Beijing to Gubei: Uncover the Hidden Commute!
Greetings, adventure seekers!
Ready for a fun trip to Gubei Water Town?
It’s a cool place only 120 kilometers from Beijing in the Miyun District.
Getting there is easy, with lots of travel choices to help you out.
Our blog post is like your friendly travel buddy, giving you all the tips and tricks for a smooth ride using public transport.
You’ll have no trouble finding your way.
So, let’s go discover all the awesome things in Gubei Water Town.
It’s going to be an amazing journey you won’t forget!
Gubei Water Town Map
Discover the charm of Gubei Water Town, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall.
Use this map to explore ancient streets, peaceful canals, and cultural landmarks with ease.
Getting to Gubei Water Town from Beijing Made Easy
This picturesque town spans across 9 square kilometers and was newly constructed in 2010.
Prepare to be enthralled by the meticulously planned “Six Quarters and Three Valleys” concept, encompassing distinct areas such as
- the Old Camp Quarter,
- Republican Street Quarter,
- Water Street Cultural Quarter,
- Wolongbao Folk Culture Quarter,
- Tanghe Ancient Village Quarter,
- and Homestay Dining Quarter.
As you wander through this idyllic landscape, you’ll encounter 430,000 square meters of Ming and Qing Dynasty-style, as well as Republican-style, mountain courtyard buildings.
With 7 theme hotels, 10 boutique hotels, 28 cozy homestays, over 30 independent restaurants, and more than 50 delightful shops, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry through traditional performances, workshops, and culinary delights, all while being surrounded by breathtaking ancient architecture, stone-paved streets, and serene waterways.
Make sure to explore the magnificent Simatai Great Wall nearby, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the wonders of Gubei Water Town.
Bus Schedule & Fare to Gubei Water Town
Planning a trip to Gubei Water Town?
Here’s the schedule and fare information for the convenient tourist shuttle service departing from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Schedule | Departure: Daily at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station. |
| Return: Daily at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM from Gubei Water Town (Parking Lot No. 2). | |
| Bus Fare | One-way ticket: 48 RMB per person. |
| Does not include entrance tickets or additional fees. | |
| Payment Methods | – Cash (on-site only) |
| – Beijing Yikatong Card | |
| – Mobile Beijing Yikatong App (WeChat Pay, Alipay) | |
| Tickets: Can be purchased on-site or reserved in advance via WeChat mini-program (recommended). | |
| Travel Duration | Approx. 2 hours (direct, high-speed service). |
| Schedule Adjustments | Shuttle schedules may change due to seasonal weather. Check for updates before traveling. |
| Contact Information | Phone: 010-81009999 (Gubei Water Town). |
Booking Your Bus via WeChat
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open your WeChat app. |
| 2 | In the search bar, type “旅服优选” to find the mini-program. |
| 3 | Select the mini-program from the search results. |
| 4 | Choose “市区至古北水镇单程直通车”. |
| 5 | Click on “立即购买” (Buy Now). |
| 6 | Select your desired date and indicate the number of guests. |
| 7 | Click “下一步” (Next Step). |
| 8 | Fill in your personal information as required. |
| 9 | Proceed to make the payment through your preferred method. |
Finding the Bus Stop for Gubei Water Town
Indulge in a hassle-free journey as you step onto the tourist bus, specially designed to cater to visitors embarking on an unforgettable adventure to Gubei Water Town from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station.
With its convenience and reliability, this dedicated shuttle service ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, allowing travelers to relax and immerse themselves in the charm and beauty of Gubei Water Town.
How To reach the Boarding Location:
Follow these simple steps to easily reach the boarding location for the Gubei Water Town tourism bus, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure:
Step 1: Take Beijing Subway Line 2 and exit at Exit B of Dongzhimen Station.
Step 2: To get out of the subway, follow the clear signs directing you towards “Exit B.”
Step 3: After leaving the subway station, continue walking eastward for around 300 meters.
Step 4: Keep walking along the street.
Step 5: Upon reaching the intersection (the first traffic light), do not cross the road. Instead, make a left turn.
Step 6: Continue your exciting adventure by walking a mere 300 meters along this street.
Step 7: Upon reaching this intersection, if you look ahead, you’ll notice a blue sign.
Step 8: Continue walking until you reach the area near the blue sign.
Step 9: At that point, you’ll also notice a group of volunteers directing people to cross the street and turn left — the shuttle bus pickup is located under the building. You’ll see what’s shown in Photos below. Just line up and wait — the shuttle buses run twice daily, at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
With these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have no trouble finding the boarding location and commencing your Gubei Water Town exploration.
Arriving at Gubei Water Town
Arriving at Gubei Water Town is a thrilling experience.
After a comfortable bus journey, you will be dropped off at the designated No. 2 parking lot located just outside the town.
Upon entering Gubei Water Town, you will notice six parking lots available.
For convenience, Parking Lot 1 and Parking Lot 6 are the closest to the entrance.
