Simatai Great Wall-- The Most Pristine Part of the Great Wall

Simatai Great Wall	Simatai Great Wall

This part of the Wall is situated northeast of Beijing near Gubeikou Town in Miyun County. It is 19 kilometers long with 35 watch towers and is definitely not for those feeling out-of-shape or unadventurous. It's 140 km from the city center, at a sea level of 986 meters. It's the most pristine part of the Great Wall. This piece of the Wall looks original. Some pieces even clapped. The average tourists is 250 per day and most of them are foreign tourists. If you hike for 10 km from Simatai Great Wall, you will get to Jinshanling Great Wall which belongs to Hebei Province.

Simatai is considered by many to be a very authentic and fascinating part of the Wall. Simatai Great Wall is divided by a pretty valley. The western part of the Wall is relatively flat and the 20 watch towers atop the Wall are all in good condition.

This is the part of the wall which is most photographed, and is said to resemble a golden dragon stretched out across the slope. The eastern part of the wall is even more spectacular but a little more steep and can (especially in the winter months) get quite slippery and dangerous. So, be careful and be prepared!Along this stretch are 15 watch towers and a beautiful marble gate engraved with lotus flowers. From the top of this stretch there are fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and the city.

Simatai Great Wall also has a cable car for those who wish to avoid the demanding hike up the wall. Some may call this laziness, but others would say they just want more time to enjoy the view!