Simatai Great Wall-Construction of Simatai Section

Started from Wangjing Tower in the east and connected with Jinshanling Section in the west, Simatai Section lies in the Miyun County, 120 kilometers away from Beijing City. Among the remaining walls, it is the one with the least manmade modern decorations and closest to the original appearance built in Ming Dynasty.

The Construction of Simatai Section

Simatai Section was started to be built during the early years of Ming Emperor Hongwu. A renovation was applied from 1569, the 3rd year of Emperor Longqing, to 1573, the 1st year of Emperor Wanli. It is the only part of the Great Wall which is without modern decoration and remaining the original appearance of Ming Dynasty.

Simatai Great Wall-The Great Wall of Mountains and Water

Simatai Section, the Great Wall of Mountains and Water

Located in mountainous area, Simatai Section was mainly built along the ridge of the mountains. Featuring in uniqueness, ruggedness and trimness, it perfectly coordinates with the undulating terrain, which makes it more majestic and magnificent. At the foot of the central part of the Simatai Section, there is the Simatai Reservoir, which is 600-700 meters long with the storage capacity of 50,000 cubic meters. Smooth as a mirror, the reservoir splits the Simatia Section into halves. Descending from the east and west mountian ridges, the 2 parts of the Great Wall cast their reflection on the surface of the reservoir, like 2 dragons playing in the water. More diversely, there is a hot spring to the west bank of the reservoir and a cold spring to the east, known as the Mandarin Ducks Springs. the water of the hot spring is drinkable. Its temperature averages at 38 all year round and is an ideal spa for tourists. Influenced by the springs, the water of the reservoir is half hot and half cold. In summer, you can paddle a boat in the reservoir, or bathe in the spa. In winter, you can appreciate the fascinating view of the Great Wall looming in the misty vapor on the surface of the reservoir, which creaes an illusive mirage. Harmoniously coordinated with mountains and water, Simatai Section then is well known as the Great Wall of Mountains and Water.

The Wonderful Simatai Section

the Great Wall is known as a wonder, while Simatai Section may be the most wonderful part of the wonder. The walls and watchtowers take good advantage of the fluctuating terrain and constitute the most essential part of the Great Wall. Simatai Section boasts precipitous cliffs, magnificent towers, suspension walls and rugged stairways. Looking from afar, the Great Wall is like a flying dragon in the cloud. Standing nearby, the Wall meanders its way along the ridges of mountains. No wonder the Simatai Section is called the wonderful part of the Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall-The Walls of the Simatai Section

commanding the precipitous terrain, Simatai Sction is another important pass of the Great Wall. based on strategic mountain slope, architects took a technical approach during the process of the construction. The serpentine wall rises and falls along the ridgess and harmonizes itself with the uninterrupted mountains. Some parts of the Wall are just common as those we usually see. Some parts are stretching along the precipitous cliffs like a fence wall. Some parts are built into stairways, which rising abruptly. The wall generally is 5-6 meters wide in plain areas, while is reduced to 40cm of the width of 2 kilin-fired bricks only on cliffs, which is called Heavenly Bridge. Some precipitous mountains are absorbed into the Wall and play as a part of it . Due to its steepness, those ountains are inaccessible. Should the invading troops choose those places to surmount, the enemy soldiers and their horses will fall down and be smashed to death, that is why Simatai Section is also called Si Ma Tai ( Dead Horses ). When the construction work was brought into effect here, builders believed it was unnecessary to build walls on every part and only some watchtowers were needed. Some parts were built into simple walls with embrasures for the defending troops to shoot at the enemy in case of war. Those simple walls were called War Walls. The Heavenly Bridges and War Walls are the unique features of the Simatai Section. the rich variations of the walls and watchtowers within a short distance diversify the Great Wall.

Simatai Great Wall-Wooden Club Tower And Fairy Lady Tower

Among all watchtowers of the Simatai Section, 2 of them are pretty much conspicuous and eye-catching. the one is Wooden club Watchtower. Built right on the steep ridges, the tall and reedy tower imitates a wooden club. Hence the name of Wooden Club Tower. Another one is Fairy Lady, who lived in the tower. The fairy lady was witnessed by a herdsman. So the tower is given the name of Fairy Lady Tower. Relief sculptures of twin lotus flowers are carved on its arch gate, which is made of white marble. Endowed with delicacy of its craftsmanship, the tower perfectly matches the enthralling folklore of the fairy lady.

Simatai Great Wall-Wangjing Tower

On the 1000-meter-high crest of the Simatai Section, there is an eminent tower, Wangjing Tower. Standing on the tower, people can fully enjoy the view of Beijing. Numerous tourist attractions are in the sight. Namely, they are snow-capped Wuling Mountain to the east, a scenic spot of Twining Dragons and Crouching Tigers to the west, Yan Mountain in Green to the north, and the Pearl of Reservoir to the south. In sunny daytimes, people can find the big buildings such as White Pagoda in Beihai Park and Yellow Pavilion in Jing shan Park. At night, the bird's-eye view of twinkling lights unveils the endless charms of Beijing. Wafted with smokes from kitchen chimneys, small villages dot casually at the foot of the mountain. Zigzagging paths vanish in plants. Looking afar, people can enjoy the unique view of the vast wildness of north China. The charms of Wangjing Tower will never cease.

Simatai Great Wall-Frontier Village of Simatai Section

At the foot of Simatai Section, there is a small village, which is made of pinewood. the small village is named Frontier Village of Simatai Section. Should you have chances to visit it, you are advised to walk along the devious path at night to experience the tranquility and peace of the village. You are also invited to join the gala party around the bonfires to sing and dance with the crowds. Also, you can barbecue in the open air, drink in a country bar, stroll in the forest, or paddle the brook. Your stay would surely be an enjoyable one.