Take a taxi to Dongzhimenwai bus station, aiming to arrive no later than 820am. Look for bus 980 and/or a small sign referring to gubei. The cost is 48yuen.. cash only (no alipay or WeChat) and is paid as you're boarding. It departs 9am daily

Loved this place and I will definitely come back again in Autumn. Check out the pictures it was a scenic and beautiful town! The day and night shots give a different vibe and impression! It was a wonderful place especially during sunset

Very beautiful town even though it is artificially constructed over 5 year period. We went there with tour that gives you access to tour the water town and also to Simatai Great Wall via a cable car and short hike. The town is beautiful with a few interesting food to try, and has quite a bit of ancillary activities going on, ranging from traditional opera singing, drone performance, to water show and photo opportunities with artists in traditional costume. We were told the activities vary across seasons so do check before booking if you're concerned about this. We were so lucky to catch a drone show at night! You also get to see the Simatai Great Wall light up in the night by the town. Food and drinks are on pricier tourist side but a nice experience in all.

My wife had always wanted to visit Gubei Water Twon, but whenever we have time off work, so does the rest of China and this place is usually packed. The hotels are very expensive too; between 2,500-3,500 a night. We came during Tomb Sweeping Festival on a Sunday when the rest of the people had to return to work and we paid 900rmb. It turned out to be perfect because there were far fewer people and got to experience the place in comfort. Be prepared as virtually no one speaks English except for the hotel front desk and even that is not certain. The sights are fantastic, the food is okay and the comfort level on an off day was very uplifting. The drone night show was pretty cool and way more than what I had imagined as the drones laid out near the Great Wall. The hot springs are indeed hot and were not crowded. The ride on the waterway was short, but doable. The staff were welcoming and most people were pleasant. This should be on a list of things not to pass up during an extended stay in Beijing.