The guesthouse was exceptional! I booked it not realising Gubei Water Town and Gubeikou were far apart but I'm so glad I did. I was underwhelmed by the water town and blown away by how lovely Gubeikou was. The guesthouse is located in a lovely quiet part of the village right at the far end just off the mountain pass road leading to the water town (which is about 20 minutes away by road). The neighbourhood was incredibly peaceful and a fabulous break from Beijing City life. From the courtyard you could see sections of wild wall. A short walk from the property towards the village centre was the gate tower from where you could get onto the wall. I was worried about taking the northern route given the risk of crossing into Hebei but the southern route was spectacular and had a more gradual incline. The service at the guesthouse was exceptional - I had both the dinner and the breakfast there and both were fresh, tasty home cooked vegetarian options. The honesty bar was really lovely and meant we could help ourselves even at night if we wanted. I was one of only two bookings but the communal lounge was a good meeting point and I was able to get tips on activities, a grown up version of hostel life. I was able to wechat with the manager in advance to gain tips and transport support. I also know customers who had limited Mandarin were able to use this to translate when needed. Bathroom were kept very clean and there were more than sufficient number of stalls and showers for the number of rooms. Not an issue for me but guests not used to Chinese beds might find the beds quite firm. I had no issues myself so not a dislike! I was able to walk from the property to the station via the river walk - leave plenty of time to reach the station as the hill up is steep but the views are worth it! I have already recommended to my colleagues and will definitely be back!

The hotel was cute and if you're looking for a fun weekend getaway, then this is the place for you, especially if you like cats! The cats were super friendly and playful. We were able to have KTV (karaoke) and sing our hearts out well into the night. They were also flexible with the meal choices and the chef was super kind and friendly!

The only downside was the distance to Gubei Water Town (15-20 mins by car). It was difficult getting taxis there, but the owner was super kind and drove us there and back, albeit for a fee. It was still a nice gesture and we were appreciative of the fact.

Very cosy place in a very normal and traditional Chinese village. The kids love the cats everywhere. Very clean bathrooms and decorated with details and passion. Healthy and delicious food.

The courtyard is so peaceful and the cats are a joy to play with. The proximity to the wall affords an early entry to enjoy the flowers and insects at dawn and to enter before the ticket collector arrives! It's also pleasant exploring the surrounding village. A western option breakfast and good coffee sets the guesthouse apart from others.

If I hadn't traveled with my Chinese friend I don't think communication would have worked near as well. I'm not a fan of shared bathrooms but they were kept exceptionally clean and there were few other guests when we visited. The dinner was convenient but uninspired and overpriced. I'd recommend exploring options around the village.

Amazing location, 5min walk to the Great Wall entrance. It’s a wild wall with very few tourists and we hiked to Panlongshan, it took us about 3 hours. The rooms are exceptionally clean. There’s a comune dining aerea where you can eat your food or get the homemade meals (the food is delicious) and get drinks from the fridge or a bar. Staff is very friendly, they even came to pick us up and brought us back from the bus station at Water Town, which is about 15min drive. They have lots of cats that are just adorable. We really loved this place and we are definitely coming back

Lovely place in the village. Quiet place to rest. Go for a stroll or just enjoy the silence. Very helpful, friendly and accommodating staff.

Friendly staff, good food and the cats!

Gubeikou, the small, restored ancient town where the hostel is located is quiet and charming. The town is surrounded by beautiful hills and, most importantly, the Great Wall which literally snakes along the peaks of the hills beside Gubeikou. The hiking was extraordinary and it the Box Hostel was a perfect place to wake up and fuel up for a day of exploring and an equally comfortable place to unwind after a long day experiencing ancient history. The food was great, the noodle soup has an extremely delicious broth, and I had the luxury of eating a long table banquet dinner with a group of Italian marathon runners who were up from Shanghai at the same time. Great place to meet fellow travellers or just read a book with the cats. 10/10 would recommend and will be back.

Room was clean and comfortable. staff was nice and cook for us. it was good to spend time in the courtyard. the panlong section of the great wall is easily reachable by foot and great to hike.

A bit too pricey for a place quite far from the city.

Perfect location in a quiet village - 10 minute walk to Gubeikou Great Wall, 30 minute cab ride to Jinshanling Great Wall (150 CNY return) Hostel itself was awesome - clean rooms and common areas, great food available, honesty drinks fridge, friendly and helpful host (thanks Jim!) and super friendly and affectionate resident cats! If you plan to visit Gubeikou and/or Jinshanling Great Wall this is a must stay! Easy to get to from Beijing - 980 bus from Dongzhimen station (17 CNY) to Miyun bus station then a (bartered 100 CNY) cab to the front door of hostel (total 1.5 hours). Option to jump on another mini bus M21 from Miyun, but easier to get a cab. Do it..