These parking lots provide shuttle bus services to the Tourist Service Center at a fare of ¥10 per person per trip.
Therefore, at Parking Lot 2, you can take the shuttle bus to the town.
It’s worth noting that guests who are staying within Gubei Water Town are entitled to a complimentary ride on the shuttle buses.
Below is the shuttle bus route between the parking lot and the Tourist Service Center:
- Shuttle Bus Route: No. 2 Parking Lot to Tourist Service Center
- Pick-up Point: No. 2 Parking Lot
- Drop-off Point: Tourist Service Center
Things to Do at Gubei Water Town
For first-time visitors, the exploration begins with a leisurely stroll along its ancient, cobblestone lanes.
The town’s architecture, reminiscent of the Qing Dynasty, sets the scene for a picturesque exploration.
With over 430 local courtyard houses, numerous bridges and the impressive backdrop of the Northern Chinese mountains, photography enthusiasts will have a field day.
After immersing in the architectural beauty, visit the numerous quaint shops and restaurants scattered throughout the town.
Local delicacies are a must-try, from flavorful hot pots to the sweet crispness of hawthorn candy.
For history enthusiasts, the Yongshun Dye House is a must-visit for its vivid display of traditional dyeing techniques.
Afterward, consider taking a relaxing boat ride along the town’s waterways to appreciate the serenity of this ancient town.
As the night falls, the allure of Gubei Water Town magnifies.
Be sure not to miss the extraordinary night view of the lit Simatai Great Wall, a truly unique sight.
Remember, Gubei Water Town isn’t just a visit, it’s an experience of stepping back into China’s rich history.
Where to Stay in Gubei Water Town:
High-End Stay: Hangu Valley Retreat Gubei Water Town offers luxury amidst the scenic beauty of Gubei. With spacious, comfortable rooms, delicious cuisine, and the warmest hospitality, relaxation is guaranteed. Unwind at their spa after a day of sightseeing. It’s a splurge at $200-380 per night.
Mid-Range Stay: Beijing Wtown Hotspring Resort is where comfort meets historic charm. Located along the quintessential streets of Gubei, it offers a warm welcome, cozy rooms with local charm, and scrumptious traditional dishes. Experience it for $130-230 per night.
Affordable Stay: Wolong Fort Inn allows for an economical visit without missing out on Gubei’s enchantment. This intimate inn embodies the area’s quaint allure, providing a comfortable place to rest after touring. It’s all yours for $35-65 per night.
Departing Gubei Water Town:
When it’s time to bid farewell to the enchanting Gubei Water Town and make your way back to Beijing, the departure process is as seamless as your initial journey.
The shuttle bus will be ready for departure at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM from the same location where it initially dropped you off, ensuring a convenient and familiar point of departure.
Simply board the bus and reminisce about the unforgettable experiences you’ve had as you travel back to Beijing.
Choosing Between a Guided and Self-guided Tour
Embark on an exploration of Gubei Water Town with the choice between a guided tour or a self-guided adventure.
Delve into the pros and cons of each approach to discover the ideal way to experience the charm and beauty of this historic destination.
Guided Tour:
A guided tour of Gubei Water Town offers valuable insights, historical context, and expert guidance.
It eliminates planning hassle and ensures you don’t miss highlights.
However, it limits flexibility and spontaneity, with predetermined itineraries.
Self-guided Tour:
A self-guided tour of Gubei Water Town provides freedom and customization.
Explore at your own pace, make spontaneous detours, and save on costs.
However, it requires more research and preparation, lacking expert guidance, and the potential to miss out on hidden gems.
FAQs
Q: How can I reach Gubei Water Town from Beijing by public transport?
A: To reach Gubei Water Town from Beijing by public transport, you can take the convenient tourist shuttle bus service from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station. Buses depart daily at 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Q: How long does it take to travel from Beijing to Gubei Water Town by the tourist shuttle bus?
A: The direct and high-speed tourist shuttle bus typically takes approximately two hours to reach Gubei Water Town from Beijing, ensuring a convenient and efficient journey.
Q: Can I purchase the tourist shuttle bus tickets in advance?
A: Yes, you can either purchase the tickets on-site or reserve them in advance through the dedicated mini-program on WeChat, providing flexibility and convenience for your travel plans.
Q: Are there different payment methods available for purchasing the tourist shuttle bus tickets?
A: Yes, you can make payments for the tourist shuttle bus tickets using cash, Beijing Yikatong Card, Mobile Beijing Yikatong App (WeChat Pay), WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
However, please note that on-site ticket purchases only accept cash payments.
Q: Is the shuttle bus schedule subject to changes or adjustments?
A: Yes, the shuttle bus schedules may be subject to adjustments based on seasonal weather conditions.
Final Words
So there you have it, the ultimate guide to navigating your journey from Beijing to the stunning Gubei Water Town using public transport!
It’s time to embrace the adventure and set off to experience the charm of this ancient town and its impressive backdrop of the Great Wall.
Remember, each step of the journey is part of the unforgettable adventure you’re about to embark on.
