preface

Everyone has their own unique way of life, and every small town has its own unique cultural charm! Slow is an attitude towards life, as well as a way of leisure. I love slow, photography, architecture, and the colorful autumn... When these likes come together, what kind of sparks will collide?

There is a special presence about an hour and a half drive from Beijing! The scattered and orderly houses, long alleys, ancient streets with blue stone slabs, and walls covered with red leaves form the overall Gubei Water Town. It is adjacent to the famous Simatai Great Wall in Miyun District, Beijing.

Standing among the majestic mountains and forests, immersed in the warm spring water, sitting on the rocking boat passing through the ancient streets of mountains and rivers, as the sunlight passes through the gaps in the leaves and shines on the face, a gentle breeze blows away the noisy city, trivial work, and worries in the heart

For me, who grew up in an environment with distinct four seasons, autumn is not desolate and desolate. The brilliance and resilience of autumn are her soul! This autumn, which is neither hot nor cold, and also the harvest season, reminds me of the saying Mr. Lao She once said, "I don't know what heaven looks like, but judging from my life experience, the autumn in Beiping is heaven."

He is infatuated with the autumn in Beijing, just as I always have an indescribable affection for Beijing. The reason why he likes the capital is mostly because of that clear and bright autumn

This autumn, walking slowly in Gubei Water Town is a tracing of the roots of culture and spirit. From the dazzling red leaf scenery to the leisurely life depicted by literati and literati; From authentic and pure mountain and wilderness flavors to creative markets full of harvest atmosphere. Every scenery has the imprint of red leaves; Every bite of food is the taste of autumn

Check in to Huotang Hotel
May I give you a warm name, so that the night will no longer be long. The hotel took a full five years from design to construction. Rather than being a luxury hotel, it is more like a walking cultural museum.

Traditional architecture is not far from fashion, and the collision between original ecology and modernity is reflected in the space, materials, and lighting of this hotel

Each guest room here is meticulously crafted, with a spacious and transparent room featuring a copper bathtub set against the window, soft warm yellow lighting, and soft and skin friendly bedding... The outdoor balcony outside the window offers a breathtaking view of the Great Wall!

The hotel's swimming pool is like a part of a mountain, with a clear view of the Great Wall outside the tall glass windows. Swimming while experiencing the scenery is also a rare enjoyment.

On a cool autumn night, we sat around the courtyard of a earthen building drinking tea and chatting, watching the flickering flames and feeling the artistic conception brought by the space. Above the roof was a huge circular ridge line, and above the ridge was the sparkling Great Wall of Simatai

Gubeishui Town Niancheng Hotel

In addition to the Huotang Hotel, the Niancheng Hotel in Gubei Water Town is also my favorite style. At first sight, it was all white and had a minimalist exterior design, which is particularly eye-catching in this autumn world!

Each guest room has a huge french window open to the autumn sun, and the magnificent countryside scenery unfolds out of the window like a picture roll. Mountains, trees, paths, streams... Every detail in the room radiates a profound beauty!

Tent Camp

Alternatively, one can integrate into nature and stay overnight in a tent camp. It is introverted, submissive, and warm, accepting every modern person who tries to escape from arrogant secular pursuits, and humbly giving every spatial experience a sense of beauty.

Under the gradually darkening sky, the ancient Tang River meanders through the center of the town, strolling leisurely on the stone steps of the water town, feeling the beautiful scenery of the town, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and away from the oppressive feeling of towering buildings. Wherever you can see, there are buildings with the style of the Republic of China and mountain courtyard houses with distinctive northern characteristics.

As the moonlight enters the house, Gubei Water Town has also reached its peak in appearance. Looking at the bustling town in the evening breeze, there are constantly boats passing through the lit lights on both sides, everything is so relaxed and comfortable! Preparing to go to the mountaintop church to see the night view and then watch a Great Wall music and water dance show, such a first encounter is also considered a complete success!

Hilltop Church

The mountaintop church is an excellent location for overlooking the town. Although it may take some effort to climb, seeing the scenery on the mountaintop will make you feel very worthwhile.

There is a cloud coffee shop next to the mountaintop church, with a warm and comfortable decoration. Most importantly, this is the best place to enjoy the night view in Gubei Water Town!

Passing through the store and arriving at the terrace, the beautiful ancient northern water town is at your feet! Here you can see the panoramic view of the Yuantong Tower in the distance, the Simatai Great Wall, and the historical and cultural area of Shuijie. Ordering a cup of coffee and quietly experiencing the small town in the darkness is the most satisfying moment of today!

The Great Wall Music and Water Dance Show

Stepping out of the romance of the night and strolling along the street, there are various old-fashioned shops on both sides of the street, and the flavor of Beiping is about to emerge. Culture is also the soul of ancient Beishui Town. Go to Wangjing Tower to watch a beautiful water dance show.

The Great Wall music and water dance show, with the scenes of heaven and earth and the ancient Great Wall of Sima Tai, immerses oneself in the mountains and rivers, creating an atmosphere that combines natural art and wildness! Soft water, rugged architecture, and colorful lighting... This unique artistic atmosphere is even more captivating in the starry night sky!

the second day

Welcoming the sunrise at 7:30 am, it was a cool autumn outdoors. After passing through one bend after another, driving a section of gravel road, and finally walking to the Great Wall of Simatai. The undulating mountains are dreamy and hazy under the morning sunlight

The ancient Beishui Town, relying on the Simatai Great Wall, has also brought this section of the Great Wall to life. The historical and cultural heritage of guarding the border and fortress has been spread by more people. Each brick and stone here retains the original appearance of the Ming Great Wall, preserving the extremely important and glorious traces of human civilization.

