Beijing Gubei Water Town (古北水镇) Review – A Genuine Experience Crafted by Human Hands

Gubei Water Town is so well-designed that the term 'artificial tourist destination' feels irrelevant. It’s a serene water town that exudes charm. Walking slowly along the stone-paved paths and watching boats glide through the small canals gives you the illusion that time is flowing backward. As night falls, the lights gradually illuminate, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie set. The reflections of the lights on the water and the vintage-style buildings are even more stunning in person than in photos, leaving you in awe. The town is dotted with tea houses, traditional snack shops, and handicraft stores, making exploring a delightful experience. Strolling through a quiet alley and suddenly encountering the Great Wall of China in the background was truly breathtaking. Although Gubei Water Town is a man-made space, the emotions it evokes are undeniably authentic. It’s a peaceful and well-curated travel destination that you should definitely visit for a day while in Beijing.