Simatai Great Wall

Introducing Simatai Great Wall
The Simatai Great Wall is a 5.4-kilometer (3.4-mile) long section of the Great Wall of China located 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Beijing in Miyun County. It is one of the most popular and scenic sections of the Great Wall, known for its rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and well-preserved watchtowers. The Simatai Great Wall was built in the early Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1398. It is the only ancient Great Wall that preserves the original appearance of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. The wall is divided into eastern and western sections by a valley. The western section is gently sloped and has 20 well-preserved watchtowers. The eastern section has 15 watchtowers and was constructed on the steep ridge of the mountain.

Simatai Great Wall Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Si Ma Tai Chang Cheng 司马台长城
• Best Time to Visit: April, May, September and October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 3 to 4 hours
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (Apr – Oct), 8:00 – 17:30 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: CNY40. Cable Car: Single trip CNY90, round trip CNY160
• Address: Simatai, Gubei Ancient Town, Miyun District, Beijing

Reasons to Visit the Simatai Great Wall
Rugged terrain and stunning views
The Simatai Great Wall is known for its rugged terrain, which includes steep cliffs and towering peaks. This makes for some of the most spectacular views of the Great Wall, as you can see for miles in every direction.

Well-preserved watchtowers
The Simatai Great Wall is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, with over 30 watchtowers still standing. These watchtowers offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and were once used to defend the wall from invaders.

Challenging hike
If you’re looking for a challenge, the Simatai Great Wall is a great option. The hike can be strenuous, but the views are worth it.

Night tour
The Simatai Great Wall is one of the few sections of the Great Wall that is open for night tours. This is a unique experience that allows you to see the wall lit up against the night sky.

World’s Top 25 Scenic Spots
In 2012, the Times newspaper ranked the Simatai Great Wall first on its list of the ‘World’s Top 25 Scenic Spots’.

What to Expect at Simatai Great Wall
Watching Beijing Tower
Situated at a height of 986 meters, the Watching Beijing Tower is considered the pinnacle of the Simatai Great Wall and the loftiest cultural relic in Beijing. Its name originates from the ability to glimpse the distant lights of Beijing, located 120 km away, shimmering in the night sky under clear visibility conditions.

Fairy Tower
According to legend, the Fairy Tower was believed to be the home of an angel who was a reincarnated antelope and had fallen in love with a shepherd.

Heavenly Ladder
The Heavenly Ladder serves as the path leading to the Watching Beijing Tower and the Fairy Maiden Tower. It ascends along the steep mountain ridges, with its narrowest section measuring just half a meter in width.

Sky Bridge
This segment of the wall, which is as narrow as 40 centimeters in some places and stretches for 100 meters, serves as a link between the Fairy Tower and the Watching Beijing Tower. It’s often said that only the courageous can cross the Sky Bridge.

How to Get to Simatai Great Wall
• By bus: there are direct tourist buses from Dongzhimen to Gubei Water Town, departing at 8:00, 9:00, 12:00, and 15:30. The journey takes 2 hours and costs CNY 48, snd returning buses depart at 13:00, 17:00, and 21:00.
• Charter a car or bus from GGC: Travel in comfort and style with your own private driver to visit the Simatai Great Wall.

Additional Travel Advice on Simatai Great Wall
• Many areas of the Great Wall are quite steep and have uneven surfaces, please wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip.
• Please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during hiking.
• As visitors need to go through the Gubei Water Town to reach Simatai, a reservation is required if you only plan to visit the Great Wall itself. Please book the ticket on day prior to the visit date at least at official website (www.wtown.com) with your passport details. The booking service is available at 9:30-10:00, 11:30-12:00, and 13:30-14:00.
• For safety of the visitors, the scenic area only allows 1,200 visitors for each entrance. The entering time is at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00.