Great Wall at Simatai

Hours & Admission Price Peak Season
Jan.-Dec.
8:00-17:00
40 Low Season
Jan.-Dec.
8:00-17:00
40 Address & Phone Transportation On weekend and public holidays, there are special tourist buses at Xuanwumen Dispatch Branch Center which departs around 8:00am.
Take Bus No. 980 at Dongzhimen in Beijing to&n; Notes Cable Way, Trolley and Slippery Rope are not included in the ticket.

Characterized by its steepness, Great Wall at Simatai has the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty and receives far less travelers than the crowded Badaling Great Wall due to its precipitous steps.

Located in the north of Miyun County, Great Wall at Simatai is 120 km northeast of Beijing. It stretches 5.4 kilometers, bordering with Jinshanling Great Wall in the west and holding the access to the strategic Gubeikou Pass. The wall was originally built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) and the present one was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).

Overview of the Wall

Great Wall at Simatai is known for its steepness, queerness and intactness due to the special topography of Yanshan Mountains and the wisdom of ancient people. The wall is divided into eastern and western sections by the Yuanyang Lake, which is fed by a warm spring and cold spring. The western section is gentle with 19 watchtowers while the eastern is steeper with 16 watchtowers atop peaks up to 1,000 meters high. Perfectly located at the commanding point, the watchtowers are in different sizes and shapes.

The wall is a popular destination for hikers due to the connection with Great Wall at Jinshangling. Most unparalleled views can be appreciated at the eastern section, such as Heavenly Ladder, Fairy Tower, Sky Bridge and Wangjinglou Tower.

Scenic Spots

Heavenly Ladder is a steep 80-degree gradient 100 meters long which allows only one person to pass. Stretching upward along the cliffy mountain ridges, the narrowest part of it is just half a meter wide.

Fairy Maiden Tower is lead by Heavenly Ladder. The tower is considered to be the most beautiful one among all towers. The arched gateway is engraved with twin lotus flowers. It is said that the Fairy Maiden Tower was the dwelling place for the Lotus Flower Fairy who transformed to an antelope and fell in love with a shepherd. From here, visitors get a great view of the mountains and the Great Wall in far distance.

Sky Bridge is the wall between Fairy Maiden Tower and Wangjinglou Tower. At here, the 100-meter-long segment is as little as 30 centimeters wide. With cliff on the south side, it is the dangerous section which is not permitted to climb.

Wangjinglou (literally overlooking Beijing) Tower is the summit of the Great Wall at Simatai. Standing here, one can see the outline of Beijing City. That’s why the tower got its name. With an elevation of 986 meters, it is the highest cultural relic in Beijing where you can get a spectacular view. The bricks are carved with words indicating the date they were made and the code numbers of the armies that made them.

To ease the access to the wall, cable cars and trolley are equipped in the scenic area, providing an alternative way to hiking. Tourists can also boat, swim or fish in the Yuanyang Lake or taste the local authentic food. In a word, it is enormously rewarding for a trip to Great Wall at Simatai although it’s tough to climb the wall.

How to go to Simatai

On weekend and public holidays, there are special tourist buses at Xuanwumen Dispatch Branch Center which departs around 8:00am.
Take Bus No. 980 at Dongzhimen in Beijing to Miyun County and transfer to the minibus from Miyun to Simatai Great Wall.

Beijing Culture