Jinshanling to W. Simatai Great Wall Hike (TOUR 1AB)

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SUMMARY

While the eastern portion of Simatai is closed for the Watertown Resort, the western half of is still open to hikers. In order to ensure that more foreign travelers can see this beautiful portion of the Great Wall, we have priced at an incredibly affordable rate that is lower than other travel agencies. The wall from Jinshanling to Simatai has just slightly been restored and its original appearance of more than 400 years old has been best preserved. Because it is full of challenge and with splendid and charming scenery, this section of the Great Wall has been the favorite destination of hiking lovers from all over the world. 

 [Book or request this tour.] 

DETAILED ITINERARY

Your guide will meet you around 8:00 am at your hotel. It will be a 2.5 hours of drive from Beijing to Jinshanling and West Simatai. 

The West Simatai Great Wall is separated into eastern and western halves by a valley, with a rainbow-like chain bridge over the valley. The hills in the west are sloping gently, with 20 watchtowers remaining in good shape. The Simatai section of the Great Wall is one of the few sections to retain the original appearance of the Great Wall. Incorporating a variety of characteristics of other sections of the Great Wall, Simatai also displays some unique features of its own. It is often described with the following five words: perilous, dense, diverse, artful, and peculiar.

After about 90 minutes of hiking we will eventually pass over into the Jinshanling Great Wall. The Great Wall at Jinshanling is one of the best preserved parts of the Great Wall with many original features. It got its name because it was built on the Greater and Lesser Jinshan (‘Gold Mountain’) Ranges. The Jinshanling Great Wall has not been repaired since 1570. It is a remote and relatively isolated section of the Great Wall. As there are relatively few tourists at Jinshanling Great Wall, it is a good place to explore on foot.

 According to one hiker this is what you should expect to find at Jinshanling:

“Meticulous detail is evident in the construction of the wall. Everywhere consideration has been given to deterring and defeating invading armies. The uneven steps meant to slow down advancing armies should they make it onto the wall. The narrowing curves and paths that would bottleneck and slow them down, limiting the invaders to moving single file, making them vulnerable to the defending army. Far down the mountain each brick was crafted by thousands of workers and carried up the mountain on the backs of mules. The architecture and engineering a feat that would challenge us even today.”

When we finally reach the park at Jinshanling, we'll stop by a local farmer's restaurant for a late lunch before we head back to your hotel in Beijing.  

PRICES & DISCOUNTS 

The prices are determined according to your needs and preference. Private tour and group tour are both possible.  Seniors, children, veterans and students will receive additional discounts. Other seasonal and holiday discounts are also available.  Please request the price and discounts through the form below or visit our Facebook page. 

You may add the Forbidden city or Summer Palace or another destination upon request. 

SELF-GUIDED HIKE

For those who believe they are experienced hikers, there's a cost-saving opportunity about this wonderful hike. We will supply you with a professional driver and take you to the Wall. You will hike with a free map in English available at the Main Gate. The driver will wait for you in the park lot at the other gate (East Gate). An English-speaking guide will not be necessary for this private transfer.