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Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall Tours
Hiking lovers take the rugged hiking route of Jinshanling-Simatai Great Wall, about
10 km, which usually takes about 4 hours. Some say that the hike between Jinshanling
and Simatai gives you a truly "authentic" Great Wall experience. Trekking along the Great
Wall, you can choose to go back to the city or camp overnight on the Great Wall, or stay
overnight in local guesthouse.
Jinshanling Great Wall
The Jinshanling Great Wall features complicated and well preserved fortification systems
and possesses the largest number of watchtowers. The watchtowers are taller and retain
the original Ming Dynasty appearance, each one built in a different architectural style. The
walls were more solidly than Simatai. Here you can see the wall relatively undisturbed
and in its original condition, so it has a special beauty.
Jinshanling Great Wall is quite steep and stony, trekking it can be a real challenge.
Hike the wall here, and you will see the complicated watchtowers and neat turrets
which show how the wall would have looked in its heyday.
Simatai Great Wall
The Simatai Great Wall is often described with the following three words: perilous, diverse, and peculiar. The Simatai Great Wall is also called "Wild Great Wall", meaning a section that has not been restored. Much of the section is in a state of ruin with exposed bricks and incomplete structures and the walls that go along precipitous jagged ridges have mostly fallen down.
As the Simatai Great Wall is not easily accessible and the long trek is strenuous, there are only a
few people visiting. Although you may encounter some other tourists and a handful of vendors, you will still be able to explore the Great Wall in relative privacy. Crumbling staircases and ruined watchtowers are along the way. The trail in some parts is broken down and overgrown. The steps
are very uneven, some very steep and some very shallow. Parts of the bricks are loose and you
have to watch your footing. Cable car is also available at Simatai Great Wall. So don't worry about being trapped on the Great Wall.
Suggested Beijing Tour Itineraries with Jinshanling-Simatai Great Wall
Great Wall is the must-see site in Beijing for anyone who wants to visit China. Though it challenges visitors' physical condition, their understanding and appreciation of Chinese history and culture as well as their creative power, this hiking tour covers all the popular and wonderful sections of Great Wall with the scenery that could not be enjoyed by the other tour routes. In this tour, visitors could go back to the city or camp overnight on the Great Wall.
Simatai is the ruined section of the Great Wall while Jinshanling section is in its original condition of Ming Dynasty. Respectively, they will take about 4 hours to visit with strenuous hiking. With cable cars and toboggans available, these two sections are suitable to visit during summer and autumn. In this tour, visitor could get information about ancient Chinese emperors' life and experience local life of Beijing residents.
Great Wall is the must-see site in the rugged mountains to the north of Beijing with different features and splendid sceneries. Except sections that require strenuous hiking, this tour is suitable for people of all ages to visit all the year round, especially for the people who want to get a memorable trekking holiday with a difference. This tour also includes some of the key attractions of Beijing for visitors to have a better understanding of Beijing history and culture.
This tour will includes Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangtze Cruise and Shanghai. When you travel to Beijing, you will have a hiking tour to Jinshanling and Simatai Great Wall.
