Wild Wall Views and Lantern-Lit Lanes

Route Summary

If Mutianyu feels balanced and restored, Simatai feels raw and dramatic.

This route takes you farther from Beijing — into Miyun District — where the mountains rise more sharply and the Great Wall follows steeper ridgelines. Below it sits Gubei Water Town, a carefully designed canal town inspired by traditional northern architecture.

You’ll hike one of the most rugged, photogenic sections of the Wall, then descend into a town of stone bridges, flowing water, and courtyard streets.

It’s a full countryside day — and it feels very different from central Beijing.

Overview

Route: Beijing → Simatai Great Wall → Lunch in Gubei Water Town → Explore Gubei → Return
Duration: 10–11 hours
Best For: Active travelers, photographers, return visitors
Travel Style: Rugged Wall hike + scenic town stroll
Pace: Moderate to active (steeper terrain than Mutianyu)

Who This Route Is Perfect For

Travelers seeking a more dramatic Great Wall section
Photographers who love mountain views
Visitors who want a full countryside experience
Couples or small groups wanting something atmospheric

Consider Another Route If

You prefer gentler, restored Wall sections
You’re uncomfortable with steep inclines
You have limited time and want a closer Wall section

Why This Route Works

Simatai and Gubei Water Town sit side by side — which makes this pairing natural.

You begin high, walking along one of the most original-looking sections of the Great Wall. The terrain here is steeper, the watchtowers more varied, and the stonework less polished than at Mutianyu.

After that intensity, you descend into Gubei Water Town. The water, bridges, and slower pace create a welcome contrast.

Climb first. Wander later.

Transport Strategy (Macro Logic)

Depart early; Simatai is about 2 hours from central Beijing.
Traffic can vary significantly on weekends.
The Wall section is partially accessible by cable car; hiking options are limited to designated open areas.
Allow at least 2 hours on the Wall and 2–3 hours in Gubei Water Town.
A private vehicle is strongly recommended due to distance.

Day Structure

Day 1 – Mountain Drama & Canal Streets

Macro Snapshot

Early mountain drive → steep Great Wall section → relaxed lunch → town exploration → evening return.

More physically demanding than Mutianyu.

Morning

Drive to Simatai

Depart around 7:30 AM.

The drive northeast toward Miyun gradually becomes more mountainous. By the time you approach Gubeikou, the ridgelines feel sharper and more dramatic.

Arrive around 9:30 AM at
Simatai Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall

Simatai is known for its steep gradients and original brickwork. Unlike heavily restored sections, parts of Simatai retain a more rugged appearance.

Simatai Great Wall

You can take a cable car partway up, then continue on foot along the open section. The watchtowers here are varied — some tall and square, others more compact.

The climb can be steep. Move steadily and carefully.

From higher points, the Wall snakes across jagged ridges — one of the most photogenic views near Beijing.

Plan about 2 hours, depending on pace.

Midday

Lunch in Gubei Water Town

Around 12:30 PM, descend and walk into
Gubei Water Town.

Choose a local restaurant inside the town. Dishes often reflect northern Chinese flavors — hearty and warming.

After the steepness of Simatai, sitting by a canal with lunch feels especially relaxing.

Afternoon

Exploring Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town blends traditional architectural styles with a carefully designed layout of canals, bridges, and courtyards.

Gubei Water Town

You can wander through:

Water Street Area
Small craft shops
Tea houses
Quiet alleys away from the main pedestrian paths

It’s designed for strolling — no rush required.

Yongshun Dyehouse

If time allows, stop at the
Yongshun Dyehouse.

Yongshun Dyehouse

Here, traditional indigo dyeing techniques are demonstrated. You can observe how fabric is folded, tied, dipped, and dried to create patterns.

Some workshops allow visitors to try simple dyeing techniques and take home a small piece of hand-dyed cloth.

It’s a tactile, hands-on contrast to the morning’s stone and mountain views.

Around 4:30 PM

Begin the drive back to Beijing.

Arrive around 6:30–7:00 PM, depending on traffic.

Practical Notes from Me

Wear proper hiking shoes — Simatai is steeper than Mutianyu.
Bring water and sun protection.
Move carefully on uneven Wall surfaces.
Weekends can be busy; weekday visits feel more peaceful.
If staying overnight in Gubei, the town becomes beautifully lit after dark — worth considering.