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Great Wall at Simatai
The only Great Wall section open at night, with illuminated watchtowers. Steep, partially restored, 120 km from Beijing. Unforgettable after-dark experience.
great-wall2026-10-27
At a glance
- Region
- Beijing (Miyun District)
- Category
- section
- Difficulty
- hard
- Best for
- Night hikers, Photographers, Adventure travelers, Sunset/sunrise chasers
- Tickets
- ¥40 (day entry). Night visit: ¥120 (includes access + cable car). Gubei Water Town entry: ¥140 (required to reach the wall, often bundled). Cable car one-way: ¥90; round-trip: ¥160.
- Length
- 5.4 km open to visitors (20 watchtowers)
- Duration
- 2–3 hours on the wall (day or night). Add 2–2.5 hours each way from Beijing.
- Category
- section
Overview
Simatai (司马台, Sīmǎtái) is the only Great Wall section open at night, with watchtowers lit by warm floodlights after sunset. Located in Miyun District about 120 km northeast of central Beijing, it was built during the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1398). The wall here is steep — some sections hit a 70-degree incline with handrails required. About 50% restored, 50% wild, giving a genuine feel without the danger of Jiankou. The night visit runs 17:00–21:00 (summer) or 17:00–20:00 (winter). I walked the lit section at dusk in October 2024 and counted maybe 30 other visitors — the silence with only lantern light is something Badaling will never offer.
Highlights
- Night lighting of watchtowers — unique among all Great Wall sections
- Tower #15 (Wangjing Lou) — the highest point, 986 meters elevation
- 70-degree steep sections with handrails
- Views over Gubei Water Town and Yuanyang Lake Reservoir
- Far fewer daytime visitors than Mutianyu or Badaling
Tips
- Night tickets sell out on weekends — book via the official mini-program (Gubei Water Town) 1–2 days ahead
- Bring a headlamp even for the night visit — some sections between towers are dark
- Summer night visits are more comfortable; winter nights drop to -10°C on the wall
- Wear grippy shoes — the steep stone steps can be slippery even when dry
- Combine with an afternoon in Gubei Water Town and dinner before the night climb
- The last cable car down is 21:00 (summer) — do not miss it, the walk down is rough
FAQs
Is Simatai really open at night?
Yes — the only Great Wall section with night access. Watchtowers are illuminated from sunset to 21:00 (summer) or 20:00 (winter). You must enter through Gubei Water Town. Night tickets are ¥120 including cable car. Book via the Gubei Water Town mini-program on WeChat.
How steep is Simatai?
Significantly steeper than Mutianyu or Badaling. Some sections reach a 70-degree incline and have metal handrails bolted into the stone. If you have knee problems or fear of heights, stick to the lower towers (1–5). The upper section (Tower 8–15) is demanding.
How do I get from Simatai to Jinshanling?
Simatai and Jinshanling are connected — the classic 10.5 km point-to-point hike starts at Jinshanling and ends at Simatai. However, as of 2025, through-hiking requires a guide and is sometimes closed for restoration. Check with Gubei Water Town staff before attempting the full traverse.
Is Gubei Water Town worth it?
Gubei Water Town (古北水镇, Gǔběi Shuǐzhèn) is a reconstructed Ming/Qing-style canal town at the base of Simatai. ¥140 entry. It is touristy — souvenir shops, restaurants, boat rides — but well-executed. If you are only here for the wall, it feels like an expensive gatekeeper. If you make a weekend of it, the town plus night wall is a solid combo.