Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall Day Tour

▲ Gubeikou has long been renowned for its rugged terrain and strategic location. The Miyun County Chronicles describe it as "the capital's northern border stronghold, with Songting, Gubeikou, and Juyong Pass as key passes under Shuntian, with Gubeikou being particularly strategic." Gubeikou's unique military heritage has attracted countless scholars and literati, with renowned poets such as Su Che, Liu Chang, and Nalan Xingde leaving behind numerous famous verses. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong praised it numerous times, citing the phrase "the land strangles the throat of the desert, while heaven preserves the key to the majestic pass." This apt description celebrates its ruggedness and importance.

▲ The Simatai section of the Great Wall is renowned for its peril, density, uniqueness, ingenuity, and completeness. The peril refers to its incredible location atop a ridge carved by a knife and axe, creating an incredibly treacherous experience. The density refers to the spacing between the watchtowers, which are typically tens of meters apart, with the furthest no more than 300 meters, for an average distance of just 140 meters. The uniqueness refers to the steep, majestic terrain of the Simatai Great Wall, with the rippling emerald waters of Yuanyang Lake (formed by the confluence of cold and warm springs) at its foot, creating a breathtaking spectacle of lake and mountain scenery. The ingenuity is reflected in the strategically placed barriers, allowing for both offensive and defensive maneuvers. The completeness refers to the unique and diverse architectural styles of the towers and watchtowers.