•An English-speaking private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby;
•The English driver will take you to the Gubei Water Town;
•The driver will assist you in purchasing tickets;
•This is a self-guid trip.
Suggested Time Slot:
(For reference only and may vary based on actual conditions)
7:30 | Hotel meet-up |
7:30-9:30 | Transfer |
9:30-11:00 | Gubei Water Town |
11:30-12:00 | Lunch (own expense) |
12:00-13:30 | Simatai Great Wall |
15:30 | Return to hotel |
Duration: 8 hours
Note: 1. If you exceed this duration, an overtime charge of 100 CNY per hour for the driver will apply.
2. You can also choose an afternoon option to enjoy night views.
Itinerary Quick Look
We’re happy to offer you an English-speaking driver for your Beijing tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.
An English-speaking private driver will meet you in the hotel lobby, as long as the hotel is within the Fourth Ring Road in Beijing. If your hotel is outside the Fourth Ring Road, or if you need to be picked up at the train station or airport, the guide can still meet you up, but there will be an additional charge.
Gubei Water Town is located in Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing. It is a picturesque tourist resort that blends the atmosphere of northern ancient towns with the charm and layout of southern water towns. Featuring traditional Chinese architecture, narrow stone streets, and canals, it offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience both ancient history and serene landscapes.
Adjacent to the town is the Simatai Great Wall, part of the Yanshan Mountain Range. Built along a steep mountain, this section of the Great Wall of China is renowned for its five unique characteristics: dangerous, dense, neat, ingenious, and comprehensive. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one of the most authentic and breathtaking hiking experiences on the Great Wall.
The following is a detailed itinerary for a Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall day tour. Set off at your own pace in the morning, no longer limited by a fixed schedule.
Morning:
1. Depart from Beijing
•Start your journey early from Beijing to make the most of the day. It takes around 2 hours by car to reach Gubei Water Town from central Beijing (about 140 km).
2. Arrival at Gubei Water Town
•Explore Gubei Water Town: This scenic area is modeled after the ancient water towns of the south and blends with the northern town's architecture.
•Recommended Highlights:
•Yongshun Dye House: Watch traditional fabric dyeing methods.
•Zhenyuan Bodyguard Agency: Learn about ancient Chinese security companies.
•Water Town Wine Distillery: Experience traditional brewing methods.
•Wulong Square and Water Street: Ideal for a peaceful stroll by the rivers and canals.
3. Take a Boat Ride
•Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the canal, which provides a great view of the town's charming architecture.
4. Lunch in Gubei Water Town
•Have lunch at one of the local restaurants offering traditional northern Chinese cuisine or fresh river fish.
Afternoon:
5. Head to Simatai Great Wall
•Hiking or Cable Car to Simatai Great Wall: Choose to hike up to the Wall, which will take about 30-45 minutes, or take the cable car for a more relaxed journey with breathtaking views.
6. Simatai Great Wall Tour
•Explore the Simatai Section of the Great Wall: This part of the wall is known for its steep and rugged terrain, providing one of the most authentic Great Wall experiences.
•Recommended Highlights:
•Watchtower No. 1 to No. 10: The western section is more accessible and great for family-friendly walks.
•Dangerous and scenic eastern section: If you’re up for a challenge, explore the more remote towers.
7. Depart for Beijing
•Head back to Beijing downtown.
You can also choose to enjoy the night view of Gubei Water Town and the Simatai Great Wall. In this case, the English-speaking driver will pick you up at noon for a later start, allowing you to experience the stunning illuminated scenery after sunset.
Inclusions
•Private English-speaking driver
•Assist you in purchasing tickets
•Private Guide Lobby Meetup
Exclusions
•Meals
•Tickets for the Great Wall
•Gratuities
•Personal expenses
•Overtime service fee
Additional Info.:
1. The driver will contact you the day before to confirm the meeting time and location.
2. In the self-guid trip, the driver will not accompany you up the Great Wall or to the Water Town. The tickets are not included, while the driver can assist you in purchasing tickets, and the tickets fee will be at your own expense.
3. Please remember to bring your passport, as it is required for entry into certain attractions.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as some parts of the tour involve moderate walking.
5. It’s a good idea to have some local currency (CNY) for small purchases, as not all places accept international credit cards.