Lock Your Love on Simatai Great Wall with Gubei Water Town Visit and Cable Car Ride

Discover the Charm of Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town

This tour promises an intimate and scenic escape from Beijing’s hustle, blending the awe-inspiring beauty of the Simatai Great Wall with the tranquil, old-world allure of Gubei Water Town. It’s a thoughtfully curated experience that caters to lovers, families, and anyone wanting a memorable day filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. The highlight? Locking your love—literally—onto the Great Wall with a padlock, a charming symbol of forever.

What we really love about this tour is its combination of convenience and authenticity. The door-to-door private transfers and guided hikes mean you won’t waste time figuring out logistics, allowing you to focus on the views and the special moments. One thing to keep in mind: it’s an early start, so if you’re not a morning person, a bit of extra coffee might be necessary. This experience suits those who appreciate a personalized, relaxed pace and want to explore two iconic sights in one day.

Key Points

• Private tour with guide ensures personalized attention and deeper insights.
• Cable car rides make the ascent and descent easy and scenic.
• The love lock tradition adds a romantic, memorable touch.
• Explore Simatai’s most beautiful stretch of the Wall for breathtaking views.
• Gubei Water Town offers a peaceful, picturesque setting perfect for relaxing and strolling.
• The tour includes door-to-door transfers, making logistics hassle-free.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting the Day: Convenient Pickup and Transfer

The tour kicks off early at 7:30 am with hotel pickup in Beijing. You’ll enjoy a comfortable 2-hour private transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle—an important detail that sets the tone for a smooth, stress-free day. The early start is perfect for beating crowds and making the most of daylight hours to explore.

Simatai Great Wall: Breathtaking Views and Romantic Traditions

Our favorite part? Reaching the Simatai Great Wall via ferry and cable car. The ferry ride to the foot of the Wall offers a chance to relax and soak in the scenery from the water, while the cable car adds a touch of adventure—no strenuous hike necessary to get to the top. Once at the summit, you’ll walk along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Wall, renowned for its rugged, authentic character and stunning vistas.

The highlight here is the love lock tradition. You’ll be given a love lock or wooden wishing card by your guide, as a keepsake of your trip. The act of hanging the lock and throwing away the key symbolizes your unbreakable bond, whether romantic, familial, or friendship. Several reviewers, like Jimmy K, mention their guides—such as Rita—making this moment especially memorable, adding warmth and a personal touch.

Exploring Gubei Water Town

After the Wall, taking the cable car down leads you to Gubei Water Town. This restored ancient town offers a peaceful, old-world atmosphere with narrow lanes, traditional houses, and the charming Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir. Travelers often describe it as a rare natural old town, combining the beauty of water, mountains, and rustic architecture.

You’re free to wander at your own pace. Many choose to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the scenic surroundings. For those interested, there’s an option to grab lunch at the Water Town (at your own cost), perhaps sampling local dishes in a quaint setting. The visit to Gubei Water Town lasts about 2 hours, with entrance included, providing a gentle and scenic wind-down after the hike on the Wall.

Seamless End to the Day

Your tour concludes with a late afternoon hotel drop-off in Beijing. The entire experience, from start to finish, is designed to be convenient and hassle-free, leaving you free to reflect on your day or plan your evening in Beijing.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

While many tours focus solely on the Great Wall or Water Town separately, this experience combines both into one streamlined day. The private guide enhances the experience with tailored commentary, ensuring you don’t just pass by but truly understand the history and significance of each site. Reviewers frequently mention guides like Rita, who made their trips “very special” and provided interesting insights along the way.

Cable car rides are included, which is a massive plus—no tiring hikes to reach the top unless you desire them. The love locks add a fun, romantic element, turning a sightseeing trip into a meaningful memory. Plus, the door-to-door transfers eliminate logistical headaches, especially important when navigating busy Beijing streets.

Value for Money and Considerations

At $238 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience with all major logistics taken care of—admission tickets, cable cars, bottled water, and guide services. For those wanting a hassle-free day exploring two iconic sites, it’s quite reasonable, especially given the personalized touch of a private guide and transportation.

It’s worth noting that the tour is about 8 to 9 hours long, which means a full day of sightseeing. If you’re concerned about physical activity or early mornings, plan accordingly. The tour’s early start is ideal for avoiding crowds but might be challenging for some travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Couples and families looking for romantic or memorable experiences.
• Travelers wanting a personalized, guided day at two of Beijing’s most scenic spots.
• Visitors who prefer comfort and convenience, avoiding public transport or complicated logistics.
• Those interested in authentic, less commercialized sections of the Great Wall.
• People who want to combine cultural exploration with natural beauty in a single day.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, thoughtfully curated experience that balances scenic beauty, cultural tradition, and ease of access. The inclusion of cable cars, private guides, and the romantic love lock tradition adds special touches that elevate it beyond a standard sightseeing trip. It’s especially perfect for those seeking a relaxed, intimate day that captures the romance and grandeur of China’s history.

The feedback from previous travelers highlights knowledgeable guides and stunning views—two ingredients that make this day memorable. Plus, the flexibility to explore Gubei Water Town at your own pace means you can truly soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Overall, if you’re after a beautiful, stress-free day trip that combines history, scenery, and romance, this tour is a fantastic option. It’s a thoughtful way to see two of Beijing’s most captivating sights while creating lasting memories in a comfortably private setting.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes door-to-door private transfers, making it very convenient, especially early in the morning.

What time does the tour start?
The scheduled start time is 7:30 am, starting with hotel pickup.

Are cable car rides included?
Yes, round-trip cable car tickets are included in the price, making the ascent and descent easy and scenic.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 8 to 9 hours, from pickup in the morning to hotel drop-off in the late afternoon.

Can I lock my own lock on the Great Wall?
The tour provides a Love Lock or wooden wishing card, which you can hang on the designated chain to symbolize your wishes or love.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. If you want a guide in a language other than English or Chinese, book at least 3 days in advance.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 7 days ahead, especially during peak seasons.

What’s not included in the tour?
Meals (lunch is at your own cost), souvenir photos, and optional boat rides are not included.

This experience stands out as a meaningful, scenic, and convenient way to enjoy some of Beijing’s most beloved sights. Whether for romance, family bonding, or simply soaking in history and nature, it’s a solid choice for a memorable day.