Before setting off, don’t forget to delve into our informative posts about the surrounding areas of Gubei. These gems will enrich your visit, offering insights into other fascinating places to explore and activities to indulge in:
- Immerse Yourself in History and Culture: The Complete Gubei Water Town Travel Guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Jinshanling Great Wall
- Gubeikou – Jinshanling Day Hike, The Complete Guide for Beginners
- How Hard Is it to Hike from Jinshanling Great Wall of China to East Gate (Simatai West)?
- The Essential Guide to Reaching Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing [ by Bus No. 8 ]
- Simatai Great Wall Travel Guide
- Secure Forbidden City Tickets: Ultimate Guide
- Compare Hikes: Jinshanling-East Gate Hike VS. Jiankou-Mutianyu Hike
Hiring a Private Driver to Gube Water Town
Vehicle (Car, Van, Coach) Rental Rates (RMB)
| Vehicle Options | PEK Airport Pickup/Drop-off | Gubei Water Town | Badaling OR Huanghua-cheng | Mutianyu Great Wall | Mutianyu + Summer Palace | Simatai OR Jinshanling | Longqing Gorge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 seats Magotan/ Teana | 300 | 1090 | 890 | 690 | 890 | 1090 | 890 |
| 6 seats Buick | 450 | 1590 | 1190 | 1090 | 1290 | 1490 | 1190 |
| 14 seats Ford Transit | 650 | 1890 | 1490 | 1390 | 1490 | 1890 | 1490 |
| 16 seats Joylong | 750 | 2390 | 1790 | 1790 | 1990 | 2390 | 1790 |
| 22 seats Toyota Coaster | 950 | 2690 | 2090 | 2090 | 2290 | 2690 | 2090 |
| 38 seats KINGLONG | 1350 | 3390 | 2790 | 2790 | 2990 | 3390 | 2790 |
Vehicle Rental Rates (RMB)
| Vehicle Options | Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Mutianyu | PEK Airport PickUp & Mutianyu & Airport Drop Off | PEK Airport PickUp/Drop Off & Mutianyu & City Sites | Longqing Gorge + Badaling | Shilinxia (Glass Platform) | Eastern Qing Tombs | Cuandixia Village |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 seats Hyundai | 790 | 990 | 1190 | 950 | 990 | 990 | 990 |
| 6 seats Buick | 990 | 1390 | 1390 | 1190 | 1190 | 1490 | 1190 |
| 14 seats Ford Transit | 1290 | 1590 | 1590 | 1590 | 1390 | 1490 | 1690 |
| 16 seats Joylong | 1790 | 1890 | 1890 | 1890 | 1690 | 1890 | 1890 |
| 22 seats Toyota Coaster | 2090 | 2190 | 2190 | 2190 | 1990 | 2190 | 2190 |
| 38 seats KINGLONG | 2890 | 2990 | 2990 | 2990 | 2790 | 2990 | 2990 |
All Prices shown are in RMB (Chinese Yuan) unless otherwise stated. Driver’s working time is 9 hours daily. The extra cost is 100RMB per hour.
The cost includes:
-
- City accommodation pick up / drop off,
- Non-English / Chinese speaking driver
- A quality vehicle with A/C
- Transportation fees
- Parking fees, gasoline, toll fees
The cost doesn’t include
- entrance fees to the sites
- single journey of chairlift / toboggan / cable car (optional)
- round trip of chairlift / toboggan / cable car (optional)
- Meal and tips
Our travel blog has already helped thousands of travelers. So join us and come along on our journey around China!
When I’m not on the road or writing, I enjoy street photography, spending time with my wife and our 7-year-old son, Zack, or relaxing at home with our black-and-white cat, Sprite.
Hope my tips inspire your next adventure—happy travels!
Hi, how do I reserved in advance the tourist bus tickets through the dedicated mini-program on WeChat? Please advise. Thank you.
I’m so excited you’re looking to reserve the tourist bus tickets via WeChat! It’s pretty straightforward.
Here’s how you can do it:
1: Open your WeChat app.
2: In the search bar, type in the mini-program name: “旅服优选”.
3: Select the mini-program from the search results.
4: Once inside, choose “市区至古北水镇单程直通车”.
5: Click on “立即购买”.
6: From here, you’ll be prompted to choose your desired date and indicate the number of guests.
7: Click on “下一步”.
8: Fill in your personal information as required.
9: Proceed to make the payment.
That’s it! Hope you have a seamless booking experience and a fantastic trip!
Hi Ricky, thank you for your reply. I checked the WeChat program and there was only the 10am bus so I followed your directions to the bus interchange. That was very helpful and there was the 1pm bus as you’ve indicated on your website. Thank you!
Hi there,
Thank you so much for your message! It’s great to hear that the directions were useful and that you found the 1pm bus just as mentioned on our website. If you need any more help or information, feel free to ask. Cheers to smooth travels!
are we allowed to bring along luggage. Are we required to pay extra for luggage or is luggage not allowed all together?
