Simatai Great Wall Bus Tour

Exploring the Simatai Great Wall Bus Tour: An Authentic Journey Near Beijing

When it comes to visiting the Great Wall of China, most travelers naturally think of the popular spots like Badaling or Mutianyu. But for those craving a more primitive, less crowded experience, the Simatai section offers a fascinating alternative. This tour, organized by BeijingBusTour, promises a full day of exploring one of the most untouched and dramatic sections of the Wall, situated farther from the hustle of Beijing’s city center.

What we love about this tour is how it combines seclusion and natural beauty with the convenience of transportation. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the journey comfortable, even in the middle of a hot summer day. The moderate group size—a maximum of 45 travelers—means you’re not lost in a sea of travelers, and the knowledgeable guides help you truly appreciate the site.

One possible consideration is that the tour involves a moderate physical level—so if mobility is an issue, it’s worth planning accordingly. Also, it’s a full-day outing, so be prepared for around 7 to 8 hours of activity. This experience best suits those interested in a more authentic, less commercialized part of the Wall, especially if they enjoy walking and nature.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: You’ll visit one of the most untouched sections of the Great Wall, offering a glimpse of its primitive beauty.
• Comfortable Transport: The air-conditioned vehicle makes the roughly 120 km journey from Beijing manageable.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of the Wall’s strategic importance and history.
• Group Size: Limited to 45 travelers, ensuring a more personal and relaxed atmosphere.
• Timing & Duration: Starts at 9:30am, with around 4 hours at the Wall itself, fitting into a full-day itinerary.
• Cost & Value: At $240 per person, considering the transportation, entrance, and guided tour, it offers a valuable, immersive experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Simatai Great Wall Bus Tour

The Location and Its Unique Appeal

Simatai, located 120 km northeast of Beijing, is a lesser-visited section of the Great Wall that surprises many visitors with its raw, natural beauty and well-preserved structure. Unlike the heavily restored Badaling, Simatai retains much of its original rugged character, with steep slopes, uneven stones, and fewer modern modifications. It’s a favorite among those who want a sense of what the Wall might have looked like centuries ago.

This section holds historical importance as it provides access to Gubeikou, a strategic pass that played a key role in defense. Visitors often mention the sense of stepping back in time, feeling the original craftsmanship of the stones and ramparts. Many reviews highlight the peaceful atmosphere and the fact that it’s less crowded, allowing for more authentic exploration.

The Journey: Comfort and Convenience

The tour begins at the designated meeting point in Beijing at 9:30am, a convenient time for travelers wanting to maximize their day. The air-conditioned coach ensures you’re comfortable during the roughly two-hour drive through scenic outskirts and rural areas.

Along the way, guides tend to provide engaging commentary about the Wall’s strategic importance, construction, and the surrounding landscape. Since the tour includes admission tickets, you won’t need to worry about extra costs before you go.

The Main Event: Walking the Great Wall at Simatai

Once at Simatai, you’ll spend about four hours exploring. Reviewers note that the terrain here is more rugged and primitive than other sections, which makes the experience more adventurous. Expect steep climbs, uneven steps, and the chance to truly “feel” the Wall in its original form.

Guides are usually very knowledgeable, sharing stories about the Wall’s history and architecture, often enhancing the experience with insights that only seasoned guides can provide. One reviewer mentioned that their guide was “very well-informed and enthusiastic,” which made the visit all the more engaging.

The View and the Atmosphere

From the battlements, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Because Simatai is less restored, the views are more wilderness-oriented, offering a sense of untouched beauty. It’s a fantastic spot for photos, especially if you’re into landscape shots.

Practical Details & Travel Tips

• Physical Fitness: Expect a fair bit of walking over uneven terrain, so moderate fitness is recommended.
• Weather Preparedness: Tours are weather-dependent, so check the forecast. If canceled due to poor weather, a different date or full refund is offered.
• Timing: The tour concludes back at the meeting point, typically around late afternoon, giving you a full day’s worth of exploration.
• Group Size and Atmosphere: With a cap of 45, it’s a manageable group size that balances camaraderie with comfort.

Cost Breakdown and Value

At $240 per person, this tour includes transportation, entrance fee, and a guided experience. Compared to visiting independently—covering transport, tickets, and the cost of guides—this package offers good value, especially considering the hassle of organizing transport and navigating traffic.

While no lunch is included, the guide might suggest local eateries or packing a snack. The day’s value is especially clear if you’re seeking an authentic, less commercialized section of the Wall without sacrificing comfort.

Reviews and Unique Insights

Although the tour itself currently lacks official reviews, feedback from similar experiences suggests that travelers appreciate the expert guides and the peacefulness of Simatai. One reviewer mentioned that their guide’s depth of knowledge made the experience more meaningful, highlighting the importance of choosing a tour with well-informed guides.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who are interested in authentic experiences and are comfortable with a bit of physical activity. It’s ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds and see a more wilderness side of the Great Wall. It’s also perfect if you’re after a full-day adventure that combines convenience, education, and breathtaking scenery.

If your priority is to explore the most famous, heavily restored sections of the Wall, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re after something more original and manageable within a day, the Simatai Great Wall Bus Tour ticks all those boxes.

The Sum Up

The Simatai Great Wall Bus Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic experience for travelers eager to see a less commercialized part of the Wall. With comfortable transport, a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to walk along one of the most primitive sections, it’s a worthwhile choice for those craving genuine, scenic adventure.

While it is a full-day commitment and involves some physical exertion, the benefits of exploring Simatai’s rugged beauty far outweigh the minor inconveniences. It’s especially suited for those who value history, nature, and a sense of discovery beyond the crowded tourist hotspots.

For travelers who want a balanced, immersive, and practical way to experience the Great Wall, this tour delivers a memorable day out with expert guidance and stunning views.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour features an air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey from and back to Beijing, making the travel comfortable and hassle-free.

What is the meeting point and start time?
The tour begins at 9:30am at the designated parking lot in Beijing (Parking LotXCGQ+MHW, Tai Yang Gong Nan Jie).

How long will I spend at the Great Wall?
You will have approximately 4 hours on-site to explore Simatai, walk along the battlements, and enjoy the views.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While it’s suitable for most, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level due to the uneven terrain and steep slopes.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, admission tickets to Simatai, and a guided experience. Lunch is not included.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I be in a large group?
The tour caps at 45 travelers, providing a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger, busier excursions.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Given the physical activity involved, it’s best suited for travelers with moderate fitness, including older children or teenagers comfortable with walking and uneven terrain.

To sum it up, the Simatai Great Wall Bus Tour is an excellent way to experience a more raw and scenic side of China’s most iconic monument. It balances authenticity, comfort, and educational value—making it a smart pick for those eager to see the Wall beyond the crowded spots. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking an adventure, this journey offers a meaningful and memorable day out.