[2025 Beijing Attraction] Travel Guide for Simatai Great Wall (Updated Mar)

The entrance to Simatai Great Wall is at Gubei Water Town. So, when you travel here, you get 2 places for 1 trip. To climb, you can start from the 1st tower by going through a wooden pathway then walk around 10 minutes to arrive at the 1st tower from the wall entrance. Or, you can choose to take the rail and directly go up to a point where you can choose to go to Tower 5 or to tower 8 (See map on the pictures). Don't worry, whichever pathway you choose, all are equally not easy. #china #greatwall #greatwallofchina #china #chinatrip

#chinatransit A rugged and enchanting stretch of the Great Wall. Simatai Great Wall is a lesser-visited section, boasting an unspoiled beauty that whispers tales of ancient civilizations. This majestic fortification winds its way through mountains, featuring watchtowers, battlements, and steep climbs. As I trekked along the wall, I felt like a time traveler, tracing the footsteps of history. The mist shrouded mountains seemed to hide secrets of the past, while the wall's weathered stones appeared to bear witness to the passage of time – as if dinosaurs once roamed the same terrain. The sense of adventure and discovery was exhilarating, with each step revealing a new breathtaking vista. The Simatai Great Wall is a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of nature.

#travelinginchina Visiting Simatai, the most authentic and rugged section of the Great Wall, is an unforgettable experience. Unlike crowded areas like Badaling, Simatai offers stunning views, steep climbs, and a glimpse into history. Start early to avoid crowds and wear sturdy shoes for the uneven steps. A cable car can take you halfway up, but hiking rewards you with breathtaking scenery. Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited. For a magical experience, visit at night when the wall is beautifully illuminated. Staying at Gubei Water Town nearby adds charm to your trip!

I didn’t lose my breath once .. I lost it many times while hiking up this part of the Great Wall. Not just because it was epically beautiful but also unexpectedly challenging, even in the reconstructed parts. Giving away the details: Simatai Great Wall, Beijing W.Town (about 2km both ways), about 170km from Beijing This Wall part is limited by distance, both right and left of it are closed and inaccessible. But this 2km require enough effort if you want to climb from Tower 1 to Tower 10, all the way up the hill. For average tourists it takes about 1.5-2h to climb it up and 1h to go down. Not so crowded as other parts of the Wall, and it gives tons opportunity to regret you didn’t take enough liquid (I gave my water to a family who totally dehydrated and suffered under the strong sun). How to get there: Beijing to Gubeikou village by train (12¥) Gubeikou to Beijing Water Town by taxi (30¥) Get an entrance ticket in Water Town, shuttle included (40¥) Repeat the way back or take a direct tourists bus to Beijing #china #chinatravel #greatwall

After visiting the end of the quaint Gubei Water Town, you will reach the entrance to climb the majestic Simatai Great Wall. There are two ways to climb the Great Wall, one is walking and the other is taking the cable car. Next to the Simatai Cableway Station, there is the entrance to the Great Wall walking trail. A long, slightly sloping and easy-to-walk mountain road leads directly to the No. 2 Peak Fire Tower. I bought a combined ticket for Simatai Great Wall and cable car (including a one-way cable car). Since we are here to climb the Great Wall, we must find a way to climb the entire Great Wall. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to walk from the entrance of the scenic area to the place where we climb the Great Wall, which is the East 2 Peak Fire Tower. You can save time by taking the cable car. But this section of the hiking trail is from the foot of the mountain to the hillside. In fact, the trail is relatively flat and not very strenuous. Moreover, it walks along the shore of Yuanyang Lake. The surrounding lake and mountain scenery is very beautiful and you can overlook the entire Gubei Water Town. It is very comfortable to walk along the Great Wall on the trail and you can also challenge your endurance and physical fitness. #Beijing Attractions #World Cultural Heritage #The Great Wall #Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall #Hiking Scenery