Absolutely! You’re more than welcome to bring along your luggage. There’s no extra charge for it.
We are a family of 4 going to take tourist bus from Beijing to Gubei Watertown next week. You had shared that we travellers can bring luggage along. Is there a limit to how many pieces of luggage we can bring. We have 6 pieces of luggage. Pl advise. Thanks
No worries at all—you can definitely bring all 6 pieces of luggage with you on the tourist bus to Gubei Watertown. Have a fantastic trip with your family!
Hi, i would like to few questions regarding this. 1st, if going back to Beijing, we still need take shuttle bus to Parking No.2 right? 2nd, is there only 2 bus departure daily? Kindly assist. Thank you
To head back to Beijing, you’ll catch a shuttle bus which will take you to the tourist center of Gubei Water Town. From there, it’s an easy stroll to Parking No. 2 where you’ll board your bus to Beijing.
And yes, you have two convenient options for public buses – they depart daily at 12pm and 5pm. But that’s not all! There’s also a tourist bus operated by CYTS that departs at 2pm, giving you an additional option to plan your return trip to Beijing.
Hey Ricky!
Thanks for this. I could find the bus in Beijing thanks to your guidance. Note that I arrived around 8.40 to catch the one at 9 am and the bus was not at that side of the station on your pic (after the small walk path) but near the exit already! The staff was not very useful lol and it was a fellow tourist (chinese) who saw me sitting at the stop and told me to go towards the exit!
The bus I got on accepted cash but also Alipay (I paid with cash though)
I believe the mini program above is only for the buses operated by CYTS? (in any case in my screen I could only see the one at 10.00 and the other one at 14.00).
Thanks again for all this info.
You’re absolutely welcome! I’m thrilled to hear you found the bus alright – adventures in navigating new places, right? Oh, those tricky bus stations! Sometimes they’re a little like a treasure hunt, but it sounds like you had your own friendly local guide in that helpful tourist. How awesome is that?
Super handy to know the bus takes Alipay, and cash too – keeps the options open for everyone. About the mini program, you’re spot on; it’s specific to CYTS buses. Good catch!
Thanks for sharing your journey – it’s like I was right there with you. If you’ve got more travel tales or need more tips, you know where to find me!
Hi Ricky, we are a family of four and looking into private transfer to Gubei water town. Any good recommendation of privat driver?
Absolutely, we do offer private driver services for a comfortable journey to Gubei Water Town, perfect for a family of four like yours! You can find all the details on our page. https://wildgreatwall.com/car-hire-to-great-wall-from-beijing/ Also, I’ve just sent an email your way with more information – please check your inbox for that.
Hi Ricky, first off – AMAZING site/blogging for what I’ve been looking for in my research. Do you know if there’s any form of public transportation FROM Gubei Watertown to Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel? We will be departing from Gubei to Jinshanling directly without going back to Beijing. Many thanks! Hope you’re well
Hi Tracy, Thank you so much for your kind words about our site and blog! I’m really glad you found them helpful for your research. Regarding your question about public transportation from Gubei Watertown to the Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel, the most convenient and efficient option is to hire a private car or taxi. This method allows you to travel directly from Gubei Watertown to Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel without the need to return to Beijing, saving you time and hassle.
If you’re interested in hiring a local taxi and need contact information for a reliable driver, please feel free to send me an email privately. I’d be more than happy to assist you further and ensure your travel plans are as smooth as possible.
Hope this helps, and if you have any more questions or need further assistance with your trip planning, don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you a wonderful adventure ahead!
Best regards,
Ricky
Hi Ricky thanks for the amazing Web site it has been a great help! I followed your instructions and tried to book bus tickets to gubei water town via the we chat mini program: “旅服优选” but could not find “市区至古北水镇单程直通车”. I could only find one which says 東交民巷飯店, has the departure location changed?
Thanks,
Alan
Hi Alan,
Thanks for the kind words about the website! Yes, the departure locations for the bus to Gubei Water Town have indeed changed. You can now choose to leave from Dongjiaominxiang Hotel(東交民巷飯店), CYTS Building(中青旅大厦), or the Bird’s Nest Parking Lot(鸟巢停车场)—whichever is most convenient for you.
Hope this helps, and have a great trip!
Ricky
Many thanks Ricky for confirming. I noticed that I can only book for Saturday and Sunday but not weekdays, are there no buses running on weekends? We were hoping to go to Gubei water town on Sunday, stay one night and then return to Beijing on Monday, is this possible?
Many thanks and have a day!
Alan
Hi Ricky, please ignore my previous question, I have realised that certain routes only run on weekends, but others run everyday.
Many thanks
Alan
Hello Ricky, is it still possible to catch some other bus to Gubei Water Town from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station?
Hi Jakub, Yes, there is a bus available to Gubei Water Town from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station.
Hello Ricky, which location is the closest to the one that you have described previously? Would it be the one near CYTS building?
Sorry I don’t know which one you talked about. Can you give me more details about the one that I described previously?
