20. Travels in China: Gubei Water Town—A Historic Settlement

If Beijing is an ancient city with over 3,000 years of history and 800 years as a capital, then nestled among the mountains northeast of the city lies a place that stands in close companionship with the Great Wall: Gubei Water Town. Located in Gubeikou Town, Miyun District, and sitting at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, this place lacks the grandeur of the Forbidden City or the solemnity of the Temple of Heaven. Instead, it offers a charm defined by bluestone-paved paths, flowing waters, arched bridges, and traditional architecture—all set against the unique mountain-and-water landscape at the foot of the Great Wall. By day, it is a tranquil northern town; by night, as lights begin to glow along the streets and waterways, the distant Great Wall and mountain peaks combine to create a stunning nocturnal panorama. Some call it the "Wuzhen of the North," yet a visit reveals that it is far more than a mere replica of the water towns found in the south. Its true uniqueness lies in the seamless blend of northern mountainous terrain, Great Wall culture, traditional town streets, and the ambiance of a southern-style water town. Today, let us step into Gubei Water Town and discover the allure of this settlement nestled at the foot of the Great Wall.