Gubei Water Town - A hidden gem of Jiangnan scenery in the north
If you've never been to Jiangnan, Gubei Water Town is also a good choice.
The place is super photogenic, and the scenery inside is quite nice. There are also some Jiangnan snacks like tofu corners, plum cakes, dried vegetable buns, wontons... (But the prices inside are extremely high, a bottle of water costs 8 yuan
Climbing the Great Wall at night is one of the unique features of Gubei Water Town. You can take a ride up and down, and you only need to climb a short section. From the top of the mountain, you can see the entire water town scenery.
There is a drone show at seven o'clock in the evening, which might be just an ordinary drone show and not very spectacular. But Gubei Water Town has a good location, backed by the Great Wall. Two phoenixes fly up from the side of the Great Wall, and with the mountain scenery, it is quite magnificent. Then there are sky lanterns rising from the square, with ancient buildings in the background, complementing each other. Then the drones form many patterns, with 'Happy May Day', '2024', 'Gubei Water Town', 'Simatai Great Wall'... a myriad of changes
Gubei Water Town has already very much restored the feeling of the small bridges and flowing water of Jiangnan. But after all, it is different. Because I am originally from Shaoxing, I could tell from the first glance at the water town that most of the houses in the water town are made of stone bricks, while the houses in the Jiangnan water towns are mostly wooden structures. Moreover, Gubei Water Town has a heavier commercial atmosphere, while the real Jiangnan water towns are full of the breath of life.
So if you have the time and energy, you should still visit Jiangnan. People's attachment to Jiangnan is not only for the architecture but also for the culture, history, and most importantly, the bustling scene of 'smoky willows and painted bridges, wind curtains and green screens, interspersed with a hundred thousand households'. Because I have always studied in the north, going to Gubei Water Town is also a way of forcibly feeling homesick, haha
My visit to Gubei Water Town in Beijing's Miyun District was enchanting. The town's picturesque canals, stone bridges, and classical architecture transported me back in time.Exploring the town during the day was a highlight. The vibrant atmosphere, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the scenic beauty, was delightful. I took part in cultural activities like tea ceremonies, shadow puppet performances, and handicraft workshops. The local cuisine was delicious, and my cozy guesthouse with a canal view added to the charm.
Gubei Water Town is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Beijing area.
I think the best time to visit Gubei water town is winter. As you can see from the pictures, the river was frozen at the time. In addition to getting some of the best views of the China Great Wall and the town is very unique in its own style. The cobblestone streets, the stone houses, the pagoda, the temple, the commercial centre where restaurants, foods, drinks, memorabilia can be bought, the stone bridge, the river, etc. can give you an immersive experience of this antique town! Worth a visit.
Figure 1 and Figure 2 went in August, and the back was the first April. This place is especially suitable for taking pictures in cheongsam. It is good in winter, good in summer, and it is very beautiful and very popular.
This place is very far from the city center, and there are more than 100km by car. There is a feeling of Jiangnan Water Town. It is a small town built by hand. The venue is very large. You can visit for a whole day. There are snacks and drinks. There are also many homestays nearby. It's nice to take pictures in Hanfu here.