Hi Ricky,
Good day.
As my flight to Beijing will reach at Beijing Capital International Airport at around 1600 (or 4 pm), i will certainly missed the buses scheduled to Gubei Water Town (9am and 1pm). May i know is there any other coach or bus routes from Beijing that i can take to Gubei. Otherwise, i may make other arrangement to get there or cancel the Gubei trip.
I thank you.
Kok Seng
26 Apr 2024
Hi Kok Seng,
Good day!
Since there are no coach or bus routes from Beijing to Gubei Water Town after 4 PM, I recommend hiring a private driver. This way, you can travel directly from PEK airport to Gubei Water Town at your convenience. Ricky
Hi Ricky,
If I am going to purchase the Gubei bus ticket on site, how highly is the chance that the ticket will be sold out for the 9am departure? I plan to travel on weekday (Monday).
Hi Calvin,
Purchasing Gubei bus tickets on-site for a 9am departure on a weekday, such as Monday, generally presents a low risk of tickets being sold out. Weekdays tend to have fewer travelers compared to weekends, which increases your chances of securing a spot. However, to avoid any potential inconvenience, I recommend arriving early to purchase your tickets, especially if it aligns with a holiday period or peak tourist season.
Safe travels, and enjoy your trip to Gubei!
Does the 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM bus from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station still leave from the same spot that you described (so well!) in the article? I saw someone mention in the comments that the departure location has changed… and it’s confusing. Thanks!
Hi Ricky, I tried to purchase the Gubei bus tickets using the Wechat mini-program but it seems to require having a Chinese phone number. Is there another method to purchase the tickets?
Thank you!
Hi Ricky
I tried to purchase bus tickets to Gubei on the WeChat mini program, but it seems to need a chinese phone number. Is there any alternative method to purchase them?
I’m worried that the seats on the bus will sell out. Will it be easy to get tickets for a Thursday/Friday bus for the 9am tourist shuttle bus in September?
Thank you.
If you’re unable to purchase bus tickets online, don’t worry too much. Since your travel is in September, after the school holidays, it should be fairly easy to buy tickets directly at the bus station upon your arrival. This is a less busy time for travel, so you should be able to secure seats for the 9am tourist shuttle on a Thursday or Friday.
Hi Ricky
I am going to Beijing on 9/9/24.
My plan is as follows:-
9/9 – 12/9 – Beijing
13/9 – 16/9 – Xian
17/9 – 19/9 – Zhangye
I9/9 – Zihangye-xian-Beijing
20/9 – Back to Singapore
I am taking train
What do you think of this itinerary?
Hi Ruslina, your itinerary for visiting Beijing, Xi’an, and Zhangye, followed by a return to Singapore, sounds fantastic! Here are a few thoughts:
Beijing (9/9 – 12/9): You have four days in Beijing, which is a good amount of time to explore key attractions like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Summer Palace. Consider adding some time for the Temple of Heaven and the hutongs for a deeper dive into Beijing’s culture.
Xi’an (13/9 – 16/9): Four days in Xi’an allows you to thoroughly explore the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an Ancient City Wall, and the Muslim Quarter. If time permits, you could also visit the Shaanxi History Museum and take a day trip to Mount Huashan.
Zhangye (17/9 – 19/9): Zhangye is famous for its Danxia landform, a beautiful geological park of colorful rock formations. It’s a great inclusion for its unique natural beauty. Make sure to plan your time to catch both sunrise and sunset views, as they are particularly spectacular.
Travel by Train: Traveling by train is a comfortable and efficient way to see China, especially with high-speed options available between major cities like Beijing and Xi’an. For Zhangye, ensure your train bookings are in place as early as possible due to limited options.
Return Trip: The train journey back to Xi’an and then to Beijing needs careful timing to make sure you’re back in time for your flight to Singapore on 20/9. Consider overnight trains if available to maximize your time.
Overall, your trip is well planned and covers a range of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.
Hi Ricky, thanks for your many detailed travel information. We are travelling to Beijing in Sept. We have already seen the major historical sites and don’t plan to visit them again. Would you recommend us to stay in Beijing and do a day trip from Beijing to WTown for one day or you think it is better to stay two nights in Wtown and one night in Beijing? Can we catch a taxi from Beijing International airport to Wtown or we need to book a transportation from the Beijing airport to Wtown? Our flight arrives in Beijing airport at 4pm. Thank you!
Hi Juliana!
For your trip to Wtown, it depends on how relaxed or packed you want your schedule to be. Staying two nights in Wtown would give you more time to explore without feeling rushed, especially if you’re interested in soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying some downtime. One night in Beijing would then suffice if you’re just there to catch your flight.
As for transportation, catching a taxi directly from Beijing International Airport to Wtown is possible, but it can be quite expensive due to the distance. I’d recommend booking private transportation in advance. This ensures a smooth transfer without the need to navigate public transport after a long flight, especially since your flight lands at 4 PM. This way, you can head straight to Wtown to maximize your stay.
