Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced on the official website a new batch of national tourist resorts for 2024, with Gubei WTown International Leisure Tourism Resort (located in Miyun District) making the list. 

Gubei Wtown

Nestled at the foot of the Great Wall, Gubei Wtown International Tourism Resort is backed by Simatai Great Wall and faces the Yuanyang Lake Reservoir. The town enjoys a unique resort-style.

Strolling through Gubei Wtown, visitors will encounter houses with green tiles and black roofs, streets paved with heavy blue stone slabs, and charming eaves, window frames, stone bridges, arches, and corridors, all exuding a simple, rustic charm.

The alleys, courtyards, and streets are a sight to behold, with ever-changing scenery at every turn. A bridge, a lake, a corner – all radiate renaissance essence, making visitors feel as if they are wandering through a painting.

Gubei Wtown features several intangible cultural heritage handicraft experience areas, where visitors can engage in traditional skills such as papermaking, movable type printing, and weaving, experiencing the ingenuity of the ancients. Additionally, visitors can explore and participate in other intangible cultural heritage projects like printing and dyeing, rubbing, paper cutting, and tie-dyeing.

Yongshun Dyeing Workshop, Yinghua Academy, Yuelao Temple, Baqi (Eight Banners) Guild Hall, Zhenyuan Escort Agency, Sima Xiaoshao JiuFang (liquor store), and more are all picturesque spots perfect for photos. On holiday, don ancient costumes and indulge in a date with traditional Chinese style. As night falls, Gubei Wtown becomes even more enchanting. The Great Wall Music and Water Show is set in the Great Wall, with music and dancing water intertwined, guiding visitors into the dreamlike world of Gubei and exploring the colorful nightlife in town.

The Kong-ming Lantern Drone Show is also a must-see. Hundreds of drones carrying Kong-ming lanterns light up the night sky, creating a dazzling display and interpreting the radiant evening beauty in town.

Sima Great Wall

The Simatai Great Wall is the only section of the Great Wall that retains the original appearance from the Ming Dynasty. It is renowned for its five distinct characteristics: dangerous, dense, even, ingenious, and complete. In 2012, the Simatai Great Wall was ranked first in the list of the “World’s Top 25 Scenic Spots” by the Times newspaper in 2012

Beyond the breathtaking daytime scenery, the Simatai Great Wall offers an unforgettable night tour experience. As the first ancient Great Wall in China to open for night tours, it reveals a unique charm under the glow of night lights. Touring the Great Wall at night, visitors are mesmerized by the sight of countless lights from the homes at its base.

Recommended Itineraries

Itinerary 1: Take the cable car to the upper station, walk to the beacon tower on the fifth floor, then descend to explore until arriving the second-floor beacon tower. Return to the cable car upper station to get back down.

Itinerary 2: Walk along the walking way of the Great Wall to the second-floor beacon tower, continue the exploration until arriving the fifth-floor beacon tower, then walk to the cable car station and take the cable car down.

Night Tour Itinerary: Take the cable car to the upper station, walk to the beacon tower on the fifth floor, enjoy the night view from the Simatai Great Wall, and then return to the cable car station for the descent.

Stay in a B&B and Sleep by the Water

Enjoy a pleasant stay at the foot of the Great Wall, where you can sleep by the water. Gubei Wtown offers a variety of kezhan (inns), each with its own unique charm, including Xichen Kezhan, Matou Kezhan, Yanmen Kezhan, Baqi Kezhan, Biaoju Kezhan, etc. Tourists can choose according to their preferences and needs.

Enjoy Delicious Food

Gubei WTown is a paradise for food lovers, with many restaurants offering a feast for the senses. Be sure to try the Qiaotou Cake, Gubei Roasted Pears, and the Roast Pork Restaurant. For late-night cravings, there is also a convenient late-night canteen.

Address: Simatai Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, Beijing

Tickets: From May 1 to October 31, 2024, Gubei WTown will implement its high-season ticket policy. Tickets are priced at 140 yuan per person, with a discounted price of 80 yuan per person for eligible groups.

Tips

In hot weather, take precautions to prevent heatstroke and sunburn, stay hydrated, and avoid outdoor activities during peak noon temperatures. Avoid outdoor activities during bad weather, especially in mountainous areas and unfamiliar waters.