Simatai to Jinshanling: Great Wall Trek — 1 Day

7 miles of Ming-era wall from watchtower to watchtower, 120 kilometers northeast of Beijing

Simatai West holds 5.4 kilometers of the Great Wall's easternmost section near Beijing, bordered to the west by Jinshanling. Refortified during the Wanli emperor's reign (1572–1620) by General Qi Jiguang, the wall here remains largely unrestored—a mix of original stone and carefully maintained sections that rise steeply across forested ridges. The terrain varies sharply: gentle slopes in the west with well-preserved towers contrast with the eastern peaks bearing densely spaced watchtowers. Between the two sections lies Mandarin Duck Lake, fed by natural hot and cold springs and never fully frozen even in winter. A suspension bridge and optional zipline connect the divided sections. The hike itself covers seven miles of mostly paved ground interrupted by unrestored stretches, stairs, and steep gradients that demand steady legs but reward with constantly shifting perspectives across mountain and wall.

Highlights

Hike 7 miles across original and restored Ming-dynasty wall sections with 15+ watchtowers
Ascend peaks with steeply pitched and rounded watchtower architecture.
Cross the natural Mandarin Duck Lake via suspension bridge or optional zipline
Experience both gentle western slopes and rugged eastern peaks in one continuous trek
Rest and refuel at a local farmer's restaurant with countryside-style home-cooked meals

Day by day

1Simatai West to Jinshanling: Ming Wall and Mountain RidgesSimatai West · Simatai West to Jinshanling · Beijing hotel · Mandarin Duck Lake · farmer's restaurant · Ming Wall watchtowers

Your guide collects you from your Beijing hotel in early morning and drives northeast approximately 120 kilometers to Simatai West, arriving in time to begin hiking around mid-morning. The trek covers seven miles across a mix of paved pathways and unrestored sections, with stairs and steep gradients requiring steady footing throughout. The wall here rises across forested ridges, passing through 15 or more watchtowers of varying construction: some stand two stories with flat roofs, others three stories with rounded or pitched eaves turned upward in traditional Ming style. The western hills slope more gently, their towers well-maintained and the wall snaking deliberately through the landscape. The eastern section features towers crowding the peaks and creating a denser architectural profile and more dramatic vertical terrain. Mandarin Duck Lake divides the two sections—fed by natural hot and cold springs, it remains unfrozen year-round. A suspension bridge connects the sections; a zipline offers an optional rapid descent if preferred. Throughout the climb, the constantly changing elevation and perspective shift your view repeatedly: steep slopes rise and dip into distance, with open ridgeline sight lines replacing forested passages and vice versa. Following the hike, you'll move to a nearby farmer's restaurant to share countryside-style lunch and conversation with local families. Afterward, your driver returns you to your original Beijing hotel.

Included

Included:
Transport: Private Car/Bus
Meals: Countryside-style food at local farmer’s restaurant
Guide: English speaking, highly trained professional local guide
Entrance fees: Simatai Great Wall

Not included

Not Included:
Travel insurance
local facilities: Cable car, chairlift, toboggan (slideway) and flyingfox (zipline).
Personal expenses
Tipping of hiking guide/driver recommended on good service