If you’re looking for a day trip from Beijing that offers a mix of history, scenic beauty, and a taste of local life, the Getaway to Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town might just be your ideal choice. This tour, offered by CHINA Vistas for just $36 per person, promises a blend of cultural exploration and stunning views, all packed into a well-paced 10-hour experience.
What makes this trip stand out? First, we love the chance to walk a less crowded, yet incredibly authentic section of the Great Wall, away from the tourist masses. Second, the optional night tour with illuminated battlements transforms what might be a typical sightseeing outing into something truly magical. However, it’s worth noting that the early start—hotel pickups between 6:00 and 6:30 am—requires some early riser commitment. This tour appeals most to those seeking a mix of natural beauty, history, and local charm, especially if you appreciate guided insights and photo opportunities.
Key Points
- Authentic & less crowded: Experience the Great Wall at Simatai, a quieter, more original section.
- Flexible options: Choose between a daytime visit or the enchanting night tour.
- Cultural charm: Wander through Gubei Water Town with its canals, teahouses, and street performances.
- Great value: At $36, it offers a comprehensive experience with guided tours and transport.
- Stunning scenery: Expect postcard-perfect views of the Wall and town, ideal for photography.
- Knowledgeable guides: Reviews highlight the guides’ clarity and enthusiasm, enhancing the trip.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Beijing
Contents
- Key Points
- An In-Depth Look at the Experience
- Starting the Day
- Gubei Water Town: A Living Museum
- Visiting the Simatai Great Wall
- What to Expect in Practice
- Transport and Comfort
- Value for Money
- Who This Tour Is Best For
- Practical Tips
- The Sum Up
- FAQs
- Our Top Picks in Beijing
- More Tour Reviews in Beijing
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Beijing we have recnetly reviewed
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Beijing.
Starting the Day
Most travelers are picked up from their Beijing hotels, with designated pickup points mainly on the 4th ring road, around 6:00 am. Early mornings might seem challenging, but it’s the best way to beat the crowds at the Wall. The coach is shared with other visitors, creating a friendly, communal atmosphere. Depending on your chosen option, you might be back in Beijing the same day or have the chance to return the next day, which is handy if you want to extend your exploration.
Gubei Water Town: A Living Museum
The first stop is Gubei Water Town, a beautifully preserved riverside village that feels both timeless and lively. We loved the way cobblestone streets, stone bridges, and lantern-lit canals create a scene straight out of a classical Chinese painting. Local vendors serve up authentic snacks, and the town’s traditional crafts and street performances add an authentic touch.
Many reviews mention the “beautiful scenic views” and how the canals, which are lit at night if you opt for the evening tour, give the town a postcard-perfect quality. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities, from the old-style buildings to the surrounding landscape, especially as the light fades in the evening.
Visiting the Simatai Great Wall
The highlight is, of course, the Great Wall. Unlike the often-crowded sections near Beijing, Simatai offers a more peaceful, original experience. The guided tour lasts around 2.5 hours, during which you will walk along battlements that have largely retained their historic appearance. This part of the Wall is known for its dramatic scenery and steep, rugged paths, which provide both a physical challenge and breathtaking views.
Many travelers love the authenticity of this section, which feels less commercialized and more like what the Wall must have looked like centuries ago. If you upgrade to the night tour, the battlements light up, casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape—a memorable sight that turns the Wall into a shimmering fortress under the stars.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat to Expect in Practice
The tour’s schedule is tight but well-organized. After about an hour at Simatai, you’ll return to Gubei Water Town for a leisurely exploration, walking through narrow alleys, crossing stone bridges, and soaking up the atmosphere. The 1.5-hour window allows for some relaxed wandering, shopping, or a quick tea at a local teahouse.
Transport and Comfort
The coach journey offers a break from city sightseeing, with the vehicle sharing space with fellow travelers. Reviews mention the guides’ clarity and enthusiasm, which helps make the long day more enjoyable. Transportation is generally reliable, and the pickup times are confirmed the night before—although if staying on the outskirts of Beijing, you might need to go to a designated pickup point like the Holiday Inn Express.
Value for Money
At $36, this tour is a very cost-effective way to see two of the region’s most iconic sights. The price includes guided tours, transportation, and access to the site. The optional night tour, which requires an extra fee, adds a magical dimension to the experience. Considering what you get—less crowded sightseeing, scenic beauty, and cultural insights—it’s a strong value proposition.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This trip appeals to travelers who want a more authentic and less commercialized Great Wall experience, away from the crowded Badaling or Mutianyu sections. It’s perfect for those who enjoy photo opportunities and scenic landscapes, as well as history buffs eager to explore a more original section. The cultural charm of Gubei Water Town makes it ideal for visitors who want to see traditional Chinese architecture and enjoy local snacks and performances.
However, keep in mind the early start and full day of travel—if you’re not a morning person or prefer a more relaxed pace, this might be a challenge. It’s also not suitable for those with altitude sickness or travelers over 95 years old, due to the physical nature of walking on the Wall.
Practical Tips
- Bring your passport or ID for entry.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the terrain is cobblestone and uneven.
- Pack sunglasses for daytime.
- Consider the weather—layers are wise, especially if opting for the night tour when temperatures can drop.
- Confirm your pick-up details, especially if staying outside central Beijing, and communicate your preference for the next-day return if needed.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a compelling blend of history, scenery, and local culture at a very reasonable price point. The guided expertise and scenic spots make it a great choice for those keen to experience the less touristy side of the Great Wall while also enjoying the charm of a traditional water town. The optional night tour elevates the experience, adding a touch of magic that few other tours can match.
While the early start and full-day commitment might deter some, the payoff is a memorable, authentic adventure that balances iconic sights with genuine cultural flavor. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking thoughtful, well-organized excursions that emphasize quality over quantity.
Beijing: Getaway to Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour can be enjoyed by children, provided they are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and can handle a full day of travel.
How long is the drive from Beijing to Gubei Water Town?
The exact driving time isn’t specified, but the full day’s schedule suggests a significant coach journey—expect around 1-2 hours each way.
What is the best way to prepare for the trip?
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, bring sun protection, and carry your passport or ID for site access. Being prepared for early mornings makes the day smoother.
Can I do the night tour without the day visit?
No, the night tour is an upgrade available only as part of this combined experience, giving you the full scenic and cultural package.
Is it possible to customize this tour?
The tour offers private group options, which might allow some flexibility, but the standard schedule follows the outlined itinerary.
What is the group size like?
Most you will share a coach with other travelers, making it a social experience, but private groups are also available.
Are meals included?
Meals aren’t included in the tour price, so plan to bring snacks or buy local food during the visit.
What should I do if I have mobility issues?
The terrain involves walking on cobblestones and uneven paths, which may be challenging for those with mobility concerns.
What if I want to extend my stay or explore more?
The tour provides a next-day return option for select departures, allowing you to plan further exploration in Beijing afterward.
This Getaway to Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town offers a wonderful snapshot of China’s natural beauty and cultural richness, perfect for travelers eager to see a less commercialized side of the country’s most famous landmark. Well-organized, affordable, and full of photo-worthy moments, it’s an experience you’ll remember long after leaving Beijing.
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