The fresh air, the occasional chirping of birds, brings everything back to nature. When ancient beacon towers collide with modern civilization, when the sea of clouds stretching across the mountain ridges gradually dissipates, dawn yoga is performed here!

Do yoga exercises with yoga teachers from India on the Great Wall covered in red leaves, awakening every cell of your sleeping body!

Perhaps you have experienced countless picnics on the lawn, in the wilderness, on unmanned mountaintops, but eating picnics on the Great Wall is definitely unprecedented! Embrace the domineering and moving mountains, rivers, and streams of our motherland!

At the foot of the Great Wall, between the narrow valleys, the fusion of nature and architecture, and the deep red leaves that grow over the wall, quietly tell the story of Chinese aesthetics! Only after coming down from the Great Wall did I have the time to carefully examine this small town. The atmosphere of autumn is scattered throughout the streets and alleys, and the literature and innovation that can be seen everywhere make the town full of charm.

Unlike traditional scenic spots, there are red leaves scattered throughout the mountains and fields. The combination of the red leaves in ancient Beishui Town and the scenery of the architectural courtyard creates a migratory viewing space. The Ming and Qing courtyard houses scattered at the foot of the mountain and by the water are like ancient architectural samples. As autumn approaches, the mountains become deeper and the water becomes cooler, with stone bridges and leaves shining brightly with the brilliance of autumn.

Entering October, the autumn wind passes by, and the small town surrounded by mountains sits with the coolness of autumn. The breeze brushes against the face, red leaves on the walls, and wherever you can see, there are surprises everywhere. A small street with Republican style architecture seems to be telling the story of Beiping's past appearance.

Every year at this time, the red leaves of Gubei Water Town gradually fill various alleys, intertwining and intertwining with the gray white buildings. This "passionate" scene continues until it meets a winter snow or a cold wind, and the withered leaves reluctantly end their mission of life, cleaning up the dust for the arrival of winter

The beauty of the small town is hidden in alleys, with strong colors emanating between the two walls. Step by step, each wall and corner is a holy place for taking photos. People view autumn towns as natural masterpieces, with every detail shining brightly.

If you want to fully experience the autumn in the small town, why not take a walk in the market. On the bustling Sun Moon Island Square, there are a dazzling array of specialty stalls, exquisite and original handicrafts, and delicious and tempting cuisine, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, connecting the days and nights of Hongye Town! The profound historical heritage and innovative autumn gameplay have also turned this place into a large-scale autumn carnival.

In the alleyways next to the Eight Banners Inn or Yongshun Dyeing Workshop, the red and green colors of the corresponding ivy blatantly sway in front of us. Pushing the door open and entering, the yard was covered in long printed fabrics, and walking through it was wonderful

Immersed in the depths of red leaves, brushing against the mottled stone walls... "Immersed in a rich and charming atmosphere, with a taste of Yinghua Academy", feel the unique beauty of combining plants and architecture, scenery and culture.

The long lost wind blows in the valley, and cycling and admiring red leaves is a continuation of the summer cycling tour of the Great Wall. Different seasons, landscapes, temperatures, and feelings make me prefer the coolness and colors of autumn.

After enjoying the fun of cycling, you can also feel the mood of boating on the river and sitting and watching the scenery on both sides!

Watching the poetry and romance of small bridges, flowing water, and the bustling streets, such a comfortable time makes it difficult for me to associate with Beijing. No wonder Beijing people escape here whenever they have time. Life is always for themselves, slow down appropriately, and let the soul catch up with the hurried footsteps

Duan Family Courtyard Hot Spring

Autumn is not only the season of harvest, but also the season of health preservation. The gentle breeze comes, the colorful autumn scenery of the Great Wall is in the distance, and the scattered hot springs with red leaves in the wind are nearby. The purpose of traveling is to feel comfortable both physically and mentally, making travel an unforgettable experience!

The plain french window of Duanjia Grand Courtyard Hot Spring Hotel incorporate the scenery into it, quietly, and permeate the picturesque nature! At night, the lanterns are lit up, the water vapor is shrouded, and looking at the Great Wall is like a dream

Dinner at Wangjinglou Boutique Hotel

In the evening, the cool autumn wind blew the horn and experienced a romantic dinner outside the Wangjinglou Boutique Hotel. Draw a perfect ending to this autumn trip, with exquisite deliciousness lingering between your lips and teeth. The scenery of the night tour of the Simatai Great Wall stayed in the last night, and in the short two days, these brilliant colors eventually became the warmest memories of autumn!

Postscript

The memories of Beijing are becoming more and more abundant, and the autumn in Beiping is even more real. I love the charm of autumn and the "Red Leaf Town" at the foot of this Great Wall

Transportation Information of Gubei Water Town

Beijing self driving route: After exiting the Simatai exit at No. 24 of Jingcheng Expressway, drive left on the right ramp for about 2 minutes.

Railway route from Beijing: Take Subway Line 13 to Huoying Station, walk about 323 meters to Huangtudian Station on the Huaimi Line, then take the Huaimi Line train (heading north of Huairou), get off at Gubeikou Station, and take the Gubeishui Town special line from Gubeikou Station to reach Gubeishui Town.

Direct bus route from Beijing: Take subway line 2 to Dongzhimen, and transfer to the Beijing Gubeishui Town special line direct bus at Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station (at the intersection of Dongzhimen Outer Xijie and Xiangheyuan South Street, within bus yards 942 and 855) to reach Gubeishui Town. It is expected to take 120 minutes to reach Gubeishui Town directly.

? Bus route from Beijing: Take bus route 980 from Dongzhimen, get off at Miyun West Bridge Station, transfer to bus route 51, get off at Simatai Village Station, and walk to Gubeishui Town.