If you need help arranging a transfer or have any more questions about your itinerary, feel free to ask!
Safe travels!
Ricky
Is departure 9am from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station and return 5pm from Gubei Water Town (boarding at Parking Lot No. 2) still running on Monday, 15 October?
Cannot find ticket on WeChat 旅服优选 mini-app
Здравствуйте!
Карта Beijing Pass действительно действует в более чем 300 городах Китая, включая Харбин . Это означает, что вы можете использовать её для оплаты проезда в общественном транспорте в Харбине, при условии, что транспортная система города поддерживает межгородскую совместимость с Beijing Pass.
Однако, информация о возможности пополнения карты Beijing Pass в Харбине отсутствует. На данный момент официально подтверждено, что пополнить карту можно:
На 490 станциях 27 линий пекинского метро через стойки обслуживания или специальные автоматы .
Онлайн через мобильное приложение SilkPass .
Если вы планируете использовать карту в Харбине, рекомендуется:
Пополнить карту заранее в Пекине перед поездкой.
Установить приложение SilkPass для онлайн-пополнения, если это возможно.
Уточнить на месте в Харбине, поддерживает ли местный общественный транспорт оплату через Beijing Pass.
Hello Ricky,
In your post, the bus mini program, are only specific to CYTS buses and timing has been changed to 10am and not 9am. For the return with CYTS buses, there is also nothing at 5pm, the latest is 2pm.
Can you confirm that those timings you mentioned are still available but with public buses? Ithere any way for us to book public buses in advance? Also the public buses are direct from Gubei to Beijing with no stop and 2hours journey too? Thank you for your help
Booking tickets for the Forbidden City can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if you’re unsure whether the process was successful. Let me guide you through how to confirm your booking and troubleshoot the situation.
1. How to Confirm Your Booking
Here are the steps to verify whether your ticket purchase was successful:
a. Check Your Payment App or Bank Statement
If you made the payment via WeChat Pay, Alipay, or an international card, check the transaction history in your payment app or bank account.
Look for a charge labeled something like “Forbidden City” or “故宫博物院” (Gugong Museum). If you see this charge, it’s likely that your payment went through successfully.
b. Log In to the Official Forbidden City Website
Go back to the official ticketing website: https://www.dpm.org.cn .
Log in using the same account you used to book the tickets.
Navigate to the “My Orders” or “Ticket Records” section. Here, you should see a record of your purchase if it was successful.
c. Check Your Spam/Junk Folder
Sometimes confirmation emails get filtered into spam or junk folders. Search your email inbox for keywords like “Forbidden City,” “故宫,” or the booking reference number.
If you still don’t find the email, proceed to the next step.
d. Contact Customer Service
The Forbidden City has a customer service hotline and online support for inquiries. You can reach out to them to confirm your booking:
Phone: +86 10 8500 7421 (available during business hours)
Email/Online Form: Use the contact form on their official website.
Provide your name, booking date, and payment details (e.g., transaction ID or last four digits of your card) to help them locate your order.
2. What to Do If the Booking Failed
If you determine that the booking wasn’t successful (e.g., no payment record, no order in your account), here’s what you can do:
a. Try Booking Again
Tickets for the Forbidden City often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons like spring. If you suspect your booking failed, try purchasing tickets again as soon as possible.
Note: The Forbidden City limits daily visitor numbers, so it’s best to book at least a few days in advance.
b. Use a Third-Party Platform
If the official website is difficult to navigate, you can use trusted third-party platforms like Trip.com or Klook to book tickets. These platforms often provide English-language support and instant confirmation.
Hi Ricky,
I will be staying at Beijing Wtown Resort for 2 nights. Is there any complimentary hotel shuttle. If not, how can i make my way from GuBei Wtown Car Park Lot 2 to my hotel for check in.
Thank you.
Hi Ben, thank you for reaching out!
Yes, if you have booked a stay at Beijing Wtown Resort, a free shuttle service is available to take you from Gubei Watertown Car Park Lot 2 to your hotel for check-in. Once you arrive at the parking lot, simply follow the signs or ask the staff for directions to the shuttle pick-up point. Happy travels!
Hi Ricky
新年吉祥！ Thank you so much for your quick response.
Best regards
Ben
Hi, where i can find timetable direct bus Beijing/Gubei town? I will be there in late April
You can find the bus timetable under the section “Bus Schedule & Fare to Gubei Water Town” in the blog post I shared. It includes the departure times and fare details for buses from Beijing to Gubei Water Town.
Shuttle schedules may change due to seasonal weather. Check for updates before traveling….where i can check timetable for mid/late April?
Hi Ricky,
I just went to the Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station on 16 May 2025 and try to take the bus to Gubei Watertown. However, this outer bus station is no longer there. It has moved since 29 April 2025. There was a blue notice board placed outside the entrance but I did not take a picture. In the end, I took a Didi to Gubei Watertown from those cab drivers standing by to approach us tourists who were caught unaware of the updated situation. Lucky the cab charges was reasonable and not overpriced. Perhaps you can update the information. For the return trip to Beijing, we made the booking via Wechat as mentioned in your blog. Thanks!
