Beijing: Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Private Tour

Beijing: Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall Private Tour Review

Exploring the Great Wall of China is a bucket-list adventure for many travelers, and choosing a good tour makes all the difference. This private experience offers a chance to visit Gubei Water Town and the less-crowded Simatai section of the Great Wall, blending scenic beauty, cultural charm, and a touch of adventure. While it’s a newer offering with few reviews, the high ratings and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a solid pick for those seeking a personalized, convenient way to experience these iconic sights.

What immediately catches the eye are the exclusivity of a private tour, the opportunity to explore the spectacular Gubei Water Town at your own pace, and the chance to hike or simply enjoy the views of Simatai without the crowds that often overwhelm other sections. The tour also includes convenient transportation, skip-the-line entry, and guidance that enriches your understanding of the sites. However, the tour’s 9-hour duration and the walking involved mean it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

If you love discovering hidden gems, enjoy flexibility, and want an authentic experience without the hassle of planning, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s especially good for travelers who prefer private groups or have specific interests in Chinese architecture, landscape, or history. But if you’re looking for an all-inclusive, guided walk with less independence, this may feel a little too self-directed.

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Key Points

• Private and customizable experience tailored to your pace and interests.
• Includes transportation, entrance fees, and cable car rides, avoiding long lines.
• Ideal for travelers seeking flexibility and in-depth exploration.
• Offers stunning views and authentic local charm with fewer crowds at Simatai.
• Requires walking and some physical activity, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• A cost-effective way to visit multiple highlights in one day, especially with the added convenience of skip-the-line tickets.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup and Start

Your day begins with a hotel pickup within Beijing’s 4th ring road, meaning most central hotels are covered. If your accommodation is out of this zone, there might be an additional fee, so it’s worth confirming when booking. The driver then whisks you out of the city, setting the tone for a smooth, stress-free day.

Visiting Simatai Great Wall

The first major stop is Simatai, a section known for its relatively untouched, rugged appeal compared to the more touristy Badaling or Mutianyu. The tour includes a two-hour exploration, with the guide providing insights into its history and stories. You’ll take a golf cart ride up to the foot of the mountain before venturing across the wall on your own.

One of the most praised aspects, based on reviews, is the spectacular scenery and fewer crowds. Travelers mention that the views are breathtaking, with some calling it “the most authentic experience,” especially since you can hike at your own pace. The golf cart ride provides a comfortable option to reach the wall, but you’ll also have time to walk and enjoy the rugged beauty.

More Great Tours Nearby

Gubei Water Town

After your Wall adventure, you’ll head to Gubei Water Town, a picturesque, Wuzhen-inspired water town. The town’s layout includes six areas: Old Barracks, Minguo Street, Water Street, Wonglong, and others, offering a variety of shops, eateries, and photo opportunities.

This area is perfect for wandering freely. You can browse shops for souvenirs, snack on local delicacies, and enjoy the charming waterways and traditional architecture. Reviewers love the authentic feel of Gubei Water Town, often comparing it favorably to other water towns in China. Many mention the delicious food, especially the local snacks, making the visit both scenic and flavorful.

Self-Guided Exploration

The tour provides you with a QR code for entry and the cable car ride—both included in the ticket—so you skip lines and enter smoothly. Once inside, you’re free to explore at your pace, whether you want to take photos, relax by the water, or ascend for panoramic views of the town and beyond.

Return Journey

After a fulfilling day, your driver will meet you for the ride back to your hotel, concluding your 9-hour experience. The flexibility of this free exploration plus guided segments offers a nice balance of structure and independence.

What Travelers Appreciate Most

Reviews consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides providing engaging stories about the Great Wall, which bring the experience alive. While the tour is self-guided at Gubei Water Town and Simatai, the guiding staff’s insights add depth to the visit.

Many enjoy the stunning vistas, especially at Simatai, where panoramic views of the mountains and valley stretch as far as the eye can see. The cable car ride is a favorite for many, offering a quick, scenic ascent and descent, and saving tired legs after walking the wall.

The food at Gubei Water Town often receives praise, with visitors noting that the local dishes and snacks are delicious and authentic. This makes it more than just a sightseeing stop—it’s a mini cultural experience.

Some considerations

The tour involves a good amount of walking, including on uneven terrain at the Great Wall, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, since the tour is flexible and self-guided after the initial guided portion, travelers should be comfortable with navigating independently, using the provided QR tickets and maps.

The Cost vs. The Experience

At $260 per person, the price is competitive, considering it includes private transportation, entrance fees, cable car rides, and a guided introduction. For travelers who value convenience and a personalized experience, this cost delivers good value, especially since it avoids long lines and crowded groups.

Compared to other tours, this private setup offers higher flexibility. You can explore at your own pace, spend more time at the areas you enjoy, and skip parts that don’t interest you. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off streamline the day, saving you time and effort.

The tour’s pricing reflects quality over quantity — the exclusivity and personalized service justify the expense for many. For those on a budget, similar group tours might be cheaper, but they often sacrifice the comfort, flexibility, and intimacy of a private experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer private, tailored tours with the freedom to explore without strict schedules. It’s suited for those interested in hiking, photography, or simply soaking in natural scenery without the crowds.

If you’re looking for an authentic, less touristy Great Wall experience, Simatai is a great choice, and Gubei Water Town offers a charming, picturesque backdrop. It’s ideal for history buffs, culture lovers, and foodies alike.

If you’re traveling with family or friends and value flexibility and comfort, this tour’s private nature ensures a stress-free, personalized day. But remember, it requires a full day of walking and some physical activity, so good footwear and stamina are advisable.

The Sum Up

This private tour of Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall offers a wonderful blend of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and flexibility. It’s especially well-suited for those who want an intimate experience, skip the crowds, and take their time exploring fascinating sites. The inclusion of transportation, tickets, and cable cars adds value, making it a practical choice for travelers seeking convenience.

For anyone seeking a balanced mix of guided insight and independent exploration, this tour delivers. It’s a fantastic way to see a less commercialized, more authentic side of the Great Wall, with stunning views and charming local surroundings.

If you’re after a personalized, scenic, and hassle-free day out that respects your pace and interests, then this tour is well worth considering.

FAQs

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot online through the booking platform, providing your hotel details, passport information, and contact info for the QR tickets.

What is included in the price?
The $260 fee includes private transportation, guide services at the start, entrance tickets, round-trip cable car rides, and hotel pickup and drop-off within Beijing’s 4th ring road.

Can I explore Gubei Water Town and Simatai on my own?
Yes, the tour is designed to give you the freedom to explore Gubei Water Town and Simatai at your own pace after the initial guided segment.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks for the day, as there are limited options on-site.

Do I need my passport?
Yes, you’ll need your passport or ID for the attraction tickets, and you’ll need to provide full names, passport numbers, and dates of birth when booking.

What if my hotel is outside the 4th ring road?
There might be an extra cost for pickup outside this zone, so confirm with the provider when booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
It can be, provided children are comfortable with walking and some physical activity, and you have suitable footwear and supplies.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if plans change.

This private experience offers a well-rounded, authentic way to enjoy some of China’s most iconic sights with the comfort of personalized service. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a flexible, scenic, and culturally enriching day out.

You can check availability for your dates here: