Private Sunset&Night Tour: Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Stay away Beijing crowed tourists Great Wall Pass and bad air pollution, find your own private world of Great Wall in Simatai with seasonal romantic scenery: blooming mountain flowers are dancing with spring breeze; summer sunset sinks in Cloud Sea, autumn maples dressed the mountain as oil painting; winter snow brings Great Wall a kind of quiet gentleness.
Simatai section Great Wall is one of the few sections to retain the original appearance of the Great Wall, known as the "dangerous, extraordinary and special”. If we take it as a boy, Gubei water town is like a girl, gentle and soft，used to be a historic military border village. Accompanied by your private guide, you will start the tour at noon; take the return cable car to see the impressive parapets and defensive watch towers with the beautiful sunset.
Guide service, entrance fees, return cable car, round-trip transportation are all included.
Available options
All Inclusive Private Tour
Including entrance tickets to water town and Great Wall , round trip cable car fees, private transfer and private guide.<br/>Pickup included
All Tickets+Transfer NO Guide
All tickets+Transfer NO Guide: Including entrance tickets to water town and Great Wall , round trip cable car fees, private transfer WITHOUT guide service.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pick up & drop off
Round Trip cable car fees
Air-conditioned vehicle with a private Chinese speaking driver with translator App
Entrance Tickets to the Sights
Gas, toll & parking lot fees
English-speaking tour guide service fee (with All Inclusive option only)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Be picked up by the English speaking tour guide with private vehicle at the hotel lobby at 12:30pm and drive to the Gubei water town which is situated in the north of Beijing, about 2-hour drive from the center, which surrounds the beautiful Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir and leans against the Simatai Great Wall, the most dangerous and majestic section of the entire Great Wall.
It was a historic military border village and now changes to a replica of Wuzhen Water Town in the Southern China, composed of picturesque canals, bridges, courtyard houses, has developed into a large-scale sightseeing and holiday destination.
At the beginning of the experience, you will be picked up at your hotel, and head to the Gubei Water Town by a comfortable private vehicle.
On the way, the tour guide will share with you the history about the Great Wall, and also you will have the chance to see the beautiful mountain view through the window.
Once get into the water town, you will totally forget about the city life and immerse in the unique scenery.
You will wander on the main street of flagstones, there are many food spots and stores alongside, such as: Kite workshop, Lantern shop，cloisonne crafts shop, etc., also, we are going to visit old safeguard agency, temple, academy, and eight banners guild hall. Walking in the water town, you can pass several bridges where you can take very beautiful pictures.
Once go back to the town, there is an amazing “Kongming lantern”show waiting for us，you will see hundreds of lantern flying to the night sky.
When the night falls, the water town transforms into a special atmosphere. You will see a part of the Great Wall from the village and it lights up at night.
You can end the tour in the town with delicious street food there and bring you back to the hotel by car.
2
Stop 2
After the water village you will reach the Simatai, the one of the few section to retain the original appearance of the Great Wall in Beijing, which was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), know as the “dangerous, extraordinary and special” section. Simatai is the only part of the UNESCO-listed structure open to visitors at night, and beautifully illuminated from dusk onward.
Towards the sunset time, you are heading to the Great Wall: Simatai Section, from where you can see the sunset and take overlook at the whole Gubei water town. To make the experience more relax and comfortable, you will take the cable car up and down the wall when it’s illuminated, and also give you a special view to see the whole wall section under night sky.
What's not included
Accommodations
Meals (Lunch & Dinner)
Gratuity to the guide and driver
Private English Speaking Tour Guide (With Transportation option )
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
10 reviews
5★
9
4★
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3★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
35 reviews
5★
34
4★
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3★
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Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is smart casual
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infant (1-3 years old) are free providing they do not occupy a seat
Extra fee is requested after 9 hours tour
Sun block is necessary in Summer
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
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
