Simatai Great Wall

Historical Overview

Construction of Simatai began under the Ming Dynasty’s Hongwu Emperor, with major reinforcements in 1568 to guard Beijing’s northeastern frontier. Key historical milestones include:

• 16th Century: Fortified with granite and brick, featuring innovative designs like the "cat-eye" arrow slits.
• 1933: Served as a frontline during the Battle of Rehe against Japanese forces.
• 1987: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside other Great Wall sections.
• 2011: Reopened to the public after safety renovations, with controlled daily visitor caps.
• 2014: Introduced night tours with LED lighting, transforming it into a "glowing dragon" after dark.

Structural Layout

Simatai’s layout hugs the Liangshan Mountain ridge, divided into east and west segments:

East Section: Steeper and wilder, with the "single-side wall" (a 100-meter-long barrier clinging to a vertical cliff) and 15 watchtowers, including the spiral-staircased Fairy Tower (Xiānlǚ Lóu).

West Section: More accessible, with 20 towers like the Overlooking Beijing Tower (Wàngjīng Lóu) and the collapsed Cat Eye Tower (Māoyǎn Lóu).

Key Features: Arrow loops shaped like crescents, horse tracks, and a labyrinthine barrier system.

Support structures include the Simatai Village at the base and the Wohushan Reservoir reflecting the wall’s silhouette.

Major Attractions

Fairy Tower (Xiānlǚ Lóu): A 14th-century tower accessible via a narrow stone staircase, offering panoramic views.

Overlooking Beijing Tower (Wàngjīng Lóu): The highest point (986m), named for its vista of Beijing’s city lights.

Single-Side Wall (Dānbiān Qiáng): A 100-meter-long, 50cm-wide path along a vertical drop.

Cloud Ladder (Yúntī): A near-vertical staircase with iron rungs (expert hikers only).

General Tower (Jiāngjūn Lóu): A two-story pavilion with commanding views of the Wohushan Reservoir.

Night Tours: Illuminated sections glowing blue and gold, accessible via guided tours after sunset.

Suggested Itineraries

• Classic Route (3–4 hours):

East Section Entrance → Fairy Tower → Single-Side Wall → Overlooking Beijing Tower → Return.

Highlights: Iconic towers, vertigo-inducing climbs, and photo ops at every turn.

• Adventure Route (5–6 hours):

West Section Entrance → Cloud Ladder → General Tower → Cat Eye Tower → East Section Exit.

Highlights: Extreme terrain, unrestored sections, and a full immersion in wilderness.

• Night Tour (2 hours):

Evening shuttle from Gubei Water Town → Illuminated East Section → Fairy Tower → Overlooking Beijing Tower.

Highlights: Magical lighting, cooler temperatures, and a surreal atmosphere.

Ticket Purchase

Daytime Tickets: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors). Available online via the "Simatai Great Wall" official WeChat account (7-day advance booking required).

Night Tours: ¥200 (includes shuttle bus and guided tour). Limited to 300 visitors daily; book 3 days in advance.

Combined Pass: ¥280 (day + night access).

Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors.

Transportation

By Car: 2.5-hour drive from Beijing via Jingcheng Expressway. Parking available at Gubei Water Town (¥10/day).

Public Transport: Take Bus 980 (fast) from Dongzhimen to Miyun, then transfer to Miyun-Simatai Bus (¥20). From Gubei Water Town: Free shuttle buses depart hourly (8 AM–4 PM).

Tour Groups: Day trips from Beijing include transport and tickets (¥400–600).

Departure: Last shuttle from Simatai to Gubei Water Town leaves at 6 PM.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid weekends; weekdays offer quieter trails.

Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for mild temperatures. Avoid July–August (monsoon risks).

• Essentials:

Hiking boots, gloves, and a headlamp (for Cloud Ladder).

2+ liters of water, high-energy snacks, and a portable charger.

Night tours: Bring a jacket (temperatures drop sharply after sunset).

Prohibited: Solo hiking, drones, and off-trail exploration.

Safety: The single-side wall and Cloud Ladder require scrambling skills; children under 12 prohibited on night tours.