Introduction
Simatai Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Miyun District, Beijing. Known for its steep and rugged terrain, it offers visitors an authentic experience of ancient Chinese military architecture. The wall features stunning views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Visitors can also enjoy a unique night hike experience, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and history enthusiasts.
The Simatai Great Wall was first constructed during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1398). The primary purpose of this section of the Great Wall was to defend against invasions by northern nomadic tribes. The entire length of the wall winds and twists along steep mountain ridges, with some sections so nearly vertical that climbers need to use both hands and feet to navigate. The Simatai Great Wall is one of the most precipitous sections of the Great Wall.
Single-Sided Wall
The Single-Sided Wall is a section of the Simatai Great Wall that stretches between the Fairy Tower and the Watching Beijing Tower. Due to the perilous terrain, it was impossible to build the Great Wall here, so only a wall was constructed to connect these points. The width of this section is merely 40 centimeters, with cliffs on both sides; particularly, the southern side drops off vertically for about 200 meters, hence earning its name "Single-Sided Wall." This segment of the wall has only one complete side as a defensive structure, while the other side directly adjoins the mountain without additional protective installations. Because of its steep terrain, climbers need to use both hands and feet to safely navigate through, especially during poor weather conditions, which further tests the physical strength and courage of visitors.
Night Tour of the Great Wall
The night tour typically starts at 5 PM and ends at 10 PM. The best time to visit is just before nightfall, allowing visitors to enjoy both the daytime and nighttime scenery. Due to the limited duration of the night tour, reservations must be made in advance for staggered entry times to ensure safety. One highlight is the lantern walk; at Gubei Water Town at the foot of Simatai Great Wall, there is a lantern shop called Jiankun Hall where visitors can make their own palace lanterns and then stroll along the wall with them, experiencing the atmosphere of ancient soldiers guarding the frontier. As night falls, golden lights illuminate the Great Wall, highlighting its contours. For astronomy enthusiasts, the night tour of Simatai Great Wall offers an excellent opportunity to stargaze.
Transportation
How to Get There
Navigate to Simatai Great WallPublic Transportation
Take the Express Line 980 from Dongzhimen in Beijing to Miyun Children's Palace, then transfer to a local bus to reach the scenic area. The entire journey takes about 3 hours.
Chartered Car Service
Opt for a chartered car service provided by travel agencies. It's about a 2-hour one-way trip, costing roughly ¥500, which is suitable for group travelers.
Cable Car Service
The single-trip ticket price for the cable car is around ¥90, and the round-trip fare is about ¥160, offering a convenient way to ascend the mountain.
