. CNY 200/set) [Conclusion] When the lanterns light up one by one, and the sound of gurgling water is accompanied by the Pingtan tunes, you will understand why this place is called "the most gentle border in the north." The charm of Gubei Water Town lies in its ability to let you touch the weight of history and the poetry of life at the same time. Pack your bags, this time-traveling vacation is worth your stay.

The scenery is very, very, very fantastic!!! The hotel consists of small villas connected together The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, but now it's for outdoor swimming The room design is very homely, with a large bed, and the living room has a tatami, actually this room can fit 4 people on the tatami As for how well you sleep at night

For the May Day holiday, I chose Gubei Water Town. When choosing a hotel, I compared a lot, and finally chose the landscape room of Hangu, which is really good, the accommodation is very quiet! Actually, all rooms are the same size, but the scenery and floors are different. The landscape room has a better view and privacy. I stayed in Building 9, which is really quiet! Building 9 is the furthest back, so you can see the Great Wall! The room is very clean and tidy, all the bath products are from L'Occitane! One room has a normal big bed, and the other is a tatami! There are fruits and desserts when you check in! The only downside is that it is a triple room, but only two bottles of free water are given. The two extra bottles are charged, but they are not charged in the end! The housekeeper Liang Chunfeng is very good, he helps with luggage when he arrives at the hotel, and will kindly remind you of all the precautions for playing, making the whole trip very secure! There is a shuttle bus when you go out, love it! Hangu is highly recommended overall, it is recommended to bring a SLR, and bring a friend who can take pictures, perfect!