Forbidden City Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing
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8h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Unlock an exclusive Beijing day trip that blends iconic heritage with serene, off-the-beaten-path charm!
Explore Tiananmen Square and the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City with your dedicated private guide, then refuel with authentic local cuisin. The highlight? Escape the bustling crowds flocking to popular Great Wall sections—instead, head to the peaceful Simatai Great Wall and adjacent Gubei Water Town, where unobstructed views and quiet ambiance take center stage.
Choose your ideal departure time to tailor the experience: opt for a morning start to enjoy a full day of exploration under bright skies, or pick an afternoon departure to chase the golden sunset over Simatai’s iconic towers—a picture-perfect moment you won’t want to miss.
Travel in total comfort with a private car and personal guide, with 100% all-inclusive coverage: all entrance fees, cable car, local meal , and hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off. No hidden costs, just pure Beijing bliss.
Available options
Day time tour of Gubei Water
If you want to see the the Gubei Watertown and Simatai Great Wall during day time please choose this option <br/>Pickup included
Gubei Night Tour
If you want to see the night view of the Gubei Watertown and Simatai Great Wall please choose this option <br/>Pickup included
What's included
Chinese lunch with soft drinks
Private tour
Professional guide
Bottled water
Entrance Fee
Hotel pickup and drop-off(For hotels within the 4th ring road of Beijing City)
Cable car round trip at Simatai Great Wall
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby at your chosen time (morning or afternoon).
Tiananmen Square Visit
Head to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city-center square. Your guide will share insights into its historical significance, from pivotal events in modern Chinese history to the stories behind the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
(Note: During peak seasons, if queue time for square entry exceeds 1–3 hours, we will skip the square visit to ensure the smooth progress of your subsequent itinerary.)
2
Stop 2
Explore the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors. Your guide will lead you through this 600-year-old palace, explaining its architecture, imperial history, and royal customs as you visit key spots.
Key stops include:
- Meridian Gate: The grand southern entrance, once exclusive to emperors for ceremonies.
- Outer Court: The political hub with the Hall of Supreme Harmony (imperial coronation venue), Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony—your guide will detail decorations and imperial hierarchy.
- Inner Court: Royal living quarters like the Palace of Heavenly Purity and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, with stories of imperial daily life.
- Imperial Gardens: A serene retreat for the royal family, with ancient trees and pavilions.
Your guide will point out hidden details and answer questions, helping you grasp the palace’s cultural significance.
3
Stop 3
Take a 2-hour private drive to Simatai Great Wall. En route, your guide will share a brief overview of the Great Wall’s history and Simatai’s unique traits—well-preserved, less crowded than Badaling/Mutianyu, and set on steep terrain. Feel free to ask historical questions.
Simatai Great Wall Adventure (Crowd-Free & Scenic)
Take the included cable car to Simatai’s upper sections. Unlike crowded sections, Simatai offers tranquil views of well-preserved ramparts and watchtowers.
- Morning departure: Explore the full 2.2-kilometer stretch, hiking and enjoying panoramic mountain views.
- Afternoon departure: Witness the golden sunset over the wall; as dusk falls, 3 sections remain open for a magical twilight experience.
4
Stop 4
After the Great Wall, wander Gubei Water Town. Stroll stone lanes lined with traditional courtyard houses, browse local craft shops, watch folk artisans (sugar figurine, paper-cut making), and enjoy water town scenery—especially charming when lanterns light up after dark (ideal for afternoon groups).
Meal Arrangement
An included local-style meal (lunch for morning departures, dinner for afternoon) is flexible—discuss dining preferences and spots with your guide during the tour.
Hotel Drop-Off
End the tour with a private drive back to your hotel, concluding your memorable Beijing day trip.
What's not included
Gratuities to drivers and guides.
Available languages
Guide guide
ZH-TW
CMN
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infant(1-3 years old) is free they do not occupy a seat
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
About Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.
Top Attractions
The Great Wall of China
One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.
Historical
Half day to full day
¥40-80 (depending on the section)
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.
Historical
2-3 hours
¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.
Historical
1-2 hours
¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.
Historical
3-4 hours
¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)
Hutongs
Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides
798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission
Must-Try Local Dishes
Peking Duck
A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.
Main Course
Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)
Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)
A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.
Main Course
Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)
Jianbing (Savory Crepes)
A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.
Breakfast
Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)
Baozi (Steamed Buns)
Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.
Snack
Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)
Popular Activities
Hiking the Great Wall
Rock climbing in the Huairou District
Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing
Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace
Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses
Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park
Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces
Visiting temples and religious sites
Best Time to Visit
September to October, April to May
These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.
15-25°C (59-77°F)
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Mandarin Chinese
- Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8 (China Standard Time)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots
Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
- • Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators
Getting there
By air
- Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
- Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center
By train
Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station
By bus
Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dongcheng
Xicheng
Chaoyang
Haidian
Shijingshan
Day trips
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.
The Great Wall at Jinshanling
130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.
The Great Wall at Simatai
120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day
The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.
Festivals
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar)
Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year)
Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)
Pro tips
- Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
- Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
- Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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