Private Beijing Transfer: Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town
Active
7h - 8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ideal for a day trip to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town, we offer 2 tailored packages to match your needs, with vehicles sized to your group number:
Private Transfer Only: Choose any departure time (14:00 or later is recommended for Gubei Water Town’s stunning night views). Enjoy door-to-door service from your Beijing hotel in an air-conditioned private car; explore at your own pace, then return to your hotel comfortably.
Private Transfer + Guided Tour: Enjoy all transfer perks plus a knowledgeable guide who will accompany you and share vivid historical stories of the two spots.
All entrance fees (Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town, and Great Wall round-trip cable car) are included—no extra costs! Simatai Great Wall is a UNESCO-listed, well-preserved Ming Dynasty section with dramatic cliffside watchtowers and unspoiled scenery, while Gubei Water Town charms with traditional northern Chinese architecture, tranquil lakes, and enchanting night lights.
Available options
Guide+Transer+Tickets
Guide+Transer+Tickets: Choose this option to have a tour guide and private transfer to visit Gubei Water town and Simatai, tickets included.<br/>Pickup included
Private Transfer +Entrance fee
Transfer and Tickets: Your driver will pick you up in your hotel's lobby.Entrance fee to Simatai Great Wall and Gubeikou Water Town included,Cable car round trip for the Great Wall also included.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Cable car round trip at the Great Wall
Round-trip private transfer
Tour guide if you choose option 2
Entrance fee
Hotel pickup and drop-off(For Hotels with then 4th ring road of Beijing City)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We offer two tailored packages for your trip—pick the one that fits your needs best—with flexible departure times from morning till evening; we recommend setting off after 14:00 if you wish to catch the stunning night views of Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town. Both packages include all entrance tickets for Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town, plus round-trip cable car fares for the Great Wall, and we will arrange vehicles ranging from 5-seater cars to 55-seater coaches based on your group size.
Your driver (or driver plus guide for the guided package) will meet you at the lobby of your downtown Beijing hotel at the prearranged time, with an extra fee applying if pick-up is from the airport. Then you can hop aboard your air-conditioned private vehicle and enjoy a relaxing 2-hour ride to Gubei Water Town, where you can take a nap, gaze at the countryside scenery along the way, or grab complimentary mineral water and light snacks provided on board.
2
Stop 2
Upon arrival, your driver will assist you with collecting all the included tickets, then show you the designated waiting area in the parking lot where he will stay for your return.
For the transfer-only package, you can start your self-guided adventure at Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town at your own pace; for the transfer + guide package, your knowledgeable guide will accompany you into both attractions, leading you to the best photo spots and sharing fascinating stories about the sites’ history and culture. After your exploration, meet your driver at the agreed spot and enjoy a smooth ride back to your Beijing hotel.
Please note that our drivers may not speak English, but they are equipped with multilingual translators to ensure hassle-free communication.
What's not included
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Tour guide if you choose option 1 to use transfer only
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
16 reviews
5★
15
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
14 reviews
5★
14
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The Great Wall cable car service may be suspended at any time due to adverse weather conditions. If the cable car stops operating during your tour, we will fully refund the cable car ticket fee.
Please select your departure time according to your travel needs. We recommend departing after 14:00 if you wish to enjoy the night view of Gubei Water Town. Please note that daytime and nighttime Great Wall tickets are separate and non-interchangeable—you cannot access both the daytime and nighttime sections with a single ticket.
The standard duration of our service is 8–9 hours. For any time exceeding 9 hours, an overtime fee of USD 15 per hour is required for the driver alone. If you have booked the package with a guide, the overtime fee will be USD 30 per hour (USD 15 for the driver and USD 15 for the guide).
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• 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