Hi Hui, Thank you so much for your helpful message and for sharing your experience — I really appreciate it!
You’re absolutely right — it relocated as of April 29, 2025, and I truly appreciate you pointing that out. I have updated the information on our site and blog right away to help future travelers.
I’m glad to hear you were able to arrange a ride at a fair price and still made it to Gubei Watertown smoothly — and great job using WeChat to book the return trip!
Thanks again for taking the time to let me know — your feedback is incredibly valuable.
Hi Ricky,
I will be visiting Beijing in September and plan to travel directly to Gubei Water Town and the Simatai Great Wall from Beijing Capital International Airport. My flight is scheduled to arrive at 12:25 PM.
I understand that the tourist shuttle bus departs from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station at 1:00 PM. Does this mean I won’t be able to catch that service due to my arrival time?
As I’m traveling alone, taking a taxi or hiring a private driver may be a bit costly for me. Could you please let me know if there are any shared transportation options or public transport routes available?
I’ve heard there is a train to Gubeikou Station, followed by a shuttle bus to the Water Town. Is that correct?
Thank you very much for your assistance!
Hi Betty,
Thanks for your message — your plan sounds wonderful!
With your 12:25 PM arrival, it’s very unlikely you’ll make the 1:00 PM tourist shuttle from Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station, as it usually takes at least 1–1.5 hours to clear immigration, collect luggage, and travel into the city.
For shared or more budget-friendly options, unfortunately there’s no regular shared shuttle from the airport to Gubei Water Town. However, you can consider public transport:
Airport to Beijing Railway Station or Beijing North Station by airport shuttle bus or subway.
Take the train to Gubeikou Station (around 2.5 hours).
From Gubeikou Station, you can take the local bus or taxi to Gubei Water Town (about 20–30 minutes).
This route is doable, but it involves several transfers and may be tiring after a flight. Most solo travelers still find a direct private transfer the easiest, even though it’s a bit more costly.
In Summary:
If they’re traveling solo and want to save money:
Best option: Subway + S5 train + shuttle bus
Backup: Try shared ride apps or check for group transfers
Not feasible: 1:00 PM shuttle bus from Dongzhimen due to tight timing
Hi Ricky,
Thank you very much for your detailed explanations from getting to Gubei Water Town from Beijing.
From the post from Hui (date 31st May 2025), the Dongzhimen Outer Bus Station has been relocated to another location.
Do you know where it has been relocated to?
Or the pictures (+ descriptions on your Blog) has been updated to the new location to board the bus to Gubei Water Town?
Thank you
Hi Ricky, I’m considering doing a day trip to Gubei water town and Simatai from Beijing on Nov 7. Is this doable? Can I access both via the shuttle or public transport? If I wanted to see Simtai at night, would I have to organise a private driver to return to Beijing? It would be great if you could let me know! Thanks so much.
Hi Katie! Yes—doing Gubei Water Town + Simatai as a day trip from Beijing on Fri, Nov 7 is totally doable. Here’s the simple plan:
Getting there (public transport):
Take the direct express bus from Dongzhimen (Outer) Bus Station to Gubei Water Town. Typical weekday departures are 09:00 / 12:00 / 15:30; fare about ¥48 cash on board.
Inside Gubei, there’s a shuttle up to Simatai’s cable-car area—you’ll see signs and it runs regularly.
Night visit timing (November):
Simatai night opening (Nov–Apr): 17:30–21:00 on weekdays (Fri counts as a weekday); 17:30–21:30 on weekends. Last ticketing typically until 21:00.
Night access often requires booking a Gubei + Simatai (night) package (tickets are commonly bundled and sold in advance via the Gubei WeChat mini-program).
Getting back after the night visit:
For a relaxed night visit, most travelers either hire a private driver back to Beijing or stay overnight in Gubei and return the next morning. (There are also taxis/Didi, but prices and availability vary late at night.)
Hi there. Nice blog. I have three questions please:
1. Is there only one bus at each departure time? What happens if too many people arrive to catch the 09:00 bus to Gubei?
2. I can see in a photograph from parking lot 2 that there is a bus back to Beijing at 21:00 every night but this is not mentioned on your blog. Is it correct?
3. If catching a 09:00 bus to Gubei and catching a 21:00 bus back to Beijing (assuming this 21:00 bus is real) is there enough time to walk the wall in daytime, explore the town, take a boat ride, walk the wall in the evening, see the drone and water shows and still have time to catch the 21:00 bus back? if not, what needs to be dropped please? (It is important for me to walk the wall in daytime and evening at sunset)
Thanks.
Hi — thanks, and great questions. You’re asking exactly the right things (especially the 21:00 bus + day/sunset Wall timing combo).
Here’s the practical answer:
1) Is there only one bus at each departure time? What if too many people show up for the 09:00 bus?
