THE GREATEST SITE OF ALL
Written: Apr 17 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: best section of China's Great Wall
Cons: dangerous area
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| gomatsu's Full Review: Simatai Great Wall |
The Simatai section of China's Great Wall (unlike the more popular tourist-oriented sections such as Badaling or Mutianyu) has not been restored. For the purist it therefore represents the "original" wall in all its weathered splendor. Atop the astonishingly steep Simatai range, this section of the Great Wall offers a spectacular panoramic view.
I visited Simatai a total of three times, all in different seasons of the year. In fall the leaves change orange and red, coloring the entire mountain range. In spring the mountains are a lush green, with plenty of vegetation. On a clear day (difficult to manage in an area so proximitous to Beijing) one can see the Great Wall running along the mountain tops for miles and miles. It is truly a breathtaking sight. The crumbling towers placed intermittently along the wall provide particularly good positioning for photographs, but must be scaled with caution. Fairy Maiden Peak is the highest point in the range, capped with one such watchtower.
Simatai is an essential place to visit when in Beijing, recommended over any other section of the wall. Though farther out of the way, it is definitely worth the trip. One word of caution: visiting the site is a very dangerous and physically taxing event. And beware the natives, who follow foreigners around trying to sell memorabilia.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
gomatsu
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Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 3 members
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