CN-PEKBLT14 – Beijing Simatai Great Wall Hiking Tour (Private)

Your day begins with a hotel pickup between 7:00 AM by your local English-speaking tour guide and private driver.

First, explore the picturesque Gubei Water Town—a beautifully crafted heritage-style town nestled in Miyun County, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Simatai Great Wall, the serene Yuanyang Lake (Mandarin Duck Lake), and the historic Simatai Village. Inspired by the famed Wuzhen Water Town of southern China, Gubei blends Ming- and Qing-era architecture with modern comfort. The area currently open for visitors includes six distinct zones: the Old Barracks Area, Minguo Street (Republic of China Street), Water Street, and Wonglong—perfect for strolling, photography, and soaking in ambiance. You’ll enjoy 1–2 hours of leisurely exploration here.

Next, begin your hike on the Simatai Great Wall—widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and dramatic sections of the entire Wall. Today’s trek focuses on the eastern segment, which features 10 accessible watchtowers winding along steep, rugged ridges. Though Simatai originally has 16 towers in total, towers 11 to 16 remain closed to hikers due to their extreme steepness and hazardous conditions.

Most visitors choose to hike up on foot for the full experience, then take the cable car down for a relaxed return. If you prefer a gentler ascent, you may take the optional cable car up to a platform near the 5th and 8th towers (White Cloud Tower), from where you can hike up to the summit—or descend along the Wall at your own pace. The cable car is fully optional and can be used for ascent, descent, or both.

After your Wall adventure, enjoy a special home-hosted lunch at a local household in Simatai Village, located just 1.5 km west of the Great Wall. Savor authentic country-style dishes in a warm, traditional setting—a true taste of rural Beijing life.

Following lunch, you’ll be comfortably transferred back to your hotel, carrying with you memories of misty mountains, ancient stones, and the quiet charm of China’s living heritage.