In practice, the departure time is a scheduled service (e.g., 09:00), and seats are limited (one seat per ticket). If that departure fills up, late arrivals may need to wait for the next available departure or use another transport option. The Beijing custom-bus platform and local travel info both stress seat-based boarding / pre-booking and note schedules can change.
Best move: book ahead if possible and arrive at least 30 minutes early (especially for the 09:00 bus).
2) Is the 21:00 return bus from Parking Lot 2 real?
Yes — 21:00 return from Gubei Water Town (Parking Lot 2) is listed on multiple sources, including the Beijing bus/custom-bus pages and Beijing tourism info (though some pages only show a subset of times, which is why blogs can look inconsistent). The most consistent pattern shown is:
Return point: Gubei Water Town Parking Lot 2 / visitor transfer center
Return times: often include 13:00, 17:00, 21:00 (and sometimes extra runs on weekends/holidays, such as 19:00).
So your photo showing 21:00 is very likely correct.
3) If I take the 09:00 bus and return at 21:00, is there enough time for everything?
Yes — but it’s a full day and you need to be efficient.
It is generally possible to do:
Daytime Wall
Explore Gubei Water Town
Boat ride
Return to the Wall for sunset / evening
Catch some night atmosphere / shows
Make the 21:00 bus
Official hours support this plan:
Gubei Water Town ticketing is typically open until 21:00
Simatai day visit ticketing is listed to 15:00
Simatai night tour ticketing is listed 17:00–21:00
Night Wall opening runs into the evening (season-dependent)
Boats also run into the evening (season-dependent)
The catch (important)
If by “walk the wall in daytime” you mean a long, serious hike, then doing everything (including boat + shows + second Wall session) becomes tight.
What to drop if time gets tight
If you must prioritize daytime Wall + sunset/evening Wall, I’d drop in this order:
Boat ride (nice, but easiest to skip)
Extra wandering/deep exploration of the town
Watching every show in full
That gives you the best chance to enjoy both Wall sessions without stress.
A realistic one-day flow (09:00 → 21:00 bus)
(rough guide)
09:00 depart Beijing
~11:00–11:30 arrive Gubei / Parking Lot 2
11:30–15:30 daytime Wall + lunch (or lunch first, then Wall)
15:30–17:30 town stroll + optional boat
17:30–19:30 evening/sunset Wall (night tour period)
19:30–20:40 night atmosphere / show area
21:00 bus back to Beijing
One more tip
Schedules can shift by:
weekday vs weekend
season
special events / weather
So I’d still confirm the return time posted at Parking Lot 2 on arrival (or in the booking mini-program) for your specific day. The official and semi-official pages don’t always display the exact same list at the same time.
Thank you so much for the information. Very helpful.
I think we will stay one night and next day check a few more activities in town (maybe climb the pagoda?) and then take a taxi to Jinshanling and walk that wall in the daytime (and skip walking the Simatai Wall in daytime because I heard it isn’t comfortable).
By the way: do you know how long it takes to get from the wall to the main square (Riyuedao Square?) – I am trying to calculate if it is possible to leave the wall at sunset (around 18:45) and get to the main square for the drone and water shows..
Thanks again.
That sounds like a really nice plan — and yes, staying 1 night in Gubei + Jinshanling the next day is a great combo
About your question (Wall → Riyuedao / Sun-Moon Island Square for the drone + water shows):
In most cases, yes — it should be possible to leave the wall around sunset and still make it to the square for the evening shows.
A good rule of thumb is to allow about 30–45 minutes from leaving the Simatai Wall area to reaching Riyuedao Square (this depends on where you are on the wall, cable car queue, shuttle/walking pace, etc.).
If there’s a queue coming down, it can take a bit longer, so I’d treat 45 minutes as the safer estimate.
A couple of useful notes:
The official Gubei site mentions evening activities near the Great Wall entrance and also lists free performances at Sun & Moon Island Square (Riyuedao Square), so your idea is very workable.
Show times can vary by season / day / weather, so it’s best to check the same day after you arrive (hotel front desk or visitor center can confirm). The official site also notes schedules may vary by day.
My practical suggestion
If sunset is around 18:45, I’d recommend:
enjoy sunset on the wall ✅
start heading down right after sunset (or even 5–10 min before if you want zero stress)
aim to be at Riyuedao Square by 19:20–19:30
That usually gives you a comfortable buffer for the drone/water shows.
Very helpful information about getting to Gubei Water Town by shuttle bus. Thanks for your help. We are going next week for 2 nights – and we speak NO Chinese. Blessing, Phil from Australia
You’re very welcome, Phil.
I’m really glad the information was helpful. Gubei Water Town is a lovely place to spend two nights, and going at a slower pace is a great idea.
Even if you speak no Chinese, you should still be fine with a little preparation. I’d suggest keeping your hotel name, shuttle bus details, and destination written in Chinese on your phone so you can show them when needed.
Wishing you a smooth trip and a wonderful time there. Blessing to you as well, and greetings to Australia.