Gubei Water Town

Introducing Gubei Water Town
Gubei Water Town is a charming ancient canal town northeast of Beijing. Gubei Water Town lies at the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Nestled around the tranquil Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir, the Gubei Water Town occupies the former footprint of five Simatai villages, sprawling across nine square kilometers (3.5 square miles) of captivating scenery.

The site is often called the “Wuzhen of Beijing,” drawing comparisons to the famed Wuzhen in Zhejiang province. This nickname captures its essence: a picturesque destination with an intricate canal system, charming bridges, and traditional architecture, reminiscent of classic Chinese water towns. Its convenient location and carefully curated atmosphere make it a compelling alternative, offering visitors a taste of serene canal life just a short trip from the bustling metropolis.

Gubei Water Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Gǔ Běi Shuǐ Zhèn 古北水镇
• Best Time to Visit: April to May, September to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 4 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Chinese Culture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 – 22:30 (Gubei Water Town), 9:00 – 21:40 (Simatai Great Wall)
• Entrance Fee: CNY140 (Gubei Water Town), CNY170 (Combo ticket for Simatai Great Wall)
• Address: Approx. 140 kilometers (87 miles) northeast of Beijing

What to Expect at Gubei Water Town
In this beautiful water town, visitors can explore scenic waterways by boat, wander through historic courtyards and unique shops, relax in traditional teahouses, discover historical sites like the Zhenyuan Escort Agency, and walk a majestic section of the Great Wall. The interplay of water, architecture, and history creates an immersive and enchanting atmosphere, contributing to a long-lasting memory.

Mesmerizing Boat Trip
Drift along the picturesque canals of Gubei Water Town in a traditional wooden boat, a larger electric boat, or even a self-rowed one, admiring stunning views of the ancient architecture reflected in the water, the majestic Simatai Great Wall, and the vibrant local life. This unique perspective is especially enchanting in the evening when the town is illuminated, offering a peaceful and romantic experience with ample photo opportunities.

Hot Spring Retreat
Unwind and rejuvenate at the town’s natural hot springs. Legend says that soldiers who built the Great Wall visited these springs to relax after their arduous toil. Several resorts and hotels offer soothing hot spring facilities, a perfect escape after a day exploring the area. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters in both indoor and outdoor pools.

Simatai Great Wall
Known for its steep slopes, crumbling ramparts, and dramatic cliffside construction, Simatai section of the Great Wall offers a more rugged and adventurous experience compared to other restored sections. It boasts unique features like the Heavenly Ladder, a near-vertical staircase, and the only section of the Great Wall open for night tours. While partially restored, much of Simatai retains its original character, offering a glimpse into the wall’s authentic past and a truly exhilarating hike for adventurous visitors.

Yongshun Dye House
Experience the vibrant world of the Yongshun Dye House, a sanctuary of Chinese dyeing. Witness the transformation of natural plant extracts – indigo, madder root, turmeric, and more – into a breathtaking spectrum of botanical hues. Explore time-honored resist-dyeing techniques, from tie-dye to batik, where intricate knots and wax barriers create mesmerizing patterns. Journey through a comprehensive exhibition showcasing the evolution of Chinese dyeing and printing from Neolithic times to the present day. Unleash your creativity in interactive workshops, learn resist-dyeing from master artisans, and create your own dyed masterpiece to take home.

Yuantong Temple & Pagoda
Anyone interested in Buddhist culture should definitely visit the Yuantong Temple. This majestic and impressive complex comprises the temple buildings and the Yuantong Pagoda. The temple follows a traditional layout, featuring a sequence of halls including the Mountain Gate, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Avalokiteśvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), and the Hall of Vairocana Buddha. The towering Yuantong Pagoda, octagonal in shape, rises seven stories high. The tranquil and serene temple grounds offer an ideal setting for meditation and reflection. Visitors can also enjoy delicious vegetarian meals, copy Buddhist scriptures, and savor fragrant Buddhist tea.

Yinghua Academy
Yinghua Academy’s name comes from the phrase “沉浸浓郁，含英咀华” – “to steep oneself in the richness of poetry and literature, savoring its essence” – taken from Tang Dynasty Poet Han Yu’s “Preface to the Examinations” (进学解). The academy is divided into two distinct yet complementary courtyards: East and West. The East Courtyard, with its pavilions and winding corridors, features a beautiful lotus pond, offering a peaceful place to take in the serene atmosphere and delicate fragrance. Contrasting the tranquility of the East Courtyard is the scholarly focus of the West Courtyard. Here stands the Wenchang Pavilion, a place of reverence dedicated to Wenchang Dijun, the Taoist god who oversees scholarship and the fortunes of those seeking official positions. Students often visit the pavilion to seek inspiration and blessings for their studies.

The Shrine of the Yang Family
The shrine is dedicated to the Yang Family Generals (杨家将), a loyal and courageous clan who heroically defended the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) against invaders. The most famous members include General Yang Ye and his seven sons, several of whom tragically died in battle. The women of the Yang family, often referred to as the Yang Family Female Warriors (杨家女将), also played a crucial role.

The shrine is divided into two courtyards. The first enshrines Yang Ye and his sons. The second is dedicated to Madame She (Yang Ye’s wife) and the female generals of the Yang family. The shrine celebrates patriotism, loyalty, and the extraordinary courage of both men and women in the face of overwhelming odds.

Zhenyuan Escort Agency
In ancient China, escort agencies acted as private security organizations, protecting valuable goods and people traveling across dangerous regions. These agencies transported goods ranging from silver and silk to important documents, and even provided safe passage for officials. Their escorts were skilled martial artists who used various weapons to defend against bandits and other threats.

The story of Zhenyuan Escort Agency follows Zhang Zhenyuan, an escort in ancient China, offering a glimpse into the daily operations of an escort agency. The restored halls detail the entire process: from accepting a consignment and negotiating terms to undertaking the journey itself. This includes insights into the escorts’ daily lives. Within the agency’s compound, a training ground provided space for practice, a shrine to Guan Yu (the God of War) served spiritual needs, and a watchtower ensured security.

The Hall of the Eight Banners
Established by Nurhaci before the Manchu conquest of China, the Eight Banners system—comprised of Manchu, Mongol, and some Han Chinese soldiers—formed the backbone of the Qing military. Bannermen enjoyed privileged lives, receiving hereditary stipends and land grants, and enjoying preferential access to government positions. Originally a gathering place for the garrisoned troops, the hall now serves as a museum showcasing the Eight Banners system and Manchu culture. Through exhibits in its various halls, including a replica dwelling and training grounds, visitors can gain insights into the military prowess and daily life of these bannermen.

How to Get to Gubei Water Town
• The Gubei Water Town is located approx. 140 kilometers (87 miles) northeast of Beijing.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Gubei Water Town.

Additional Travel Advice on Gubei Water Town
• A boat route is available at Gubei Water Town, traveling from Yangui Landing (雁归码头) near the tourist center to Yuanyang Lake Landing (鸳鸯湖码头) next to the Simatai Great Wall. The full journey takes approximately 40 minutes. A midway stop at Riyuedao Landing (日月岛码头) allows passengers to break the journey into two shorter segments of approximately 20 minutes each.

• Operating Hours: 8:00 – 21:30 (May – Oct), 8:00 – 22:00 (Nov – Apr).
• Ticket: CNY120 (Full Route), CNY80 (Half Route), CNY600 & 400 (Boat Charter).
• Boat tours will be suspended during winter when river ice conditions make operation unsafe.