Highlights of this hike:
1. Explore the topmost tower of Simatai Great Wall which is off the beaten path;
2. This hike is off the beaten path, allowing for a serene walk;
3. Awesome views for photographers;
4. Great challenge for experienced hikers;
5. Home-made Chinese lunch at a nice countryside restaurant;
6. No commission shopping stops.
Price and discount:
The cost is 450RMB per person. It includes transportation, entrance fees, water, lunch and guides. We give 10% discount for members and kids under 12’s.
Detailed itinerary:
Watching-Beijing Tower (Tower for Viewing the Capital) is the topmost tower of Simatai Great Wall. It lies on a very steep mountain. At an elevation of 986 meters, it is regarded as the summit of the Simatai Great Wall. It is said that people can see the lights of Beijing at night and the White Dagoba in Beihai park by day in the distance 120 km away.
We will climb up directly to this top watch tower through a trail in the mountains, passing by the Simatai reservoir, a small village. And then we head out to the topmost tower. Some parts of the trail are steep but they are pretty safe. It will take us 2-3 hours to reach the Watching-Beijing Tower.
Though it isn’t an easy hike, those up for the challenge will reap the rewards. From the tower there is a very wide view. Viewed from a distance, the Simatai and Jinshanling Great Wall is like a giant dragon, stretches for a long distance. Looking down from the tower, the hills nearby are like the flat ground. After lunch we will begin our descent along the other side of the Mountains. Our final destination is a village with a lot of pear trees and our bus will be waiting for us there. We will have a late yet big lunch at a local farmer’s guest house after the hike.
Bad weather plan:
We will email you 2-3 days before the hike to let you know about the weather condition. If there is thunder storm, heavy rain or strong wind it will be dangerous to do the hike on the wild unrestored Great Wall in the mountains. So we will cancel it, change the dates or arrange a hike to the restored section of the Great Wall.
What to bring on this hike?
1. Snacks;
2. Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirt;
3. A bottle of sports drink with salt content;
4. Hiking boots.
Level 4: Challenging Level
These hikes usually involve a lot of walking, climbing and descending over varied terrain, and sometimes also camping. The elevation is about 1000 meters and the length ranges from 10 to 15 kilometers. Some roads/trails can be a little rough. The hiking time is usually somewhere between 4 and 6 hours. People with acrophobia shouldn’t join these kinds of hikes.
For whom are Level 4 hikes suitable?
Level 4 hikes are suitable for people who are fit and healthy, doing aerobic type exercise regularly and have prior hiking experiences.
What is included on this hike?
1. Air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver;
2. English-speaking hiking tour guide;
3. Entrance fees;
4. Unlimited bottled water;
5. Chinese home-made lunch.
What is excluded on this hike?
1. Travel insurance;
2. Cable car, chairlift, toboggan (slide way) or any other additional local facilities;
3. Personal expenses.
Customize this hike and make a private reservation:
In addition to our regular weekly hikes, we also offer private tours. You can customize a private hike for you, your family or your friends exclusively. Just tell us what you want and we will organize a hike for you, with places, guides, transport, food, and accommodation all taken care of. You can make a private reservation on the private tour page.
1. A private tour is more flexible. Both extra distance and less distance are available.
2. Discounts are available for larger groups.
3. Prices are quoted in Chinese dollars.
Notes:
1. There are risks involved in outdoor activities. Please read our Risk Acknowledgment and Waiver and inform yourself before participating.
Other information about this hike:
Reviews of this Hike
Information about Simatai Great Wall
Great Wall Facts
