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Why Simatai Stands Apart
Simatai is a section of the original Ming dynasty Great Wall that has been only partially restored, maintaining its rugged character while being made safely accessible. The wall here follows a particularly dramatic ridgeline, with steep drops on both sides, multiple tower sections, and the famous 18 Arches section where near-vertical steps climb a knife-edge section of wall requiring physical effort and some nerve.
The section overlooks the Miyun Reservoir area, giving views that combine the wall, mountains, and water in ways that more landlocked sections cannot match.
The Gubei Water Town Connection
Access to Simatai wall now requires purchasing tickets through the Gubei Water Town system — a significant modern resort development at the foot of the wall section. Traditional architecture, canal waterways, restaurants and accommodation, and complete integration with the wall above have transformed Simatai into a destination that many visitors come to for a resort overnight as much as for the wall itself.
Daytime combined ticket (Gubei Water Town + Simatai Great Wall): 190 yuan per person.
Night tour ticket: 180 yuan per person. Available Friday, Saturday, and nights before public holidays. The night tour covers a lit section of wall from approximately 6pm to 10pm.
Cable car: 60 yuan one-way up, 50 yuan down. Takes you from near the water town to the mid-section of the wall. Recommended unless you specifically want the full hike.
The Wall Experience
From the cable car upper station, the wall trail stretches in both directions. Most visitors walk east toward the more dramatic sections.
East section: More dramatic, more demanding, with higher and more exposed sections. The 18 Arches (十八蹬) near the eastern end climbs at near-vertical angle — genuinely challenging territory. Views from the easternmost towers over the reservoir and mountains are spectacular.
West section: More restored, easier walking, family-friendly. Still beautiful with excellent views.
Walking time: A full east-west traverse takes about 3-4 hours. Most visitors do 1.5-2 hours in one direction from the cable car station.
Fitness: The eastern sections require reasonable fitness and comfort with heights. The 18 Arches section is not suitable for serious height phobia.
The Night Tour
The night tour covers approximately 1km of lit wall closest to the water town. Soft amber and gold lighting on ancient stones, darkness of the surrounding mountains, cool night air — the atmosphere is exceptional on clear nights. Late evenings (after 9pm) are quieter even on weekends.
Photography requires a tripod or resting your camera on wall surfaces. Long exposures of lit wall with stars above are achievable on clear nights.
Getting to Simatai from Beijing
Simatai is approximately 140km northeast of central Beijing.
By Bus: Official Gubei Water Town shuttle buses from Dongzhimen Bus Station (东直门). Journey approximately 2.5 hours. Tickets approximately 80-100 yuan round trip. Book in advance online or through the Gubei Water Town WeChat account.
By Private Car: Drive from central Beijing takes 2-2.5 hours. Taxi approximately 300-400 yuan each way.
Tour operators: Many Beijing operators offer Simatai day trips, approximately 400-800 yuan per person including transport and guide.
Staying at Gubei Water Town
For daytime wall hiking plus a night tour, staying overnight makes the timing work perfectly. Accommodation within the water town complex ranges from 400 to 1,500 yuan per night. Weekend nights are significantly more expensive. Book through the official website.
Beyond wall access, the resort offers canal boat rides (30 yuan), folk performances, hot springs at some properties, and extensive dining and bar options.
Comparison with Other Beijing Great Wall Sections
- Mutianyu: Best restored, most facilities, family-friendly. Good but busier.
- Badaling: Most famous, most crowded, least atmospheric.
- Jiankou: Wildest unrestored section, dramatic but physically demanding and technically off-limits (no official entry).
- Simatai: Best combination of drama, original wall character, and facilities. Unique night tour option. Most expensive.
Practical Tips for 2026
Book ahead: Night tour and weekend tickets sell out. Book online at least 1-2 weeks ahead.
Best season: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for daytime visits. Summer evenings are pleasant for night tours.
Cold nights: Even in summer, the wall at altitude can be cold at night. Bring a jacket.
Photography: Polarising filter for daytime. Tripod essential for night work. The most dramatic daytime shot of the 18 Arches section comes from slightly below and to the east.
Footwear: Proper walking shoes or hiking boots essential. Sandals are dangerous on the steeper sections.
Simatai offers the Great Wall experience that rewards those willing to travel a little further and pay a little more. The combination of dramatic original wall, unique night atmosphere, and the thoughtfully designed resort at its foot makes this the most complete single Great Wall destination in the Beijing area.