History and Charm of Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town lies in Gubeikou, within the Miyun District on the outskirts of Beijing — nestled at the foot of the majestic Simatai Great Wall, and embracing the tranquil waters of the Yuanyang Lake Reservoir. What you see today is a carefully designed and artfully reconstructed water town and resort — but to fully appreciate it, it helps to understand both its roots and its modern rebirth.

Gubei Water Town from above — showcasing the canals, riverside houses, and surrounding mountains.

Ancient roots: from border fortress to village

The Simatai area — to which Gubei Water Town is intrinsically linked — has long held strategic importance. In the late Ming dynasty (1568, during the reign of the Longqing Emperor), the Great Wall in this region was reconstructed to reinforce northern defenses. Over centuries, small villages grew near the Wall: the old “Simatai Village” comprised five sub-villages, clustered around mountain terrain, water, and reservoir.

Traditional northern-style houses inspired the reconstruction of Gubei Water Town.

Rebirth: a modern “water town” inspired by Jiangnan

In the early 21st century, developers envisioned transforming this remote area into a scenic, resort-style water town blending northern geography with southern-style water-town aesthetics.

Thus began the reconstruction: buildings were designed in the style of the late Qing and early Republican period, stone-paved alleys and hutongs re-emerged, waterways and canals were laid out, old-style northern courtyards constructed — a deliberate blend of “north meets south.”

A serene canal scene in Gubei Water Town, featuring arched stone bridges and riverside walkways.

Official opening and scenic-resort status

Covering roughly 9 square kilometers (3.5 square miles), Gubei Water Town today includes two main scenic zones: the Water Town itself and the accessible portion of the Simatai Great Wall. The resort, combining natural mountain-water scenery with reconstructed “traditional” buildings and cultural attractions, officially opened to the public in 2014.

Within the town there are several themed districts: a “Water Street” area with canals, arched stone bridges, waterside houses; a “Republic of China style” street; folk-culture zones; guesthouses and small hotels; as well as access to the Great Wall.

Experience today: culture, leisure, and modern tourism

By day, visitors enjoy scenic water-town charm — stone pavements, canals, arched bridges, old-style houses, riverside walkways, and a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Chinese water towns.

Nighttime in Gubei Water Town — lantern-lit canals reflect the surrounding architecture, creating a magical atmosphere.

By night, the town transforms: lights reflect on the canals, and the silhouettes of the Simatai Great Wall become visible, offering a poetic ambiance. Cultural performances, folk shows, and traditional entertainment provide an immersive experience of Chinese heritage.

Reflection: authenticity, reconstruction—and the debate

Gubei Water Town is fundamentally a reconstruction — a modern re-imagining rather than a continuously inhabited ancient town. Scholars and visitors sometimes debate its authenticity. However, it effectively bridges past and present, offering both cultural memory and modern leisure.

Conclusion: a modern cultural-tourism synthesis

Gubei Water Town stands today as a representation of contemporary China’s approach to heritage, tourism, and cultural reconstruction. It blends mountains, rivers, historic architecture, and Great Wall heritage, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking history, nature, and nostalgia.