Gubei Water Town Imperial Springs Hotel — a small hotel in the Gubei Water Town tourist area in the village of Simatai, Gubeykou Township, Miyun District. It opened in 2015 and has twenty-five rooms, with some rooms arranged in traditional Beijing siheyuan courtyards. Guests write that the free outdoor hot springs overlooking the Great Wall, along with a seemingly borderless pool, make this hotel special. The hotel is located near the entrance to the Simatai section of the Great Wall, Yangyanhu Lake pier, and the ropeway. The sunset from the hill where the “water town” church stands is beautiful. It’s suitable for those who want to combine a night at a resort with a walk along the Wall.

Gubeykou and Simatai: The Great Wall near Beijing

Gubei Shuizhen is a resort town built in the style of Jiangnan water villages, at the foot of the mountain with the Simatai section of the Great Wall. It’s located northeast of central Beijing, so people travel to it by car or organized bus. The distance to Lushuigou Station is about 8 miles as the crow flies. Nearby are Gubei hot springs, Zhixue Square, the “Starlight Sky” campsite, Yudao hot spring pool, and Ba Qi Hall. At night, the section of the Wall is illuminated, and during certain seasons there are nighttime tours.

  • The Great Wall, Simatai Section — one of the most picturesque sections.
  • Yangyanhu Lake and pier — pleasure boats.
  • Ropeway — ascent to the wall.
  • “Starlight Sky” campsite — overnight stay and stargazing.

Travel tip: Check the opening hours of the Simatai section and ropeway in advance, as they depend on the season and weather. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb; in summer – a hat and water; in autumn – a warm jacket. To see the Great Wall without crowds, go up early in the morning or closer to sunset. The hot springs are most enjoyable in the evening when darkness falls over the mountains and the air is fresh. Shower before bathing, and leave jewelry and your phone in your room. Bring a warm jacket for an early morning climb on the Wall: it can be windy even in summer.

Outdoor Hot Springs and Beijing Courtyard

The hotel’s main draw is its hot springs. Guests rave about the free outdoor pools, which offer views of the Great Wall, and there’s also an infinity pool nearby. Some rooms are built around a traditional Beijing courtyard, creating a unique atmosphere. The hotel features a restaurant, room service, and laundry facilities. Children will receive bathrobes, slippers, and toothbrushes. There’s public parking and luggage storage.

  • Hot springs and outdoor pools
  • Rooms in a Beijing courtyard
  • Restaurant and room service
  • Laundry facilities, luggage storage
  • Children’s robes, slippers, and toothbrushes

For Families

Children’s bathrobes and slippers, baby food options, and a non-smoking floor make traveling with kids more comfortable.

Services

Express check-in, porter service, and video surveillance are available. Wi-Fi is free in all rooms.

Rooms

The hotel offers the following room categories:

  • Room with courtyard view (queen-size bed) — 20 m², 1 double bed, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, teapot/kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.
  • Room with queen-size bed B — 25 sq m, 1 double bed, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.
  • Room with a queen-size bed A — 25 sq m, 1 double bed, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.
  • Standard room — 20 m², 2 single beds, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.
  • Family Room C — 28 m², 1 king and 1 queen-size bed, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.
  • Family Room B — 28 m², 1 king and 1 queen-size bed, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.
  • Family Room — 45 m², 1 king and 1 queen-size bed, view: mountain views, garden views, city views. In the room: shower gel, sofa, writing desk, kettle, electric kettle, mini-bar, private bathroom.

Breakfast and Dinner in the Water Town

Guests consistently praise the breakfast – many were delighted with the variety offered. The resort has restaurants serving northern and southern cuisine, and the hotel itself has its own restaurant.

Try Peking duck, noodles with zha jiang sauce, and local trout. Hot tea after the hot springs is especially enjoyable during colder months. In the evening, lanterns illuminate the resort, and restaurants serve warm dishes. Sample fried fish from a mountain lake, noodles, and grilled skewers. Osmanthus tea warms you up nicely after soaking in the springs.

Pros and Cons of Gubei Water Town Imperial Springs Hotel

What Guests Appreciate

  • Free outdoor hot springs with views of the Great Wall.
  • Rooms in a Beijing courtyard.
  • Access to Shima Tai, the pier, and the cable car nearby.
  • Infinity pool.
  • Good breakfast and free Wi-Fi.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • It’s far from central Beijing; you’ll need a car or bus.
  • Some services are only available seasonally.
  • The resort is crowded on weekends.
  • It gets chilly by the water at night.

What Guests Typically Write

Guests praise the hot springs with Great Wall views, the courtyard rooms, the breakfast, and the service. They also note its convenient location near the entrance to the wall.

How to Book Gubei Water Town Imperial Springs Hotel from Russia

Select your dates in the “Where to Book” section and complete your booking in rubles; you’ll see payment options on the final step. Plan your journey from Beijing in advance.