
Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 7 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver worth booking?
Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver is a 9-hour experience in Beijing, China, from $124 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 7 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (7)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $124 per person
During this 9 hour day tour you will get to see 3 different sections of the Great Wall. There’s around 240km of Great Wall around Beijing, each section is different. Visit the Mutianyu section first thing in the morning to avoid the rush hour. Enjoy going down from the Great Wall with the toboggan slide, a really funny experience! Then you will go hike a less touristy section: Xiangsuihu. To finish your day, discover the Untouched Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. This section is known as the only section built by a lake.
What you get
About this experience
During this 9 hour day tour you will get to see 3 different sections of the Great Wall. There’s around 240km of Great Wall around Beijing, each section is different. Visit the Mutianyu section first thing in the morning to avoid the rush hour. Enjoy going down from the Great Wall with the toboggan slide, a really funny experience! Then you will go hike a less touristy section: Xiangsuihu. To finish your day, discover the Untouched Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. This section is known as the only section built by a lake.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- English-speaking tour driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off with private AC vehicle
Not included
- English speaking guide
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Simatai Great Wall
Simatai Wall 2 hours
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Gubei Water Town
2 hours
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- zh-TW, cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mark's Guide & Driver Service Beijing
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please wear comfortable hiking shoes
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Travel insurance is encouraged
- Exclude Entrance Ticket, please bring 230 RMB per person for ticket in cash
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 7 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
7 verified traveler reviews for Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Good english speaking guide with comfortable car
Mark is friendly and a good english speaking guide. His car is comfortable and provided water as well. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Superb Driver and Great Wall Experience
Tour guide’ vehicle was very comfortable and he provided charging adapter to ensure our mobiles are ready for snapping magnificent photos. We came back abit late due to the terrain of the walk but he cool about it. Definitely recommended to everyone.
via Tripadvisor
Great Wall Jinshanling!
We had been given Marks contact through some friends who had visited the wall with him a few years ago. So happy we had this recommendation because it was amazing! Our driver Xie was very chilled and relaxed for the drive to Jinshanling, it was 2 hours but didn’t feel like it there wasn’t much to see along the way the landscape is beautiful but not much else so it was lovely to enjoy the scenery and be peaceful and relaxed on our drive up. Xie easily sorted all our shuttle/cable car and entrance tickets and it was such a great day cause there was about 10 people all up on this part of the wall so it was our very own special experience for the few hours we were up there. Once finished Xie stopped for us to grab some snacks and we headed straight back to our hotel. Stress free and full of Great Wall spirit. We thank you! We are booking for another wall experience for next week. Big love! Leah
via Tripadvisor
Best Day in Beijing
We can't thank Mark and Martin enough for the most memorable day in China! Mark was very responsive when I emailed him to set up a custom private tour and made it easy to book in advance. Our driver, Martin, was punctual, professional, and very helpful in driving, guiding, and purchasing our tickets. He was patient and gave us plenty of time to explore at our own pace. I've already recommended this company to my friends and encourage you to book with them for a great day!
via Tripadvisor
Excelent way to spend a day
This was a wonderful day trip. Our guide (Rocky) and our driver were right on time to pick us up from our hotel, We had a nice drive up to the most restored section of the wall. Rocky was able to tell us lots of the history of the wall and knew where all the best picture spots were. Once the tourists started to showup in the later morning, we drove over to the section portion of the wall. While very well restored, this was a difficult portion of the wall to navigate if you have bad knees. It was very steep and was primarily steps. The views in this section were very cool since there are some inner and outer walls so the wall seems to spring off in every direction. Next we were off to lunch. IT WAS FANTASTIC! A large local joint that wasn't too busy. Rocky ordered for us and it was the most delicious meal we ad in our week long trip. I highly recommend the pork and chestnut entre. After our HUGE lunch, we went off to the final section of the day. This was in a pretty remote area- we walked through a small field and climbed up onto the wall. While this section of the wall was not maintained, the view were worth the uneasy footing. You could see the wall stretching along for miles and miles in both directions. This section of the wall is the most intense. It is steeply sloped and has few steps, so it feels more like hiking up a rocky slope. Make sure your shoes have good traction. All0 in- all we were gone from our hotel 8-9 hours and according to my activity tracker we walked about 4 miles in total (but it felt like much more) I'm a pretty active runner/hiker, but portions of this trip were a bit of a struggle and I am not ashamed to admit that my calves were sore the next day. This is NOT a relaxing trip, but it was such a wonderful way to see the grandness of the wall in a quiet and more personal setting- we saw hardly anyone on the wall at our second stop and were the only people for miles at the 3rd. Definitely take this tour if you have a full day to spare and want to see more than just the swarms of people at the main sections.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $124 to $229
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Mark's Guide & Driver Service Beijing, who run 14 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.5.
See everything Mark's Guide & Driver Service Beijing runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beijing.
How much does Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver cost?
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Prices start at $124 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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 7 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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver?
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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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver?
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Around 2 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver 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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver?
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Included: Bottled water; English-speaking tour driver; and Hotel pickup and drop-off with private AC vehicle. Not included: English speaking guide; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2799 listed pickup locations in and around Beijing. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and 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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver?
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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 Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beijing. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Trip English Driver?
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Across 7 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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