This guide is for customers on our 2T Gubeikou train and camping tour. Prepare before departure, connect with the local team and follow your confirmed train arrangements.
Before you travel: set up WeChat
Please install WeChat before your trip. Our Chinese staff use WeChat to communicate with you; WhatsApp is blocked in China.
- Club office: GWAC2015
- Mr. Wang at the camping center: 18701196279
Add both contacts and send a recent photograph of your group so Mr. Wang can recognize you at Gubeikou Station. Message him when you board the train. You can write in English and use WeChat’s translation feature.
Read our WeChat & Alipay setup guide. For more help, watch these WeChat setup and WeChat introduction videos.
Bring your original passport
We reserve your train tickets using your passport information. Bring the same valid passport to the station for identity checks and paperless boarding. Railway staff check or scan your passport; you do not need a physical ticket.
Departing from Beijingbei Station (北京北站)
Beijing North Station is in Xizhimen (西直门). The address is No. 1 Beibinhe Road, Xizhimen, Xicheng District, Beijing.
- By subway: use Line 2, 4 or 13 to Xizhimen. Follow the underground passage and signs for Beijingbei Station and the Suburban Railway (市郊铁路).
- By taxi or DiDi: show your driver 西直门北京北站. Your hotel can help arrange a ride. Taxi drop-off is on Station Square.
- Arrival: reach the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
View Beijingbei Station on Google Maps.
Train times for reference
These are the times listed in our train guide. Services and times can change; follow the train number and departure time confirmed for your booking.
| Direction | Train | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijingbei → Gubeikou | S501 | 6:58 AM | 9:23 AM |
| Beijingbei → Gubeikou | S503 | 2:19 PM | 4:50 PM |
| Gubeikou → Beijingbei | S502 | 10:00 AM | 12:29 PM |
| Gubeikou → Beijingbei | S504 | 5:00 PM | 7:52 PM |
Boarding the Train – Suburban Railway (市郊铁路)
Follow this photo guide from the station entrance to your carriage. The photos show the route at Beijing North Station; follow current signs and staff instructions if the layout has changed. Select any photo to enlarge it.
Go to Beijingbei Station (北京北站) in Xizhimen. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your confirmed departure.
Enter the station waiting hall and keep your original passport ready. Follow any security-check instructions from station staff.
The red arrow in this photo shows the route through the waiting area. Continue toward the Suburban Railway signs.
Follow the signs marked Suburban Railway (市郊铁路). Use the route indicated in the photo and follow current station signs.
Watch for the blue Suburban Railway direction signs on the floor and continue toward its boarding entrance.
At the Suburban Railway entrance, show the passport used for your booking. A railway official will check your identity.
Follow staff instructions at the ticket-check area. Keep your passport handy until you have passed the boarding checks.
After the check, follow the signs and staff directions to the platform for your confirmed train.
Check the train number against your booking before boarding. Stay behind the platform safety line.
Wait for staff to allow boarding, then use the indicated door. Make sure you are on the Gubeikou service.
Take an available seat as directed and keep the aisle clear. Have your passport and belongings with you.
The journey takes approximately 2½ hours. Keep track of station announcements and signs so you get off at Gubeikou (古北口).
Board promptly once boarding opens; late arrivals may find no seats available. Send Mr. Wang a WeChat message after boarding so he can prepare for your arrival.
Arriving at Gubeikou Station (古北口站)
The train makes several stops. Watch the station signs and listen for announcements so you get off at Gubeikou. Mr. Wang will meet you and drive you to our farm-based camping center.
Mr. and Mrs. Wang are our experienced local hiking and camping team. Mrs. Wang helps with the hike and camp setup, and Mr. Wang prepares dinner before your overnight adventure. This tour is supported by Chinese-speaking staff; WeChat translation helps you communicate.
Baggage and payment
Most Beijing hotels and hostels offer baggage storage for guests. Leave larger bags there if convenient and bring what you need for your hike. If you bring luggage, free storage is available at the camping center.
Pay the balance to Mr. Wang when you arrive. Payment options include CNY cash, foreign currency cash (such as USD, EUR, GBP, AUD or CAD), Alipay and WeChat Pay. Mr. Wang can provide a payment QR code. See the Payment Center for payment arrangements.
Photography and camping rules
- Still photography is welcome. Video recording and drone flying are prohibited because the route passes near a military installation.
- No open flames or smoking are permitted.
- Take all rubbish with you; bring your own rubbish bags.
- Camping equipment is collected around 4–5 AM so day visitors can pass. Please cooperate with the team. You can stay to enjoy sunrise before walking back to the camping center.
Weather and alternative accommodation
Heavy rain, storms, flooding or snow can suspend train services. If this affects your trip, our team will prioritize rescheduling and discuss alternative transport if your Beijing stay is limited. A private-car return to Beijing is listed at an additional CNY 900; contact us to arrange it.
If bad weather prevents camping, the camping center provides a hotel room at no extra charge instead. This weather alternative does not include a partial or full refund. Hotel accommodation is also available at no extra charge if you feel unwell or prefer to sleep indoors. The center has comfortable beds and 24-hour hot water.
Returning to Beijing
Mr. Wang will transfer you to Gubeikou Station and see you off. Confirm the return train with him and keep your passport handy for boarding.
Your train & camping journey in photos
Explore the stations, arrival pickup and camping center. Select a photo to enlarge it.
Preview the train journey
Watch the full Beijing North–Gubeikou train ride to familiarize yourself with the journey.