Private Tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall with Cable Car and Lunch
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Escape the crowds on this exclusive private Beijing day tour to the Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town, two of northern China’s most captivating gems.
Choose your perfect adventure: opt for a morning departure to explore in golden daylight, or start mid-afternoon to chase the fiery sunset over Simatai’s peaks before diving into the town’s magical night scene, complete with dazzling seasonal drone light shows and spectacular musical fountain performances that transform the village into a fairyland.
Travel in total comfort with your professional English-speaking guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, and seamless hotel pickup and drop-off. Best of all, this tour is 100% all-inclusive with no hidden fees—covering all entrance tickets, Simatai cable car rides, delicious local lunch or dinner. So you can focus solely on making unforgettable memories. Book now for an extraordinary Beijing experience tailored to your pace and preferences.
Available options
Private Tour
Visit Gubei Water town and Simatai Great Wall, choose day or night time visits. Including guide, transfer, lunch and tickets.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private tour
Professional guide
Bottled water
Cable car round trip at the Great Wall
Depending on your start time, you can choose to have lunch or dinner
Entrance fee
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Choose your preferred itinerary option: a daytime exploration of Gubei Water Town&Simatai Great Wall, or an afternoon departure to catch the breathtaking sunset from Simatai Great Wall followed by admiring Gubei Water Town’s magical nightscape.
Your friendly tour guide will come to pick you up in your hotel lobby at the prearranged time. Hop aboard your air-conditioned vehicle and head to Gubei Water Town directly. The journey takes about 2 hours. On the way, your tour guide will share fascinating history and stories related to the Great Wall, while you enjoy the picturesque countryside scenery along the ride.
Upon arrival, accompanied by your tour guide, start your walking tour to discover the unique charms of Gubei Water Town. Modeled after the classic water town architecture of Wuzhen in Southern China, Gubei Water Town is divided into 6 scenic zones. Wander through the winding lanes and you’ll stumble upon a variety of interesting shops and distinctive boutique hotels.
2
Stop 2
Afterwards, take a cable car to the top of Simatai Great Wall — a UNESCO-listed site renowned as the "most authentic and majestic section of the Great Wall". In the daytime, the fully open eastern part (Tower 1 to Tower 10) invites you to explore its closely spaced beacon towers.
As dusk falls, only selected segments of Simatai open to visitors, offering a front-row seat to the breathtaking sunset painting the ancient walls in golden hues. As night descends, the twinkling lights of Gubei Water Town unfold below, creating a magical contrast with the silhouetted Great Wall — a sight of unparalleled beauty.
Morning departure: Enjoy a full-day exploration with local lunch included. Afternoon departure: Chase the sunset&admire the night view, with dinner included.
This unforgettable tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to your hotel in downtown Beijing. Whether you choose the daytime adventure or night view experience, this journey will surely leave you with cherished memories.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
ZH-TW
CMN
EN
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Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Opt for a full-day daytime itinerary, or set off at noon to chase the sunset and wander through Gubei Water Town under twinkling night lights. Select your preferred departure time as you like.
Important notes
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
About Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.
Top Attractions
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.
Historical
Half day to full day
¥40-80 (depending on the section)
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.
Historical
2-3 hours
¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.
Historical
3-4 hours
¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)
Hutongs
Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides
798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission
Must-Try Local Dishes
Peking Duck
A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.
Main Course
Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.
Main Course
Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)
Jianbing (Savory Crepes)
A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.
Breakfast
Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)
Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)
Popular Activities
Hiking the Great Wall
Rock climbing in the Huairou District
Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing
Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace
Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses
Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park
Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces
Visiting temples and religious sites
Best Time to Visit
September to October, April to May
These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin Chinese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8 (China Standard Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots
Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
- • Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators
Getting there
By air
- Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
- Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center
By train
Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station
By bus
Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dongcheng
Xicheng
Chaoyang
Haidian
Shijingshan
Day trips
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.
The Great Wall at Simatai
120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.
Festivals
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar)
Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year)
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)
Pro tips
- Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
- Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
- Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
