Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Simatai
司马台
司马台
If the Wall at Badaling only whets the appetite, the stirring remains at
Simatai
(admission
¥40; 8am-5pm; 980, then minibus or taxi)
, 110km northeast of Beijing, make for an exhilar-
ating Great Wall experience. Built during the reign of Ming dynasty emperor Hongwu, the
19km stretch of wall here is characterised by watchtowers, sharp plunges and scrambling
ascents. It's a partly restored, yet very rugged, strip of Wall and it can be heart-thumpingly
steep in places. Needless to say, the scenery is dramatic.
70km from Beijing
adult/student ¥45/25
summer 6am-7pm, winter 7am-6pm
Top Tips
›
Every hostel and many hotels in Beijing offer day trips to Badaling; they're often the most convenient way to
visit.
›
Give the despicable Bear Park a very wide berth.
›
There's a Bank of China ATM near the west car park.
›
Combine a trip here with a visit to the Ming Tombs (
Click here
)
.
Take a Break
There are dozens of restaurants here. Try
Yonghe King
(
永和大王
; mains ¥10-20;
10am-9pm;
) for
Chinese fast food: rice meals, dumplings, noodles.
