4-Day Beijing Great Wall and Gubei Water Town Tour

Venture through a millennium of history, from the imperial splendor of the Forbidden City and the legendary Great Wall's martial past, to the poetic allure of the water town, offering a profound experience of Beijing's ancient allure and cultural elegance.

From US$
Price based on 2 travelers in 4-star hotels

Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Beijing Capital International Airport Transfer
  • None

Your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit of Beijing Capital Airport. Upon your arrival, meet them and proceed to your hotel in Beijing.

The guide will meet you at the airport
The Guide Met You at the Airport

They will assist you with the check-in process, allowing you to relax and prepare for the next day's exploration.

Day 2 Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
  • Breakfast, Lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on today's itinerary, visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the morning.

Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square, resides at the heart of Beijing, with the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) to its north, demarcating it from the Forbidden City.

Encircled by formidable structures, it includes the Heavenly Gate, numerous museums, government edifices, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square

Your tour guide will lead you through 12 meticulously chosen locations within the Forbidden City, surpassing the typical 6-8 brief stops of other group tours.

The guests are exploring the Forbidden City
The Guests are Exploring the Forbidden City

Beyond offering insights into the city's architecture, history, feng shui, and art, your guide will introduce you to sites associated with renowned figures from the two dynasties.

These figures include the most diligent emperors, the longest-reigning empress dowager, and the most gifted concubine. The guide will narrate their stories, allowing you to envision their experiences within the city.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City

Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where your will savor Beijing Roast Duck. Your local tour guide will recommend a specific venue based on your itinerary.

Beijing Roast Duck, a dish originating from the imperial era, is celebrated for its thin, crisp skin. Authentic versions predominantly feature the skin with minimal meat, sliced before diners by the cook. It stands as the epitome of Beijing cuisine. 

Sliced the Duck
Sliced the Duck

After lunch, you will proceed to visit the Temple of Heaven.

Constructed in 1420 during the Ming dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist structures where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held annual ceremonies to pray for bountiful harvests. The park surrounding the Temple of Heaven is vibrant and alive, particularly in the mornings when many local elderly residents gather to sing, exercise, and practice tai chi.

Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven

After this delightful excursion the guide will escort you back to your hotel for a rest. 

Day 3 The Great Wall at Jinshanling, Simatai Section of Great Wall Night Tour, Gubei Water Town
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the guide and driver will pick you up to continue today's tour.

You will tour various sections of the Great Wall, including Jinshanling and Simatai. In the evening, enjoy an overnight stay at Gubei Water Town.

The guide will select an appropriate local restaurant for lunch based on the day's itinerary and will recommend local specialty dishes. 

The Great Wall at Jinshanling originally constructed between 1368 and 1389 during the Ming Dynasty, this section extends 140 kilometers. It takes approximately 2½ hours to drive there from Beijing.

It is often considered the most photogenic and beautiful part of the Great Wall. The walks here are rated as moderate in difficulty.

Jinshanling Great Wall
Jinshanling Great Wall

Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant near the Great Wall, where the guide will assist you in selecting dishes according to your preferences.

After lunch, you will drive to Gubei Water Town. Once you have checked into the hotel, you can relax for a while. Dinner is arranged at a restaurant within Gubei Water Town, followed by an evening tour of the Simatai Great Wall.

Nestled north of Miyun County in Beijing, Gubei Water Town surrounds a picturesque lake and lies adjacent to the Simatai Great Wall, renowned as the most awe-inspiring and perilous section of the entire Wall. It artfully combines mountains, water, and ancient villages. Most buildings have been reconstructed in the traditional courtyard style.

Gubei Water Town
Gubei Water Town

An overnight stay allows you to savor the breathtaking night views of the Simatai section. 

Simatai is the only section of the Wall illuminated and accessible to tourists at night. The night views are spectacular, particularly when gazing down from the Wall to the lake below. For the night tour, only Towers 5 and 6 are open, as these are relatively flat.

night views of the Simatai section
The Night Views of the Simatai Section

After concluding the night tour, return to the hotel to rest.

Day 4 Try Out a Chinese Cultural Experience in Gubei Water Town, Take Pictures at the Most Chinese Places in Town, Beijng Airport Transfer
  • Breakfast, Lunch

Today marks the final day of your Beijing journey. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart to immerse yourself in a Chinese cultural experience at Gubei Water Town (1 hour).

Gubei Water Town
Gubei Water Town

We will arrange a "one-out-of-three" experience lasting approximately 40 minutes—choose from Tie-Dyeing, Kite-Making, or Tracing a Buddhist Scripture.

Tie-dyeing is a traditional and distinctive method popular among the common folk. Before dyeing, sections of the cloth are tied to resist color, resulting in an exquisite pattern if you are skilled in tying. Select your preferred pattern or design a unique one. The expert will guide you in the art of tying and dyeing, and you will ultimately receive your own tie-dyed handkerchief.

Dyeing
Dyeing

At the Gubei Kite Museum, you will encounter traditional Chinese kites in various styles. With the help of a traditional kite-craft inheritor, you can create your own kite, choosing between a swallow or butterfly design.

Create Your Own Kite
Create Your Own Kite

If you are interested in Buddhism, tracing a Buddhist scripture provides a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding. Begin by washing your hands and honoring the Buddhas; a monk will then offer an incense burner to help you find inner peace before you begin.

Tracing a Buddhist Scripture
Tracing a Buddhist Scripture

Please inform your guide at least one day in advance of your preferred option so arrangements can be made. 

After immersing yourself in Chinese culture, the guide will arrange for you to dine at a restaurant within the charming Gubei Water Town.

After lunch, the guide will lead you on a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Gubei Water Town. They'll select spots that capture the charm of Chinese culture, perfect for your photographic memories. Some chosen locations are elevated, requiring you to climb between 30 and 200 steps to reach them.

An Autumn Corner of Gubei Water Town
An Autumn Corner of Gubei Water Town

After concluding your tour of Gubei Water Town, the guide will escort you to Beijing Airport, where you will board your flight departing from the city.

What's Included

Important Info

Price is based on a 2-person tour with 4-star hotels in low season.

from US $ p/p

Code: bj-15

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