We walked the Great Wall from Simatai to Jinshanling in late October, 2007, and it was without question the highlight of our trip to China. As other reviewers have pointed out, the views are truly spectacular. Many parts of the wall along this section have not been restored or rebuilt in any way, which adds a wonderful authenticity to the... more

After reading the reviews on here I decided to go to Simatai rather than the more convenient but rebuilt and overcrowded Badaling section. It was the right choice... Simitai was truly stunning. It takes 2hrs 15mins to get there by car from central Beijing. The cable car was not working due to high winds so I walked all the way... more

After doing some research I decided that my one day trip to the wall would be to Samatai and I am glad i made that choice. A number of my fellow conference attendees also went to the wall but chose Badaling for the convenience factor. Others were disappointed I was not - the reason being the location. When I showed... more

We walked the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai on 15th August 2007. We travelled to Jinshanling from Beijing (2 - 2 1/2 hrs) in a private taxi which we booked via the internet. We used a taxi driver called John ([--]) who spoke good English and was very accomodating. We agreed a price of 700RMB but there were 4... more

I don't think I can remember any man-made thing ever impressing me like the Great Wall. It's simply mind-boggling to see a small part of it snaking through the mountaintops, and then think about 3000 miles of wall stretching across China. The Wall at Simatai is simply wonderful. Views of the mountains and the surrounding area are breathtaking. My work... more

I have visited the Great Wall at both Simatai and Badaling, and Simatai wins hands down! The Great Wall at Badaling has been restored to the point of looking like something from Disneyland. The crowds also feel like something from Disneyland, so I felt the true power of the Great Wall was lost. The Wall at Simatai is still quite... more

Simatai (I have also seen it written as Si Ma Tai) is north of Beijing about 2 hours (if there isn't much traffic) by taxi. I got there by tour guide, but I recommend that you do some research and check with your hotel or bargain with a taxi to get there. I also recommend that you do your own... more

We visited Simatai in January and there were very few other people, other than the locals, there. We took the 970 bus out of Beijing to Miyun and hired a taxi from there. We were the only ones going up on the cable car to the Wall. It was a bit of a steep walk from the end of the... more

I hope that those of you who read this and are of able physical shape will avoid the McWall at Badaling and venture out to Jinshanling and Simatai, which are less-restored and less-visited sections. They are exceptional, and you do not have to share your experience with thousands-- making it far easier to imagine the time when it was an... more