Beijing: Jinshanling & Simatai Night Wall Tour with Gubei Water Town

Summary

Walk ancient stones at Jinshanling then watch Simatai glow above Gubei Water Town

You’ll start your journey at Jinshanling Great Wall, where peaceful trails replace crowds and every step feels personal. Wander lantern-lit streets in Gubei Water Town before riding up to Simatai for rare night views over glowing rooftops. Includes hotel pickup, private guide, local meal, and cable car—leaving you free to soak it all in.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always pictured the Great Wall packed with people, but stepping onto Jinshanling that afternoon felt different—almost private. Our guide, Li, met us right in the hotel lobby (she was early, actually), and after a couple hours weaving out of Beijing’s rush, we were suddenly surrounded by rolling hills and that wild stretch of wall. The air smelled faintly earthy—maybe from last night’s rain?—and as we started walking, Li pointed out how each watchtower had its own story. I tried to imagine soldiers up there centuries ago. My legs burned a little on the steeper bits, but honestly, I didn’t mind. It was so quiet you could hear your own footsteps echo off the stones.

After hiking Jinshanling for a couple hours (it went by faster than I expected), we piled back into the van and headed for Gubei Water Town. That place surprised me—I’d seen photos but didn’t realize how much it comes alive at dusk. We wandered narrow lanes lined with glowing lanterns and old stone bridges; there was this sweet smell coming from one of the snack stalls (Li said it was hawthorn candy). She laughed when I tried to say “Gubei” in Mandarin—probably butchered it. Dinner was simple but good; something about eating noodles after a day like that just hits differently.

The real magic kicked in when we took the cable car up to Simatai Great Wall. The sun was setting behind us—the sky turning kind of smoky orange—and as we reached the top, lanterns flickered along the wall itself. Not many people around at all. I stood there for a while just looking down at Gubei Water Town below—all those little lights reflected in the water—and felt oddly calm. It’s hard to explain why that moment sticks with me more than any postcard shot ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jinshanling and Simatai at night

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Drive to Jinshanling Great Wall
• Hike and explore Jinshanling Great Wall
• Enjoy local-style lunch
• Drive to Gubei Water Town
• Walk and explore Gubei Water Town
• Take cable car to Simatai Great Wall
• Enjoy night views of Simatai Great Wall
• Drive back to Beijing hotel

Top questions

How long does this Jinshanling & Simatai tour take?

The whole tour lasts about 10 to 12 hours including travel time from Beijing.

Is hotel pickup included for this Great Wall tour?

Yes, your guide will pick you up directly from your Beijing hotel at your chosen time.

Do I need to be very fit for hiking Jinshanling?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended since some sections are steep.

Can I choose between lunch or dinner on this day trip?

Yes, you can select either a lunch or dinner—just let them know your preference when booking.

Is there a vegetarian meal option available?

Yes, vegetarian meals can be arranged if you mention it during booking.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

What makes Simatai Great Wall special at night?

Simatai is one of the few Great Wall sections open after dark, with lantern-lit paths and fewer visitors.

Does this tour include entrance fees and cable car tickets?

All entry fees and round-trip cable car tickets at Simatai are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing, all entrance fees for both Jinshanling and Simatai sections of the Great Wall plus Gubei Water Town access, a round-trip cable car ride at Simatai for those sweeping night views, bottled water along the way, an English-speaking guide who really knows their stuff (and helps with photos), plus your choice of either lunch or dinner featuring local Chinese dishes before heading back into city lights again.