Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, a visit to the Great Wall is an absolute must. This particular tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines daytime sightseeing, scenic countryside, and an enchanting night walk. It’s designed for travelers who want more than just a quick snapshot — you get a chance to really soak in the views, learn about the history, and enjoy some local flavor along the way.

What really makes this tour stand out is the combination of day and night experiences—visiting the iconic Mutianyu section with the added thrill of a toboggan ride, followed by an evening exploring Gubei Water Town and the illuminated Simatai Great Wall. It’s perfect for those who want a full day of discovery without the hassle of organizing separate trips.

One thing to consider is the full day schedule — be prepared for a long, but rewarding, day. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy walking and are comfortable with a packed itinerary. If you’re looking for an authentic, less crowded experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits the right notes for many.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience combining historical sights, scenic water town, and night views
• Private tour ensuring personalized attention and flexible timing
• Expert guides with insightful commentary, making history come alive
• Includes transportation and entrance fees, adding convenience and value
• Offers a fun toboggan ride at Mutianyu for an adrenaline boost
• Ideal for travelers wanting a full, immersive day with authentic local touches

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Journey Begins: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day starts with hotel pickup within Beijing’s 4th ring road, which means you’ll avoid the hassle of finding your own way. The private vehicle takes you directly to Mutianyu, about 1.5 hours away, giving your guide time to share stories and historical background about the Great Wall. We loved how the journey itself became part of the experience—surrounded by lush countryside and traditional villages, it felt like stepping into a different world.

Exploring Mutianyu Great Wall

Upon arrival, the first highlight is the Mutianyu section, known for its well-preserved structure and fewer crowds compared to Badaling. Our guide, who was incredibly knowledgeable, explained the significance of the watchtowers and beacon towers, making the visit both scenic and educational.

You have about 1.5 hours here, enough time to walk along the wall, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic views. The cable car or ski lift options are included, which means you can conserve energy for hiking — or just enjoy the ride. The toboggan ride is a crowd favorite, offering a fun, slightly adventurous way to descend. One reviewer, Scafe_O, mentioned the “good weather and not so crowded as it was the first day of snow,” which added a special, peaceful touch to their visit.

Lunch in the Local Village

After exploring the Wall, you’ll stop for a traditional lunch in a local village, offering a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. The tour provider accommodates dietary preferences; a vegetarian option is available if requested in advance. We found the food to be satisfying and a great way to refuel for the next part of the journey.

Gubei Water Town: A Cultural Escape

Next, you’re off to Gubei Water Town, about an hour’s drive. Modeled after the famous Wuzhen Water Town in southern China, this charming place features narrow streets, traditional architecture, and bustling shops. Our guide took us for a leisurely walk, pointing out interesting shops and local eateries. Gubei Water Town offers a peaceful contrast to the grandeur of the Great Wall, and it’s lovely to stroll through at your own pace.

The town feels like a living painting, with quaint hotels and cafes lining the canals. Several reviewers appreciated this slice of authentic Chinese life, noting the “interesting shops and tasty restaurants” that make it more than just a tourist trap.

Night View at Simatai Great Wall

The evening portion of the tour is the highlight for many. After Gubei Water Town, a cable car takes you up to the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Here, at night, the atmosphere transforms — lanterns light up the path, and the air feels magical. Only ten watchtowers are open at night, offering a unique, less crowded experience compared to daytime visits.

From the top, you get sweeping views of Gubei Water Town, beautifully lit and peaceful in the evening glow. It’s a perfect moment for photos, reflection, and simply soaking in the history and beauty of this ancient marvel. The reviews reflect this: “Night view at Gubei Water Town very nice,” and “enjoy the beautiful lanterns lighting up the path of the Great Wall.”

Wrapping Up and Return

After a couple of hours enjoying the night scenery, your guide drives you back to central Beijing. The whole experience lasts about 8 to 10 hours, making it a full but fulfilling day. The tour’s flexibility allows you to extend your time for an extra $30 per hour if you wish to linger.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable guides like the one we had (who was friendly and full of interesting stories) elevate this tour from a simple sightseeing trip to an engaging educational experience. Their insights about the history and significance of each site deepen your appreciation.

The combination of day and night visits is another big plus. Seeing the Great Wall under daylight gives you a sense of scale and grandeur, while the evening walk offers a quieter, more atmospheric perspective. The night views, especially lit by lanterns, are genuinely breathtaking and hard to find elsewhere.

Transportation and logistics are seamless. Being picked up and dropped off at your hotel within the city takes the stress out of planning. The private vehicle means you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and stay flexible with timing.

Value for money is noteworthy considering what’s included. Entrance fees, cable cars, toboggan rides, and lunch are all covered, so you’re not suddenly hit with surprise costs.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

The main point to keep in mind is the duration — this is a long day, which might be tiring for some. If you’re not accustomed to extensive walking or early mornings, you may want to pace yourself.

Plus, the tour’s success depends on good weather, especially for the night visit at Simatai. Poor weather could mean cancellations or a less enjoyable experience. Still, the flexibility to reschedule or get a full refund helps mitigate this.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who want an immersive, well-organized day blending history, culture, and scenic beauty. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided insights and don’t mind a full schedule. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a comprehensive experience will find it particularly valuable.

If you’re seeking a less crowded, authentic experience with a knowledgeable guide, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s also great for first-time visitors wanting a safe, convenient way to cover key highlights of Beijing’s iconic sites.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off within Beijing’s 4th ring road, making it very convenient.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 8 to 10 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each site and whether you extend the day.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees are covered, including cable cars, toboggan rides at Mutianyu, and the cable car at Simatai.

Can I choose the departure time?
Yes, you can pick a departure time that suits your schedule, offering flexibility.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local lunch is part of the package, with vegetarian options available if advised in advance.

What about crowds?
Mutianyu is known for being less crowded than other sections, especially during snow days, and the night visit to Simatai is more secluded and atmospheric.

Is this a private tour?
Absolutely, only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially for the wall hikes. Dress appropriately for the weather, as it can change from day to evening.

Final Thoughts

This Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Tour with night views of Simatai and Gubei Water Town offers an excellent balance of history, scenery, and authentic local flavor. The inclusion of a toboggan ride, a peaceful water town, and a stunning nocturnal Great Wall experience make it a well-rounded choice for those eager to see the best of Beijing’s top sights in one day.

The guides’ expertise, combined with seamless logistics and thoughtful inclusions, makes this tour a practical and memorable option for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike. While the schedule is full, the payoff is a richer, more layered understanding of China’s ancient marvels. Ideally suited for curious explorers who want to make every moment count on their trip to Beijing.

Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone wanting to see the scenic side of China, this tour offers a compelling way to experience Beijing’s most iconic sights in one comprehensive day.