Gubei Water Town is my favorite place around Beijing. It's a very pittoresque and magical place. It's very well preserved and it is easy accesible. It is 1.5/2 hrs from Dongzhimen station and there is a direct bus that leaves in the morning (09:00). It is great to wander around the cosy village and explore all its corners and interesting attractions. The hotsprings are very beautiful and reaxing and there are so many great views in the Town. You can also visit a part of the Great Wall by night and overlook the Town. In summer there are also interesting small exhibitions and workshops. There are great food places and lots of little shops and authentic snacks. You can easily enjoy your time here for a few days and dive into the traditional culture : there are opera shows, arts and crafts shops and music.There is a pagoda, an old church, and traditional houses turned into musea. You also learn about the history or just enjoy your time with leisurely activities such as bowling, hotsprings and dining. It is a perfect getaway. We didn't organize our hostel on beforehand, we just went there and choose from the options, with hotsprings included.