Last Updated on 20 February 2026 by Vanessa

If you’re looking for a unique day trip from Beijing, Gubei Water Town (古北水镇, Gǔběi Shuǐzhèn) is one of the most picturesque places to visit near the city. It’s often described as a “Chinese-style Venice,” but with a distinctly northern charm and access to the stunning Simatai section of the Great Wall.

Among the cobblestone streets and lantern-lit canals, you’ll also see many stray cats going about their day. They’ll be lounging on a sunny ledge, darting across a stone bridge, or curling up outside a café, quietly shaping the town’s character in their own way.

If you’re planning your Beijing itinerary, this is one of the most photogenic and culturally immersive day trips you can take. Let’s take a closer look at Gubei Water Town and the stray cats that call this scenic tourist destination home.

A complete travel guide to Gubei Water Town and its cats

Planning a trip to Beijing?

Before visiting Gubei Water Town, check out my complete guide to 14 Epic Things to Do in Beijing for Cat Lovers – including the Great Wall, hidden temples, historic hutongs, and the best day trips from Beijing.

💡 Planning tip: Many travelers combine Gubei Water Town + the Great Wall at Simatai into a single overnight trip from Beijing. See available tours and skip-the-line options here.

About Gubei Water Town

History

Gubei Water Town draws you in with its design inspired by the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It features narrow alleys, stone-paved streets, and classic courtyard homes. The town’s layout blends traditional Chinese architecture with stunning natural surroundings, giving you an authentic sense of ancient China despite its modern construction.

It is a relatively new tourist destination that officially opened in 2014. The developers sought to promote tourism in the region (which benefits from its proximity to historical landmarks and beautiful landscapes) and celebrate traditional Chinese culture.

Where Is Gubei Water Town?

Gubei Water Town is located in Miyun District, approximately 140 km (87 miles) northeast of central Beijing.

It sits at the base of the Simatai Great Wall, making it a popular choice for travelers who want to combine:

• A Great Wall hike

• A traditional Chinese water town experience

• An overnight stay in a scenic mountain setting

Because of its location, it works best as either:

• A long day trip from Beijing

• Or a one-night stay

Things to do in Gubei Water Town

Walk through the canal streets

The cobblestone lanes, traditional courtyard homes, and small bridges make this one of the most photogenic destinations near Beijing.

• Time to explore: 1–2 hours at a relaxed pace.

• Cost: Free with your Gubei Water Town entrance ticket (~¥248–¥300, depending on season).

Relax at the hot springs

Need even more relaxation? The hot spring resorts are open year-round and offer spa services and wellness treatments with a beautiful view.

• Time to enjoy: 1–3 hours depending on whether you book a private spa session or full resort package.

• Cost: Entry ranges from ¥168–¥350 per person; private hot spring suites can cost ¥500+ per couple.

• Tip: Book in advance during peak travel seasons.

Join a traditional handicraft workshop

You can join traditional Chinese handicraft workshops to try paper-cutting or kite-making and maybe even catch a shadow play or Chinese opera performance that brings local folklore to life.

• Time: Workshops typically last 30–60 minutes.

• Cost: ¥50–¥150 per workshop, depending on materials and complexity.

• Tips: Check the schedule when you arrive — some workshops are seasonal or scheduled only on weekends. Kids and adults both enjoy these interactive cultural experiences.

Visit a festival

If you’re lucky, your visit to Gubei Water Town might coincide with a cultural festival that fills the town with the colors, sounds, and customs of seasonal celebrations like the Lantern Festival or Dragon Boat Festival.

• Time: Festivals can take 2–4 hours, or an entire evening if you’re dining and exploring the night markets.

• Cost: Usually included in the town entry ticket; some special performances may have additional fees (~¥50–¥100).

Cruise the lantern-lit canals

As night falls, Gubei Water Town transforms into a magical scene. Take a boat ride through the lantern-lit canals to enjoy a peaceful, romantic perspective of the town. Reflections shimmer on the water as lanterns illuminate cobblestone streets, bridges, and traditional courtyards. Along the way, you can hear traditional music, catch street performances, and explore night markets from the water.

• Time: 30–45 minutes for a standard boat ride; longer private rides available (~1 hour).

• Cost: ¥50–¥80 per person for a shared boat; private rides ~¥200–¥300.

Experience local cuisine

The local cuisine is an experience in itself. With restaurants and food stalls offering dishes like Beijing-style roast duck, handmade noodles, and unique regional snacks, you’ll get a taste of authentic flavors and Chinese culinary traditions.

• Time: 1–2 hours for a full meal or 30–60 minutes for street food.

• Cost: ¥30–¥150 per person, depending on dining style.

Visit the nearby Simatai Great Wall

One of the biggest draws nearby is the Simatai Great Wall (also home to many cats). This section of the Wall is rugged, with steep slopes and incredible views of the mountains and valleys. You can hike or take a cable car to experience this ancient structure’s scenic beauty and history.

💡 Get your combo-ticket for both Gubei Water Town and the Simatai Great Wall here.

• Travel time from Gubei Water Town: ~15–20 minutes by shuttle or car. (If you still need to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars.)

• Hiking time: 1–3 hours depending on your route and pace.

• Cost: ¥40–¥65 for entrance to Simatai; cable car is an additional ¥100–¥150 round-trip.

Cats in Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town is home to many local stray cats. While the town may not be as famous for its feline population as Japan’s cat islands, Malta, Chefchaouen, or the Greek islands, many visitors come to Gubei to meet these furry friends, showing little interest in the town’s history and scenic beauty. Here are a few things you need to know about them:

Do the cats of Gubei have owners?

Gubei Water Town functions primarily as a tourist attraction rather than a residential area, meaning no one lives there permanently. As a result, all the cats you encounter are strays.

