Guide to Simatai and Gubei: a journey through time and art.

What is it? Simatai is one of the most remote, yet beautifully preserved, unreconstructed sections of the Great Wall of China. It has very few tourists and no modern buildings. At the foot of the wall is the picturesque Gubei Water Town. You can get there on your own by bus from Dongzhimen subway station or with an organized tour. The organized tour means that the bus will take you to the wall. Cost and What's Included A full-day tour costs $50 per person and includes: - Round-trip transportation - Entrance ticket to Gubei Water Town - Ticket to the Great Wall - Lunch Tickets for the cable car and a boat ride on the canals can be purchased in the ticket office. Tour Itinerary - 08:00 AM — Departure - 11:00 AM — Boat ride in Gubei Town - 12:00 PM — Lunch - 01:00 PM — Walk along the wall - 04:00 PM — Walk around Gubei Town - 08:00 PM — Departure back to Beijing What to Do and See - The Wall: You can take the cable car to reach the wall, which operates until 5:00 PM. The Simatai section is also open for night visits. Be aware that after the cable car drop-off, there is a section that requires some effort to climb to the top of the wall. - Gubei Water Town: The town has many photo spots, cafes with panoramic views, and interesting places. Various shows are held in the town, which are especially spectacular at dusk. You can also take a boat ride on the canals. - The Temple: Across the road from the town, there is a temple with a viewing platform that offers a breathtaking view of the entire Gubei Water Town and the wall. Good to Know - The cable car operates until 5:00 PM, even though the section of the wall is open for night visits. - After 7:00 PM, many establishments in Gubei Water Town close. - Ask the guide for the schedule of shows in the town. Time Needed for the Visit To fully experience both the Great Wall and the scenic water town, it is recommended to allocate a full day for your visit. Arriving in the morning allows you to explore the wall and then spend the evening enjoying the illuminated town before heading back. Exploring Gubei Water Town Gubei is a beautifully recreated historical village offering a tranquil and photogenic experience. Spend time exploring its winding cobblestone streets and scenic canals. You can take a boat ride for a different perspective or simply enjoy the many cafes and restaurants with panoramic views. The town truly comes alive in the evening when it's illuminated with spectacular lights and hosts various shows. Ask for the show schedule upon arrival to plan your evening. Visiting the Simatai Great Wall The Simatai section is perfect for those seeking a more rugged and less touristy experience. The easiest way to get up to the wall is via the cable car, which offers stunning views on the way. Please note that the cable car operates only until 5:00 PM, even though the wall itself is open for night access. The final part of the climb after the cable car drop-off requires a bit of effort, so be prepared for a short hike. Nearby Hotels and Hot Springs For those wishing to extend their visit, the Gubei area offers various accommodation options, including hotels and resorts with hot springs. Staying overnight allows you to fully experience the magic of the lit-up town and the Great Wall at night. #artandhistorytour