**Gubei Water Town Overview**
Gubei Water Town, situated on the northeastern side of Miyun, is a reconstructed ancient town that captures the essence of both northern grandeur and southern water town charm. This pedestrian-friendly destination, with no cars allowed, is perfect for leisurely exploration and offers a variety of activities such as hot spring bathing, local cuisine tasting, and Simatai Great Wall climbing.
**Activities and Attractions**
– **Ancient Residential Buildings**: Upon entering from the west, you’ll find ancient buildings relocated from Shanxi, featuring intricate carvings and decorations.
– **Boat Tours**: A leisurely way to enjoy the scenic views of the town.
– **Night View**: The town transforms into a dreamy world under starlight and reflections, with a must-see water dance show at the musical fountain in front of Wangjing Tower.
– **Sima Xiaoshao Distillery**: Experience the ancient brewing process and purchase local liquor.
– **Yongshun Dye House**: Witness the ancient method of dyeing cloth and explore the historical ambiance.
– **Performances**: Northern classic operas such as Hebei Bangzi are performed on the old stage on Sun and Moon Island.
– **Zhenyuan Escort Agency**: A restored ancient escort agency offering insights into the culture of escorting valuables, with an open-air hot spring pool for relaxation.
**Shopping and Dining**
– **Crafts Shops**: Concentration of kite shops, New Year picture shops, shadow play museums, and tea shops on the west side.
– **Cafes and Restaurants**: On the east side, enjoy local specialties such as Miyun barbecue at cafes, dessert shops, tea houses, and barbecue restaurants.
**Climbing the Simatai Great Wall**
After exploring the town, consider climbing the Simatai Great Wall, connected to the scenic area at the town’s western end.
**Hot Springs**
Gubei Water Town is renowned for its natural geothermal hot springs, with most inns featuring well-appointed pools. Duanjia Courtyard and Imperial Villa Hot Spring are particularly famous.
**Opening Hours**
– **Town**: November 1st to April 30th, Monday to Thursday, Sunday 09:00-22:30; Friday to Saturday 09:00-23:00. May 1st to October 31st, Monday to Thursday, Sunday 09:00-22:30; Friday to Saturday 09:00-23:00.
– **Boat Tours**: Sunday to Thursday 08:00-21:30; Friday, Saturday 08:00-22:00.
– **Children’s Play Area**: Sunday to Thursday 09:30-19:00; Friday, Saturday 09:30-21:00.
– **Children’s Play Area + Gubei Water Town**: Sunday to Thursday 09:30-16:00; Friday, Saturday 09:30-18:00.
**Preferential Policies**
– Children under 1.2 meters (inclusive) enter free; between 1.2 meters (exclusive) and 1.5 meters (inclusive), discounted tickets.
– Retired cadres with the retirement honor certificate issued by the State Council and the Central Military Commission enter free.
– Disabled persons with the ‘Disabled Person’s Card’ issued by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation enter free.
– Disabled veterans with various disability cards issued by the veterans affairs department enter free.
– Journalists with the press card issued by the General Administration of Press and Publication enter free.
– Students with a middle or elementary school student card receive discounted tickets.
– Youths under 16 years old (exclusive) with an ID card receive discounted tickets.
– Elderly over 60 years old (exclusive) with an ID card or preferential card receive discounted tickets.
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**Discounted Tickets for Military and Rescue Personnel:**
– **Active Military Personnel:** Enjoy discounted tickets with valid documents.
– **National Fire and Rescue Personnel:** Those holding ‘National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team Firefighter Card’, ‘National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team Cadre Card’, or ‘National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Team Cadre Student Card’ are eligible for discounted tickets.
**Service Facilities: Parking Lots**
– **Location:** Outside the water town scenic area.
– **Lots:** 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
– **Parking Fee:** 25 yuan per visit for vehicles with 7 seats or less, and 50 yuan per visit for vehicles with more than 7 seats.
**Address:**
– North Ma Road Branch Line, Miyun County, Beijing.
**Parking Spaces:**
– 5000 available spaces.
**WIFI Access:**
– **Account:** WTOWN
– **Password:** No password required
– **Coverage:** Full coverage
**Luggage Storage:**
– **Reference Price:** Free
– **Address:** Front Desk Concierge
**Scenic Area Explanation:**
– The Tourist Service Center offers electronic guide rental and manual explanation services.
**Transportation within the Park:**
– **Reference Price:** 10 RMB per person per trip, half price for children under 1.5 meters (including infants).
– **Address:** Various points within the scenic area.
**Restrooms:**
– Clearly marked with signs.
**Smoking Area:**
– Designated outside the Tourist Service Center.
**Baby Care Room:**
– **Address:** Inside Gubei Water Town Scenic Area, free baby care room available in the five-star public toilets.
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