A Great Section of the Wall
Written: Aug 17 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: The Wall in its natural state
Cons: Can be dangerous at times
The Bottom Line: A great, accessible part of the wall
|
|
|
| titaniumtommy's Full Review: Simatai Great Wall |
Don't go to Balading or Mutianyu sites of the Great Wall. These sites have been "super-restored" by the Chinese government and fell more like you are walking through an amusement park with no rides (save for the trams).
Simatai is a great section of the wall. It's pretty much in its natural state. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty, so it's not as old as some of the other sections, but it really hasn't been "updated."
Things to watch out for:
1) tour guides--the locals there are quite poor and rely on tourism as their livelihood. What they will do is offer to sell you books and stuff related to the great wall. Most people refuse and walk by them, but the locals will follow you around the wall. They will literally follow you up and down the wall! At first it is weird, but you'll be glad they are there to help you. There are some treacherous points that they help you get past and show short cuts to get around the steepest parts of the wall. They also point out interesting things like bricks that have been branded with the insignia of the Ming Dynasty and different features of the towers. When you come down from the wall, if feel grateful to the guides for their help (like I did) then buy a book or a shirt from them and make their day. Don't forget to bargain of course.
2) climbing--this is definitely a hiking expedition. Wear good shoes, bring a bottle of water, and be prepared to climb. Some sections are so steep that you will be climbing at a 60 degree angle or more.
3) cliffs--there are many ways to fall off the side of the wall. don't do anything dumb at the edge because the dirt can give way and you will fall a long way.
The cheapest way to get to Simatai is from the JingHua hotel on Third Ring Road. It'll cost you 80Yuan for the 1/2 day trip. They take you about 7 or 8 am and you'll be back by 3pm. You'll have to call a day or two before to book it since the bus can only hold about 15 people. You may have to swing by the hotel to pay before you leave (I stayed at the hotel so I just paid right there). This is a pretty popular backpackers hangout so it shouldn't be hard to find. There is a stinky riverthat sits in between the hotel and a McDonalds. Don't eat at the MickeyD's since there is a great street food vendor out front. I got a pint of beer and a bowl of rice noodles with a lot of stuff in it (very delicious) for a US$1.50. You can't go wrong with that kind of value. Don't drop 300 or 400 Yuan for a bus trip...it's just a waste of money. And don't follow the Lonely Planet's advice about taking local buses. I met some people on the wall that tried this and it ended up taking them longer to get to the wall and costing them more because they had to hop a motorcycle.
Bring a camera and have fun!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Sep - Nov
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
titaniumtommy
|
|
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 1 member
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.