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Where is the Simatai Great Wall?
The Simatai Great Wall is situated in the northeastern part of Miyun County, approximately 120 kilometers away from Beijing. Guarding the eastern entrance to the capital city, this magnificent section of the Great Wall nestles within the expansive Yanshan Mountain range. It shares its neighborhood with another iconic segment, the Jinshanling Great Wall, which lies to its west.
Simatai Great Wall stretches across 5.4 kilometers from Wangjing Tower in the east to General Tower in the west, with 35 beacon towers, and is separated into eastern and western parts by the serene Yuanyang Lake. The western segment features a milder incline with 20 well-preserved watchtowers along its path. In stark contrast, the eastern segment traverses a more challenging landscape, encompassing cliff edges and peaks soaring a kilometer high, promising a more rugged and thrilling adventure for daring explorers.
Since 2015, Simatai has been under reconstruction. Currently, only ten towers in the eastern part of Simatai are open to the public. The western part remains closed due to safety concerns.
Simatai Great Wall’s History
The section was originally built during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577) and rebuilt during the Hongwu Emperor's reign during the Ming dynast , this section also underwent construction under the supervision of General Qi Jiguang (1528–1588). Constructed in the late 16th century, the Simatai Great Wall is celebrated for retaining the original features of the Ming Great Wall.
It's also notable that the Simatai section was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, along with other sections of the Great Wall, underscoring its global cultural and historical significance. In the recent past, some areas of Simatai were restored to enable safe access for visitors while ensuring the preservation of its historical integrity.
Why Visit the Simatai Great Wall?
Authenticity: As one of the few sections of the Great Wall that maintain its original Ming Dynasty appearance, Simatai offers visitors a glimpse into China's remarkable past. The untouched aspect of the wall is a striking contrast to other sections that have undergone significant restoration.
Unique Architectural Features: JThe Simatai section is notable for its diverse range of watchtowers, each with a unique architectural style. From double towers, signal towers, to even a rare “Bagua” arrangement, Simatai holds an impressive range of architectural diversity.
Stunning Views: Straddling the Yanshan Mountain range, the Simatai section offers spectacular panoramic views of the mountainous landscape. Whether you are an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply a lover of scenic vistas, Simatai won't disappoint.
Night Tours: The Simatai section is the only section of the Great Wall open for night tours. Bathed in a soft, golden glow, the wall offers a truly mesmerizing and romantic nighttime experience that is unlike anything else.
Ideal for Hike: For those seeking a bit of adventure, Simatai's steep, rugged terrain offers a challenging hike. For those seeking experience the original Great Wall without being too adventurous, the western section is the most suitable
Explore Gubei Water Town: Nestled at the foot of Simatai Great Wall is the charming Gubei Water Town. With its quaint stone streets, traditional courtyards, and stunning views of the Wall, it's an ideal spot to explore before or after your Simatai visit.
Less Crowded: As Simatai is slightly more off the beaten path compared to other Great Wall sections, it tends to be less crowded. This allows for a more peaceful and personal experience when visiting. You can take your time to explore, take photos, and appreciate the sheer magnitude of this architectural wonder without having to navigate through large crowds
Accessibility: To make the exploration of this ancient wonder easier, Simatai Great Wall offers a cable car service. The cable car allows you to ascend to higher parts of the wall, minimizing the strenuousness of the hike and making it more accessible for people of all ages and physical conditions.
2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai2 Days Wild Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West3 Days In-depth Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Jiankou to Mutianyu to Gubeikou-Jianshanling-Simatai4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour
How to Tour Simatai Great Wall?
There are multiple options you can choose to explore Simatai Great Wall.
The Classic Route: Start your trip from the entrance, taking a scenic walk along the reservoir (1.5 km), and making your way up to the East Tower 1, up to East Tower 10. The wall was built along steep ridges. So, more energy is needed for ascent. Generally, it takes around two and a half hours hiking.
Cable Car Option: If you want to conserve some energy, taking a cable car is a great alternative. Two separate footpaths are available from the cable car drop-off point, leading to the East No. 5 Tower and East No. 8 Tower respectively.
Night Tour: Simatai Great Wall offers a unique experience with its night tours. Only the segment between No. 5 East Tower and No. 6 East Tower is open for these tours. Note that all night tour visitors are required to use the round-trip cable car for safety reasons.
Best Time to Visit Simatai Great Wall
The best time to visit the Simatai Great Wall is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is generally moderate, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking. The scenery is also particularly beautiful, with blossoming flowers in the spring and colorful leaves in the autumn providing a stunning backdrop for the Great Wall.
Visiting in the summer (July to August) is possible, but it's usually hot, and the hazy weather might affect visibility. Winter visits (December to February) can be quite chilly, especially due to the strong winds common in this mountainous area. However, the snow-covered Great Wall against a clear blue sky can make for a spectacular sight, providing unique photo opportunities. Note: The cable car may be closed due to strong winds.
How to Get to Simatai Great Wall from Beijing
Located 120 km northeast of Beijing, Simatai Great Wall is adjacent to Gubei Water Town. Address: Simatai, Gubei Ancient Town, Miyun District, Beijing, China.
Option 1: Public Transportation (Not Accessible)
There is no direct public transportation to Simatai from downtown Beijing.
Option 2: Take a Taxi (Not Recommended)
It takes about 2 hours to get to Simatai from central Beijing by taxi. Many taxi drivers are not willing to take you to Simatai, since it is too far.
Option 3: Guided Tour (Highly Recommended)
The most convenient and hassle-free way to visit the Jinshanling Great Wall is to join a guided tour, especially for first-time visitors. Asia Odyssey Travel can offer you all-inclusive service, which includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance tickets, and meals.
How to Plan a Great Wall Night Tour?
If you want to experience a night tour at the Great Wall, Simatai is a section that we recommend. Known for its original features and stunning night views, Simatai provides an exceptional perspective on this world heritage site. The section is illuminated at night, creating a mesmerizing, golden glow against the backdrop of the mountains and night sky.
Option 1: Mutianyu-Simatai Night Tour (Two-day trip)
Day 1:
Morning: Depart from your hotel in Beijing and drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall (around a 1.5-2 hours’ drive). Ascend the wall via the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and hike along the wall, exploring its unique features and views. Afterward, choose your method of descent - the cable car, toboggan, or walking.Afternoon/Evening: Make the 2-hour transfer to the Simatai Great Wall. After checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town at the base of the Simatai Great Wall, take the cable car up to the Wall to begin your night tour. Enjoy the illuminated spectacle of the Wall and the surrounding landscape before descending via cable car.
Day 2:
Morning/Afternoon: After breakfast, spend your day exploring Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the authentic courtyard-style houses, ancient bridges, and quaint lanes before your 2-hour transfer back to your hotel in Beijing.
Option 2:Jinshanling-Simatai Night Tour (Two-day trip)
Day 1:
Morning: Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you'll drive to the Jinshanling Great Wall (approximately 2.5 hours). Spend the day exploring this less crowded and photogenic section of the Wall, hiking from the Zhuanduokou Pass to the East Tower with Five Holes.Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to the Simatai Great Wall. After checking into your hotel in Gubei Water Town, take the cable car up to the Wall for your night tour. Marvel at the stunning transformation of the Wall under the night sky, adorned by the soft glow of lights.
Day 2:
Morning/Afternoon: After breakfast, take the day to explore Gubei Water Town. Enjoy the authentic courtyard-style houses, ancient bridges, and quaint lanes. In the afternoon, return to your hotel in Beijing.
2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour
Explore Beijing & Great Wall with Asia Odyssey Travel
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