However, the staff of local hotels, shops, and restaurants take on informal roles in caring for these cats. They regularly provide food, water, and sometimes even shelter, ensuring the cats are healthy and well-fed.

Contrary to the typical stereotype of stray cats being neglected and unhappy, the felines in Gubei often appear lively and well taken care of.

What is the best time to visit?

If you want to spot the cats, plan your visit to Gubei Water Town during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather and stunning scenery, making them the ideal times to explore the area. During these months, you are also more likely to see the cats, as they tend to hide when too many tourists crowd the town.

Be aware that Gubei Water Town experiences peak tourist seasons during major Chinese holidays, such as Golden Week in early October and the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), usually in January or February. During these busy times, the town can get crowded, prompting the cats to retreat to quieter spots.

For the best chance of interacting with the cats, visit early in the morning or late in the evening when the town is less populated. Day-trippers often leave by late afternoon, so if you stay at a local hotel or guesthouse, you’ll have ample opportunity to connect with the cats during the quieter hours. This approach enhances your experience and gives you more time to enjoy the town’s charm.

Keep reading for more information on accommodations where you can stay to maximize your time with Gubei’s friendly feline residents.

Where to look for cats?

In Gubei Water Town, you can find cats in several key areas where they tend to gather. Here are some of the best spots to look for them:

Along the canals

Cats love to hang out near the picturesque canals. Look for them lounging on the edges or playing near the water. The tranquil environment provides a gorgeous backdrop for them to relax and for you to take their photo.

Narrow alleyways

The narrow streets and alleys of Gubei Water Town are prime spots for spotting cats. They often dart in and out of buildings or rest in the shade of doorways. Take your time wandering through these charming pathways.

Near restaurants and cafés

Many local eateries and cafés tend to have food scraps or a welcoming atmosphere, which attracts cats. You might spot them lounging outside or sneaking in for a quick snack.

At hotel entrances

Since hotel staff often care for the local strays, you may find cats hanging around the entrances of hotels and guesthouses. They may be waiting for a friendly staff member to feed them or simply soaking up the sun.

Green spaces

Look for cats in any green areas within the town. These spaces provide a quiet refuge where cats can play, nap, and enjoy the outdoors.

Around the Simatai Great Wall

If you venture towards the Simatai section of the Great Wall, look for cats that may be exploring the area.

How to approach the cats?

When you encounter stray cats in Gubei Water Town, please take a moment to observe them from a distance. This helps you gauge their comfort level. Approach slowly and calmly, allowing the cats to approach you on their terms. Use gentle sounds to get their attention, and avoid direct eye contact, as this can be perceived as a threat.

If a cat seems uninterested, don’t force interaction; let it decide if it wants to engage. You can offer small treats on the ground to entice them, but keep your hands low to avoid startling them.

Always respect their private space by recognizing signs of discomfort, such as flattened ears or hissing. If a cat is resting in a particular spot, avoid invading that space.

Be patient and understand that building trust with these furry friends takes time. By following these tips, you can enjoy a pleasant and respectful interaction with the cats of Gubei Water Town while ensuring their comfort and safety.

Gubei Water Town Q&A

Do people live in Gubei Water Town?

Gubei Water Town primarily caters to tourists rather than locals. At its core, it focuses on delivering an experience of history, culture, and recreation for you to enjoy, rather than serving as a residential community.

In the surrounding area, local villages support the tourism industry, with residents providing goods and services for the many visitors to Gubei Water Town.

What time does Gubei Water Town open?

You can visit Gubei Water Town from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm.

Are there any hotels in Gubei Water Town?

Staying overnight lets you experience the town’s unique atmosphere at different times of the day.

There are plenty of places to stay in Gubei, such as waterfront guesthouses, traditional courtyard hotels, hot spring resorts, and themed accommodations. You can check out all the available options here.

You should book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays.

If you stay at boutique hotels, you get a free Water Town entrance ticket, while staying at other accommodations gives you a discounted entrance rate.

How big is Gubei Water Town?

Gubei Water Town covers an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers (0.58 square miles).

How far is Gubei Water Town from Beijing?

The town is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Beijing, and it can be reached in roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car.

Several shuttle buses and organized tours are available if you prefer public transport.

Will you visit Water Town and its feline residents?

Are you excited to explore Gubei Water Town and meet its adorable feline residents?

It’s such a charming place, with beautiful scenery, delicious local food, and, of course, those friendly cats waiting for you to say hello.

So, grab your camera and get ready for a fun adventure—because the true spirit of Gubei is best experienced through the eyes (and nine lives) of its resident cats!

P.S. Have you seen this gorgeous photo series featuring the shop cats of China?

About the photographer

Bart Vodderie is a self-taught photographer from Belgium. Over the years, he has lived in multiple countries and currently resides in China.

His interest in photography began when his father gave him a reflex camera, which he used extensively until it broke down during a trip to the Salt Flats in Uyuni in Bolivia.

In April 2011, he decided to invest in a Nikon D90, marking a turning point in his photographic journey. Since then, he has continued to experiment with different techniques and has taught himself the craft through hands-on experience.

Today, Bart works with a Nikon D810 and a selection of lenses, including a 24–70mm f/2.8, a 105mm f/2.8, and a 150–600mm f/5.6–6.3. His work spans a range of subjects, often influenced by his international experiences and the diverse environments he has explored.

You can follow Bart Vodderie on Instagram @vodderie for more of his visual storytelling from around the world.

Be sure to check out his other contributions on Traveling Cats, including his visit to Cat’s Attic in Seoul, and his photo series on the cats of Heungryunsa Temple (Seoknamsa Temple) in Anseong, Shanghai’s Gucheng Park, and Kitty Cat Café in Pyeongtaek.

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