For adventurous travelers seeking the dramatic, postcard-perfect Great Wall of China without crowds of tour buses, the mountainous borderland 130 kilometers northeast of Beijing offers the ultimate hiking experience: the photogenic ridge line of Jinshanling and the dramatic cliffs of Simatai.
Jinshanling: The Photographer’s Paradise
Built in 1570 during the Ming Dynasty under the supervision of General Qi Jiguang, Jinshanling preserves an astonishing variety of defensive watchtowers—spanning two-story stone bastions, hollow brick towers, circular pillboxes, and shooting arrow slits. Unlike the heavily restored concrete sections at Badaling, Jinshanling retains authentic weathered brickwork while remaining completely safe to walk.
The wall snakes across rugged, knife-edge mountain ridges. The most popular 3-hour hiking route enters at the main gate, rides the optional cable car to Small Jinshan Tower, hikes east across watchtowers toward Big Jinshan Tower and the General Tower, and exits at the East Gate. In spring, apricot blossoms cover the valleys below; in autumn, golden foliage frames the ancient battlements.
Simatai: Steep Cliffs & Night Wall Illumination
Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall open for nighttime visits. Clinging to precipitous mountain crags overlooking the Miyun reservoir, Simatai features dramatic steep inclines that were described by UNESCO heritage experts as retaining the original Ming Dynasty characteristics intact.
At the base of Simatai lies Gubei Water Town, a reproduction northern-style canal resort. At dusk, floodlights illuminate the watchtowers and battlements along the ridge of Simatai, creating a glowing golden dragon resting across mountain crests. Ride the enclosed cable car up to Tower 5 or Tower 6 after dark to hike beneath lantern light while looking down at the illuminated water town below.
How to Get There from Beijing
- Direct Express Bus to Jinshanling: Departs daily from Beijing Dongzhimen outer bus hub at 7:40 AM (approx. 2 hours, 50 RMB one way).
- Gubei Water Town / Simatai Tourist Bus: Departs from Dongzhimen bus terminal directly to the Gubei resort parking lot.
- Private Transfer: Hiring a private driver for the day through Trip.com Transfers offers maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to hike Jinshanling during the day and photograph Simatai at night before returning to Beijing.
Hiking Preparation Essentials
Stone steps on mountain ridges are exposed with no shade; carry sunscreen, a hat, and at least two liters of drinking water in your backpack. Check out our China packing checklist for recommended trail footwear and mobile battery packs.
