
Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour worth booking?
Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour is a 10-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $8 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (8)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $8 per person
Two famous locations for cultural experiences around Beijing are the Simatai area of the Great Wall and Gubei Water Town.You'll be visiting both these locations, exploring their landscapes, and learning about their past and significance to Chinese culture.Starting in Gubei Water Town, you'll see the famous Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir that holds the water flowing through the town itself.Admire the northern architectural style of its carefully preserved old buildings, standing in elegance and full of street shows, before proceeding to the next destination close by. Against Gubei Water Town's lake is the Simatai area of the iconic Great Wall of China.This UNESCO World Heritage site has been partially restored, allowing you to climb up upon the battlements to take in the marvelous views of the jagged mountains and their greenery.The view changes throughout the seasons, casting new colors with every visit.Your tour ends back in downtown Beijing at the drop off.
What you get
About this experience
Two famous locations for cultural experiences around Beijing are the Simatai area of the Great Wall and Gubei Water Town.You'll be visiting both these locations, exploring their landscapes, and learning about their past and significance to Chinese culture.Starting in Gubei Water Town, you'll see the famous Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir that holds the water flowing through the town itself.Admire the northern architectural style of its carefully preserved old buildings, standing in elegance and full of street shows, before proceeding to the next destination close by. Against Gubei Water Town's lake is the Simatai area of the iconic Great Wall of China.This UNESCO World Heritage site has been partially restored, allowing you to climb up upon the battlements to take in the marvelous views of the jagged mountains and their greenery.The view changes throughout the seasons, casting new colors with every visit.Your tour ends back in downtown Beijing at the drop off.
What's included
Included
- Admission tickets to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei water town
- English-speaking guide
- Air-conditioned bus
Not included
- personal expense
- Cable car
- Insurance
- Lunch
- Accommodation
What you'll see and do
Gubei Water Town
Gubei Water Town perfectly blends the gentleness of Jiangnan’s water towns with the grandeur of northern mountains. Visitors can stroll through the ancient town and look up to admire the Simatai Great Wall winding along the mountain ridges—the only section of the Great Wall that retains its original Ming Dynasty architecture. At night, when the Great Wall is illuminated, its lights intertwine with the glow of the town, creating a truly spectacular scene.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Simatai Great Wall
The Simatai section of the Great Wall is one of the few sections to retain the original appearance of the Great Wall. It’s very varied in makeup. Simatai has many characteristics of other Great Wall sections, and some unique features of its own. It's the only section opened for a night tour.
180 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Beijing
09:20 Meet at Shaoyaoju Subway Station Exit E of Line 10
Meeting point
Beijing
08:50 Meet at Guomao, Subway Station Exit F of Line 1 and 10
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
09:20 Meet at Shaoyaoju Subway Station Exit E of Line 10
Ends at
08:50 Meet at Guomao, Subway Station Exit F of Line 1 and 10
Options you can book
Day Tour gubei & simatai
with other tourists by bus.: You will travel to the scenic spot together with other tourists by bus.
Direct bus no tickets
No admission fee included: This option only includes the cost of the round-trip bus ride.This option does not include the entrance ticket for the scenic
4-person private tour no EG
It's an entirely private trip: Duration: 10 hours,This option does not include a guide.The price is the unit price. Please bid for four copies.
2-person private tour group
The prices are all unit prices: You'll have freedom to enjoy special moments with your family and friends
7-14person private tour no EG
Gubei & Simatai Private tour: It's an entirely private trip without other guests.The prices are all unit prices.This option does not include a tour guide.
3-person private tour group
It's an entirely private trip: The prices are all unit prices. Several people take several copies.This option does not include a tour guide.
5-person private tour no G
Private tour no English guide: It's an entirely private trip without other guests.The price is the unit price. You need to bid for 5 copies.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jingjian Travel
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
6 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
3 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing tour.
I had a wonderful time on this tour! Everything was very well organized, and our guide Roberta was fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful throughout the whole trip. Gubei Water Town was absolutely amazing, and the Simatai section of the Great Wall was incredible as well. The combination of both places made the trip really special. And yes, it really is a full 12-hour tour — definitely worth the time! I truly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it!
via Viator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **One of the best...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **One of the best days of our trip!** We had an amazing day visiting **Simatai Great Wall** and **Gubei Water Town**. Everything was very well organized, and the whole experience exceeded our expectations. A big thank you to our guide, **Christina**. She contacted us the evening before with all the information we needed about the meeting point, which made everything easy and stress-free. She also gave us great tips on how to spend our time, where to have lunch, and suggested taking the cable car up to the Great Wall. We followed her advice, and it made the day even better. Both Simatai and Gubei Water Town are absolutely worth visiting. Gubei is a beautiful place to walk around, and the views from the Great Wall are simply incredible. What we loved most was how quiet it was. Once we reached the wall, there were hardly any other visitors, so we could really take our time and enjoy the views. If you're looking for a Great Wall experience away from the crowds, we highly recommend this tour. Thanks again, Christina, for your kindness, helpful advice, and enthusiasm. You helped make this one of the most memorable days of our trip to China!
via Viator
Best view of the wall
The views from the wall are incredible and worth the trip there. The tour is very long and there was a lot of time wasted waiting for people or for the guide to go through the chinese version of the explanation. They plan three hours for you to spend in the water town, which for us at least was more of a nice stroll, but not a place we wanted to deeply explore. You return around 10pm which is too late after an already long day.
via Viator
The perfect trip
I booked this trip for my friend, and this is her feedback. An incredible experience. Maybe it's because the product is new, there aren't many reviews, but the service is amazing! The tour guide said that they have been a travel agency in Beijing for sixteen years. Simatai and Gubei Water Town are both very peaceful and lovely (we went in late May). The scenery is magnificent and pleasant throughout the journey. The guide was excellent, the explanation was clear and easy to understand (English was our native language), she was very patient, the bus was comfortable and the transfer was easy. The lunch was delicious, it was a hot pot, very good experience. It's worth the money. The boat tour is as beautiful as a painting. Everything they suggested felt like a really good choice, I would recommend this trip to my friends, it was awesome.
via Viator
Wonderful visit without overcrowding
The water city is small but very charming. At the wall, we were practically alone. Perfect option to spend the day without rush, eating typical food (if one wants). We took the funicular round trip to also enjoy the village without stress. Our local guide (Christina) was very funny, kind, and provided very clear explanations. There were people who chose not to take the boat or restaurant, others did the night tour; in any case, she gave us tips for each situation so that everyone could organize their day as they wished. Totally recommendable
via Viator (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $8 to $700
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Jingjian Travel, who run 8 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.6.
See everything Jingjian Travel runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $8 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beijing usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beijing is not rushed.
Is Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beijing, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beijing can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beijing and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beijing within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Beijing?
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On Outty we rank every Beijing experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Temple Heaven, Lama Temple, Summer Palace & Peking Duck Bus Tour, Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Sightseeing Full-day Group Tours, Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Summer Palace Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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Included: Admission tickets to Simatai Great Wall and Gubei water town; English-speaking guide; and Air-conditioned bus. Not included: personal expense; Cable car; Insurance; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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09:20 Meet at Shaoyaoju Subway Station Exit E of Line 10 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Beijing|Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Day Tour?
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There are 7 options to choose from, including Day Tour gubei & simatai, Direct bus no tickets, 4-person private tour no EG, 2-person private tour group. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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