10 reasons to visit Beijing WTown this summer

Beijing’s summers are scorchers. And where better to escape the heat than at a water town? For those unfamiliar with Beijing WTown, it is fashioned after the famous ones in China’s South. Think of it as an oriental Venice, but just a two-hour drive away from Beijing and set by the hills that the Simatai section of The Great Wall sits on.

The town’s architecture is modelled after a traditional Northern China village, with snaking hutongs flanked by traditional courtyard buildings separated by canals. Sounds good? Well here’s another ten reasons why you should head up this summer.

1 Glamp by the Great Wall

Experience the great outdoors, in the comfort of your luxurious tent. A special collaboration between Time Out and Beijing WTown this glamping package includes a one-night stay in a plush tent, guided cycling tours, activities by The Wall and a barbecue and movie night for two.

2 Stargaze

You might not know that Beijing’s night skies are amazing living in the city. But out at Beijing WTown surrounded by nature and light pollution at a minimum, you can actually take in the entire Milky Way. If you’re interested in exploring the constellations, they also have guides to help point them out in their staycation packages.

3 Scenic train route now open

There’s now a scenic route by train. The S5 line (trains S501-506) just started from May and runs from Changping North station taking two hours to reach Gubeikou, which is where Beijing WTown is located. While it might be faster getting a coach down, this route takes you through the scenic hills of Miyun and is a great preview of the natural wonders that surround Beijing WTown.

4 Cycling routes to The Wall

Beijing WTown has guided cycling tours to the Simatai section. The three-hour journey is is challenging but its an experience like no other as you cycle on the inclined plains deep into the wilderness. The guided tour stops at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall where you can then hike up and admire the breathtaking view of the town from atop. Mountain bikes and all safety equipment including helmets and gloves are provided.

5 Sunrise yoga by The Wall

Start your day right with a session of yoga, at the Great Wall. Led by a professional yogi from India, feel yourself gradually recharge from the daily grind as the sin rises. Classes are taught at daybreak and the scenery is breathtaking as it slowly unveils around you.

6 Make traditional craft

Beijing WTown has dozens of shops selling everything from jade artefacts to fengshui pieces. If you are looking for something more hands-on, sign up for handicraft workshops that include traditional lantern making, paper cutting or kite making.

7 Catch a light and water feature show

Once the sun sets, head over the town’s main pavilion and watch it come to life every evening during its amazing water and laser show. The pavilion transforms into various shapes, with three-dimensional effects on its facade. It’s a spectacle of visual projections, dancing fountain jets and fire effects, all synched to a thumping soundtrack.

8 Pray away your singlehood

For all the single ladies and gents looking for love, try your luck at the Shrine of Yuelao (月老祠) where you can pray your singlehood away with incense, divination sticks and a wish to attach to a tree.

9 Ride on a gondola

If you really want to have an idyllic vacation, opt for a boat tour that takes you around the entire town. You’ll cruise past the town’s significant landmarks such as its Shrine of General Yang, the Oolong Fort Folk Culture Area and the Waterside Historic Area. It’s the best way to experience this water town in all it’s Qing dynasty-styled glory.

10 Much away on its food street

Have your fill of local Chinese delicacies on the town’s food strip, where you can find everything from the obscure to the classic. Taste delicacies such as fried turnip cake 萝卜丝饼 (5RMB), bridge cake 桥头糕 (5RMB) and snails with rice noodles 螺狮粉 (15RMB). Or, simply settle for Chinese favourites like chuan’r, hotpot and grilled fish.

BOOK NOW

Time Out Beijing and Beijing WTown are collaborating in a big way this summer with great events and two packaged stays just for Time Out readers.

GLAMPING BY THE SIMATAI GREAT WALL

Not many have actually camped by The Wall but now you can, in stylish comfort with this package. it includes: :

• Plush accommodation in a tent.

• Barbecue dinner and movie night for two.

• Guided cycling tour to the Great Wall.

• Beijing WTown admission for two.

• Yoga on The Wall session.

The two-day package is priced at 1,099RMB for weekdays and 1,199RMB for weekends. It is only available until September 15.

Scan to book

SUITES PACKAGE

If you’d rather stay in a room and soak some stress away at its hot springs, opt for its two-day hotel room package which includes:

• Suite room.

• Beijing WTown admission for two.

• Great Wall admission for two.

• Hot spring spa experience for two.

• Barbecue dinner and movie night for two

The two-day package starts at 1,876RMB and is only available until September 15.

Scan to book

You might have missed

More from Time Out Beijing