Beijing: Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Private Tour

Experience the Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town in an Intimate Private Tour

If you’re seeking a way to escape the crowds of Beijing’s more popular sights and instead enjoy a more authentic, less hectic day exploring one of China’s most striking sections of the Great Wall plus a charming water town, this private tour is worth considering. For $142 per person, you get roughly 8 hours of personalized attention, visiting the Simatai Great Wall, renowned for its rugged beauty and fewer visitors, and the Gubei Water Town, a picturesque area resembling a traditional southern water town. With options for guided visits or self-guided exploration, this experience offers flexibility and comfort.

We love how this tour combines two very different but equally beautiful spots—the panoramic views from the Great Wall at night and the leisurely stroll through the water town with its traditional shops and food stalls. The inclusion of round-trip cable cars makes reaching the top of the wall easier, while the private group setting ensures a more relaxed, tailor-made experience. One thing to consider is that if you opt only for transfer, food is not included, so you might want to plan for meals in advance or bring snacks.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value local authenticity and want to avoid the crush of crowds. It’s especially suited for those interested in a more relaxed pace, guided insights, and stunning vistas, making it perfect for small groups or couples looking for a memorable, personalized day outside Beijing.

Key Points

• Private Experience: Your own guide and driver for personalized service
• Nighttime Views: Unique opportunity to see the Great Wall illuminated and less crowded at night
• Cable Car Convenience: Round-trip cable car rides simplify reaching the top
• Flexible Exploration: Self-guided options allow you to explore at your own pace
• Authentic Atmosphere: Gubei Water Town offers traditional Chinese architecture and local food
• Value for Money: Combines transportation, entrance fees, and optional meals at an accessible price

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

What the Tour Includes and How It’s Structured

This private tour lasts about 8 hours, starting with a hotel pickup within Beijing’s 4th ring road. Depending on your choice, the package includes private transportation, entrance fees, round-trip cable cars, and either a Chinese dinner or lunch. If you pick the transfer-only option, you’re responsible for food but still get access to the sites—perfect for travelers wanting more control over their meal choices or on a tighter budget.

The guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and then whisk you away to start your adventure. The journey itself covers scenic countryside en route to Gubei Water Town and Simatai, giving a glimpse of rural China beyond the city’s outskirts.

The Journey to Simatai Great Wall

Once at Simatai, your guide will explain the history and tales surrounding this particular stretch of the Great Wall—less restored and more rugged than some sections, offering a sense of authenticity and adventure. Expect about 2 hours exploring the area, including a golf cart ride to the foot of the mountain and the cable car to reach the top.

The cable car ride is a highlight, offering spectacular views that make the ascent effortless. The cable cars are included in the price and save you from a steep climb, so you can focus more on the scenery rather than exertion. The 10 watch towers open to visitors at night are a special treat, providing sweeping views and a different perspective compared to daytime visits.

Experiencing the Wall at Night

What sets this tour apart is the chance to see the Great Wall illuminated at night—a truly magical sight. Several reviewers, like Vivian, mention the “beautiful atmosphere” and how the night views give the Wall a new dimension. It’s quieter, less commercialized, and offers some of the best photo opportunities.

During the guided portion, you’ll hike up and down the towers, feeling the uneven stones and imagining the sentinels who once guarded China. The experience is often described as “amazing” and “unmatched,” with many visitors praising the chance to see a less crowded, more atmospheric side of the Wall.

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Gubei Water Town: A Water Town like No Other

After descending by cable car, your next stop is the Gubei Water Town, a built-to-inspire scene reminiscent of the ancient Wuzhen Water Town. The town features six main areas, including the bustling Minguo Street and Water Street, where you can browse shops, try local snacks, and soak in the traditional architecture.

Many reviews highlight the beautiful scenery both in daylight and at night. Visitors like Meredith mention how “Gubei Watertown was so pretty in daylight and at night,” with some wishing they’d arrived earlier to enjoy it during the daytime. The town’s charm lies in its blend of restored old buildings, waterways, and lively local food stalls.

Food and Local Flavor

Food options are a highlight—if you chose the included meal, you’ll enjoy a Chinese dinner or lunch featuring local flavors. Reviewers frequently praise the delicious food, which adds to the overall value of the experience. Even if you opt for the transfer-only, planning ahead for meals is wise, as the town offers plenty of tasty options.

Optional Self-Guided Exploration

If you prefer to wander freely, the self-guided option gives you the freedom to explore without a guide, provided you have your QR code tickets for entry and cable car. Many travelers appreciate this flexibility, especially those who want to take photos, shop, or enjoy the scenery at their own pace.

The Return Journey and Overall Satisfaction

After dinner or leisurely exploration, your driver will meet you for the return trip to Beijing. The entire experience, as many reviews confirm, is praised for professional service, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable guides.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that visitors appreciate the personalized attention and insider insights provided by guides like Chen and Huang. Many mention the high-quality service, with drivers like Zhao and Sun being praised for their professionalism and kindness.

The less crowded, authentic atmosphere at Simatai, especially at night, is a major draw. It feels like a special privilege to see the Wall illuminated, with some reviewers describing it as “unmatched” or “beautiful.” The chance to combine this with a walk through Gubei Water Town—one of China’s most picturesque water villages—means you get a well-rounded, memorable day.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a personalized, flexible day outside the hustle of Beijing’s more popular sites. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate great views, authentic atmospheres, and a bit of adventure. It’s also ideal for small groups or couples wanting an intimate, guided experience that balances history, scenery, and local flavor.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring your passport for ticketing purposes.
• Check your hotel’s full address for pickup.
• Wear comfortable shoes—there’s some walking and uneven terrain.
• Consider bringing a jacket for the evening, as it can get cooler on the wall at night.
• If choosing the transfer-only option, plan ahead for meals or snacks in Gubei Water Town.
• Remember that the tour includes round-trip cable cars, so no need to worry about strenuous climbs.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable walking and managing some uneven surfaces, this tour can suit most age groups. The cable car helps reduce physical strain, especially at night.

What’s the best time to see the Great Wall at night?
Typically, the night visit is scheduled in the evening after sunset, giving you the chance to see the Wall illuminated and enjoy a quieter experience.

Can I explore Gubei Water Town on my own?
Yes, if you opt for the self-guided tickets, you’re free to wander and explore at your own pace.

Does the tour include food?
Food is included if you select the meal option. The tour itself notes that if only transfer is booked, food is not included, so plan accordingly.

How long is the drive from Beijing to Gubei Water Town?
The exact duration isn’t specified, but many reviews mention a 2-hour drive, which makes the trip manageable and not overly long.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, the entrance fee to the Great Wall and the round-trip cable car are included in the price.

Is this a guided or self-guided experience?
The tour offers both options: a guided experience with insights from the guide or a self-guided exploration with tickets provided.

Final Thoughts

This private tour blends the best of both worlds: the awe-inspiring Simatai Great Wall at night, with its remarkable views and serenity, plus the charming authenticity of Gubei Water Town. The inclusion of cable cars, entrance fees, and flexible options makes it a practical choice for travelers craving a more personal, authentic experience outside Beijing’s tourist-heavy scenes.

Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or simply someone eager to see a quieter, more atmospheric side of China’s most famous landmark, this tour offers a memorable day. The high ratings, glowing reviews, and flexible options suggest it’s a reliable choice—especially if you value knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery.

This tour is most suited for those who want a private, relaxed experience, enjoy scenic views, and appreciate authentic local charm. If you’re after a well-organized day that balances history, nature, and cultural sights—without the huge crowds—this could be just what you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: