Beijing: Jinshanling, Simatai Wall and Gubei Water Town Tour

Discovering the Best of Beijing’s Surroundings: Jinshanling, Simatai, and Gubei Water Town

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing and want to see beyond the crowds of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, this tour offers a compelling way to experience some of the most scenic and historically significant sights outside the city.

It takes you along Jinshanling‘s rugged, less-visited stretches of the Great Wall, then offers a cable car ride over Simatai with its impressive watchtowers, culminating in a visit to the charming Gubei Water Town.

Two things we love about this tour are its focus on authenticity—visiting less touristy sections of the Great Wall that are favored by hikers and photographers—and the chance to see Gubei Water Town at night, lit up with lanterns, providing a memorable, picturesque ending.

One consideration is that the day is quite packed, with a mix of outdoor walking, scenic rides, and cultural exploration, so it’s best suited for active travelers.

This experience is ideal for those who want to combine outdoor adventure, rich scenery, and a bit of local culture in one day. If you value expert guides and authentic visits over crowded, commercialized sites, this tour might be just right for you.

Key Points

• Less Crowded Sections: Visit the mainly preserved Jinshanling part of the Great Wall, perfect for photography and hiking.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy dramatic vistas from different sections of the Wall, especially the illuminated Simatai at sunset.

  Cultural Charm: Explore Gubei Water Town, a beautifully reconstructed water town with traditional architecture and canals.

• Expert Guidance: Learn about the history of each site from knowledgeable guides who share engaging stories.

  Convenient Transportation: Experience private, air-conditioned vehicle transfers that make the day smooth and comfortable.

  Value-Added Experiences: Take a cable car ride at Simatai, enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch, and walk through lantern-lit pathways at night.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Full-Day Journey into the Heart of China’s Scenic Beauty and History

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated journey outside Beijing, blending outdoor adventure with cultural discovery. We found it’s a good choice for travelers who prefer to see the authentic side of China’s most iconic landmarks without the overwhelming crowds.

Starting Point: Ease into the Day with a Hotel Pickup

Your day begins with a friendly meet-up in your hotel lobby. The tour operator provides a private, air-conditioned vehicle—a boon when navigating the sometimes dusty, busy roads of northern China. The guide, who speaks fluent English, quickly sets a relaxed tone, preparing you for what lies ahead. This personal touch helps make a long day feel more manageable, especially if you’re traveling with family or a small group.

Jinshanling: A Hiker’s Paradise and Photographer’s Dream

The first highlight is the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, a site praised for its preservation and rugged beauty. It’s less crowded than the more famous Badaling stretch, offering a more authentic experience. The walls here are over 100 enemy towers long, which means plenty of spots for photo enthusiasts to capture the ancient stone against the distant mountains.

We loved the way the tour’s guide customizes the hike based on your fitness level, suggesting routes that optimize your experience—whether you want a quick walk or a more challenging trek. The well-preserved condition of Jinshanling allows you to see the original construction and imagine what life was like for soldiers stationed along the Wall.

Simatai: Iconic Views and Nighttime Magic

Next, you’ll hop into the cable car to reach Simatai Great Wall, famous for its dramatic cliffs and well-preserved watchtowers. The cable car round trip makes exploring easier, especially if you’re not in a mood for strenuous climbs. Once at the top, your guide will lead you through the 10 open watchtowers, sharing stories about their strategic importance through history.

What makes Simatai particularly special is the chance to see it lit up at sunset. As the lanterns glow and the setting sun paints the sky, the scene becomes almost surreal—magical enough for stunning photographs. We appreciated that the tour allows some free time to soak in the views and take photos, which many reviews highlight as a favorite part.

More Great Tours Nearby

Gubei Water Town: A Cultural and Visual Tapestry at Night

After the Wall, it’s time to visit Gubei Water Town, a beautifully reconstructed water town inspired by the traditional Wuzhen Water Town. The town’s canals, bridges, and old-style architecture evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Wandering through the narrow lanes lit by lanterns, you’ll get a real flavor of local culture and history—far from the commercialized tourist spots.

Once darkness falls, the town transforms as lanterns light up the pathways, and the Simatai section of the Wall is illuminated for a breathtaking view. The tour includes a ride on the cable car to gaze down at the entire scene from above—a truly picturesque moment.

Dinner and Cultural Flavors

A traditional Chinese lunch in a local village restaurant is included in the package, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. Many reviewers mention how well-organized and enjoyable this meal is, adding value to the overall experience.

End of the Day: Returning with Memories and Photos

After a full day of hiking, exploring, and scenic views, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. The seamless organization, combined with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport, makes this trip a memorable highlight of a Beijing visit.

Analyzing the Value

At $196 per person, this tour offers a lot. You’re paying for a full day of guided exploration, transportation, entrance fees (if you choose the package), a cable car ride, and a cultural experience—often at a lower cost than arranging all these elements independently. Reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, which can enrich your understanding of each site.

The included private vehicle makes the long drive comfortable, especially with the 9-hour duration. The option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility, a smart feature for travelers uncertain of their schedule.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• The less crowded Jinshanling section offers a more authentic hiking experience than more commercialized parts of the Great Wall.
• The combination of scenic views at Simatai with the nighttime illumination creates a visually stunning experience many travelers say is unforgettable.
• Visiting Gubei Water Town adds a cultural dimension that complements the outdoor parts, making the whole day feel well-rounded.

Possible Drawbacks to Consider

While the day is packed with sights, some travelers might find the schedule a bit intensive—especially if you prefer leisurely visits. The tour does not include the Jinshanling cable car, which might be a consideration if climbing steep sections is difficult.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Active travelers who enjoy walking and outdoor scenery will appreciate the mix of hiking and sightseeing. History buffs will enjoy the detailed stories from guides, and photographers will love the diverse vistas and lighting conditions. Those who want a comprehensive day outside Beijing—covering iconic sites with a local touch—will find this tour a valuable and memorable choice.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace or are less interested in hiking, you might want to look at other options, but for a well-organized day that balances adventure and culture, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour is flexible; guides can suggest routes based on your hiking ability, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
Yes, if you select the package option, entrance fees are included, along with a Chinese lunch and cable car rides at Simatai. The basic option may exclude some of these.

How long is the drive from Beijing?
The tour involves a comfortable private transfer from your hotel, with the total duration around 9 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and breaks.

Can I take the cable car at Jinshanling?
No, the cable car at Jinshanling is not included in the tour. The cable car at Simatai is included as part of the package.

What should I bring for the trip?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor exploration.

Is there free time to explore each site?
Yes, the tour includes some free time at Simatai and Gubei Water Town to enjoy the views, take photos, or just soak in the atmosphere.

Can I see the Great Wall at night?
Absolutely. The tour includes viewing the illuminated Simatai section, which many find a highlight.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly specified, spring and autumn generally offer the best weather—cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, active families with children who enjoy outdoor walks and scenic views will find this tour engaging. Just be mindful of the walking involved and wear suitable shoes.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of outdoor adventure, historical insight, and cultural charm. It’s best suited for travelers craving authentic experiences away from the crowds, with guides who enrich the visit with stories and local knowledge. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, or culture enthusiast, the sights and stories you’ll encounter make this a day worth planning for.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby