Simatai Great Wall: Unforgettable Views and Amazing History

 

Unleash Your Adventurous Spirit: Conquer Simatai Great Wall!

The Simatai Great Wall is way up north in the Miyun District, not too far from Beijing.

It stretches for 5.7 kilometers—imagine running that long without stopping!

This part of the Great Wall is special because it’s super high up in the mountains and has a lot of cool features that make it different from other parts.

Unique Features

This part of the wall is split into two by a big lake, so it has an east side and a west side.

There are 35 towers where soldiers used to look out for enemies.

Back in 1987,  it became a World Heritage site.

That means it’s super special and needs to be protected.

A very smart person who knows a lot about old buildings, Luo Zhewen, said Simatai is the best part of the Great Wall. That’s a big compliment!

 

A Rich Past

Built in the 6th century and then spruced up by the famous General Qi Jiguang about 500 years later, in 1373.

This piece of history stands tall and proud, just like in the old days.

It was built on top of an even older wall and was part of a big plan to keep the country safe from invaders.

Some very brave leaders made it even stronger later on.

This part of the Great Wall is really tall and super thick.

Imagine a wall so big that it feels like a giant protecting the land behind it!

There are watchtowers and beacon towers placed just right so that guards could see far away and send signals if they spotted trouble.

It’s like having a superhero lookout point every few steps!

The people who built this wall long ago during the Ming Dynasty were super smart.

They knew exactly how to make the wall strong and smart, showing off how amazing they were at building things.

 

Why Visit

Simatai offers an unforgettable journey into China’s rich history and natural beauty.

• Easy to Access: It’s one of the most visitor-friendly parts of the Wild Wall in Beijing.
• Impressive Size: It stretches 5.4 kilometers and reaches heights of up to 1,000 meters!
• Authentic Experience: About 75% of the bricks and its huge granite base are original.
• Unique Location: It’s set on a mountain that looks like a rooster’s crest, in Miyun county, only 120 kilometers from Beijing.
• Stunning Beauty: Its breathtaking views make it a favorite for photos and one of the top spots to see on the Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall Map

Embark on a journey through history with this map of Simatai Great Wall, where ancient paths and breathtaking views await your discovery!

 

Reaching the top takes 3 to 4 hours of adventure time!

The parts near Towers 2 to 3 and 4 to 5 are super steep, kind of like climbing a giant staircase.

At the start, you can pick: ride a cool cable car up or take a fun hike on foot.

Also, when you’re between Towers 5 and 6, you’ll find two spots by Tower 8 to catch the cable car again.

Explore Its Wonders

Embark on an unforgettable journey as you uncover the hidden gems and breathtaking views of the Simatai Great Wall’s coolest spots!

Single-Sided Wall

Check out this cool wall that stands on just one side of the mountain! It’s like the ancient builders played a game of “balance” with nature. This spot shows off their super smart building tricks.

Yuanyang Lake

This pretty lake cuts the Great Wall in two and is named after the cute ducks that hang out here. It’s like a giant mirror reflecting the sky and the Great Wall—perfect for awesome photos!

 

General Tower

Imagine being a general watching out for enemies from this huge tower. It’s super strong and was once a command center. Standing here makes you feel like a hero!

Viewing Capital Tower

From here, you can see super far away, all the way to Beijing on a clear day! It’s like having super vision. This tower gives you the best views and cool stories to tell.

Heavenly Ladder

Get ready for a mini-adventure climbing this super steep path called the Heavenly Ladder. It’s a bit like climbing to the sky—exciting and a bit scary, but the view up top is totally worth it!

Fairy Tower

There’s a story that a fairy landed here, which is how this tower got its name. It’s one of the prettiest spots, with special designs that make it stand out. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale!

 

Best Times and Practical Tips

Spring and Fall Fun: The perfect time to visit Simatai is during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October).

The weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold. Imagine walking on the Great Wall with cool breezes and seeing flowers bloom in spring or leaves changing colors in fall. It’s like nature’s painting!

Avoid the Crowds: These seasons are also less crowded, so you can explore more freely and take awesome photos without too many people around.

Visiting Simatai during these months makes your adventure comfortable and super colorful. Pack your bags and get ready for fun!

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

When planning your visit to the Simatai Great Wall, it’s essential to be well-prepared and equipped with practical information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience:

• Daytime Adventure at Simatai Great Wall: Get in for just 40 RMB! Want to ride the cable car? It’s 90 RMB one way, or go both ways for 160 RMB. Business hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Nighttime Magic at Simatai Great Wall: Join us for a special evening tour, including entry and cable car rides back and forth, all for 160 RMB per person. This cool offer is for everyone, kids and grown-ups alike! Come between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM to see the Great Wall light up at night.

Note: Hours might change based on seasons or special events, so it’s smart to check ahead.

 

Bathrooms Alert:

Once you’re exploring inside, the only bathrooms are at the start and end of the cable car ride. Remember, none of the cool watchtowers have bathrooms, so plan ahead!

Getting There

Embark on your adventure to Simatai Great Wall with ease, as we guide you through the simplest ways to get there and start exploring!

By Bus

Hop on the bus to Gubei Water Town at Dongzhimen Outer Station bright and early at 9 AM. By 11 AM, you’ll be stepping through the gates of Gubei Water Town and getting your first glimpse of the amazing Simatai Great Wall.

Once inside, make your way to the Simatai Great Wall ticket area and catch the shuttle bus to start your climb.

Heading Home: No rush! The bus back to Beijing leaves at 5 PM. That means you’ve got plenty of time to wander, explore, and soak in all the incredible sights the Great Wall has to offer.

For additional information, check out Journey to Gubei Water Town: Easy Beijing Bus Tips for more details.

 

By Train

Jump on the S501 train at Qinghe Station for a quick ride over to Gubeikou Train Station.

Right when you step outside Gubeikou Station, you’ll find a friendly shuttle bus waiting to whisk you away to the amazing Gubei Water Town. It’s super easy and fun!

By Car

Hiring a private car to Simatai Great Wall usually costing between 1000RMB and 1600RMB, offers both savings and convenience, particularly for groups.

This approach not only divides the cost but also introduces a level of convenience and flexibility unmatched by public transport.

It enables travelers to avoid peak times, enjoy a tailored journey, and explore at their own pace, making the visit to this historic site more memorable and comfortable.

It allows for a flexible schedule, avoids crowds, and personalizes your trip, enhancing your Great Wall experience.

 

Exploring Simatai Great Wall

Discover the breathtaking Simatai Great Wall by foot or glide up effortlessly by cable car, each offering its own unique views and experiences on this historic adventure.

By Foot

Climbing Fun: You’ll find 10 awesome towers to explore. But after tower 10, it’s a no-go zone, guarded for safety. So once you hit the top at tower 10, it’s time to head back down.

Tough Bits: Getting from tower 3 to tower 5 is a bit of a challenge. The stairs are super narrow, with some steps as tall as a big school ruler and really steep! But don’t worry, from tower 6 to tower 10, it gets easier. It’ll take you a bit over 2 hours to reach the top, but it’s a fun kind of tired.

Smooth Ride Down: Ready to head back? You can grab the cable car from tower 8 or tower 5. The way down is much easier and the path is about 5 miles long, climbing up more than 1300 feet. It’s a moderate hike and takes just over 4 hours total. Get ready for an adventure!

 

By Cable car

Cable Car Lift: Start your journey with a fast 7-minute cable car ride from the bottom to midway up the mountain.

Choose Your Path: After the cable car, pick your adventure: either Tower 5 or Tower 8 awaits.

Pro Tip: Before heading straight for Tower 8, consider a detour to Tower 5 for a warm-up.

Easy Start: The stroll from the cable car station to Tower 5 is smooth and easy.

Real Adventure: The trek from Tower 5 to Tower 8 ramps up the challenge but rewards with stunning views.

Viewpoint Glory: Don’t skip Tower 9, where breathtaking vistas and tranquility await, despite the steep climb.

Heading Back: After exploring Tower 10, return via Tower 5 or a gentler route from Tower 8, where handrails make the descent easier.

 

Simatai Great Wall Night Walk

Unique Night Tour: The Simatai Great Wall offers the first-ever night tour, avoiding daytime crowds and basking in the cooler evening air.

The accessible cable car makes it easy for everyone, including families and those with limited mobility.

While day visits open up towers 1-10, the night tour focuses on towers 5-6 for safety, still offering a glimpse into the wall’s grandeur over a short 100-meter stretch.

Best Times for Fun: Visit from October to November to see the Great Wall surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves.

Night Adventure Starts: The night tour kicks off at 5:30 PM, just in time to catch a cool sunset.

Who Can Go: Almost everyone can enjoy the climb, but it might be tough for friends who find walking hard.

How Much: The night tour costs 280 RMB for grown-ups, including tickets to see the water town, the Great Wall at night, and rides on the cable car back and forth.

Going Up and Coming Down: The cable car is safe and comfy, fitting up to 6 people, and shows you awesome views as you go up.

Sunset and Safety: Watching the sunset from the Great Wall is amazing. Just be careful since there aren’t any railings, and keep a close eye on the kiddos. Helpers are around to keep everyone safe.

Extra Fun: After taking photos, put everything back where you found it. Also, don’t miss the cool drone show on the Great Wall and the Water Dance Show on your way back for a perfect ending to your adventure.

 

Travel Tips for Simatai

Ensure a memorable and hassle-free journey to the Simatai Great Wall with these practical travel tips.

Dress Appropriately

Before embarking on your Simatai Great Wall journey, dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures and consider weather-resistant clothing for unexpected showers or sunshine.

Comfortable, supportive footwear is crucial for navigating the uneven terrain.

Protect Yourself

Protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen and stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle.

Carry Essentials

Carry a lightweight backpack with snacks, and essential personal items. Don’t forget to bring your ID or passport, as some areas may require it.

 

Nearby Attractions

Jinshanling Great Wall: Experience the stunning views and well-preserved architecture of Jinshanling, a must-visit section of the Great Wall known for its majestic watchtowers and panoramic vistas.

Gubei Water Town: Immerse yourself in the ancient charm and tranquility of Gubei Water Town, located at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall, with its picturesque streets, traditional-style buildings, and flowing canals.

Gubeikou Great Wall: Explore the rugged beauty and untouched wilderness of the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall, known for its strategic location, captivating stories, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.