New Beijing Expressway Opens Hiking to the Great Wall

Beijing’s new JingCheng Expressway has now been completed, making hiking trips to the Great Wall more convenient for travelers. The new motorway stretches south from Beijing to Chengdu and passes the base of the Jinshanling Great Wall, where the most famous hike begins from there to the Simatai Great Wall. The China Guide, (http://www.thechinaguide.com/), an American owned and operated tour agency, will now use the new JingCheng Expressway to get visitors to the famous hiking destination in a safer and timelier fashion.

Before completion of the JingCheng Expressway, the drive to Jinshanling for hiking was slow and unpredictable with traffic. Judy Huang, The China Guide’s travel manager, said, “It was a common problem to be slowed down by heavy traffic and large trucks using the narrow road. Now, we can plan more efficient schedules and travelers have more time for hiking and sightseeing.”

The hike from Jinshanling to Simatai Great Wall is famous for its picturesque mountain scenery, renowned to photographers. This Great Wall section stretches along the mountain tops and hikers pass through more than 30 watch towers along the way. The China Guide describes the hike as moderately difficult in some places but achievable and fun for all travelers aged eight and older.

Hikers can enjoy the local village atmosphere at the base of the Wall before heading up the mountain. The hiking time from Jinshanling to Simatai is from three to five hours, depending on the pace. The hike can be done at a relaxing speed with many stops along the way for the endless photo opportunities. Sunrise and sunset are the ideal times for photographers and hikers are eager to catch this portion of the day.

The China Guide offers hiking day trips from Jinshanling to Simatai that include transportation using the new expressway, private guide and driver, tickets and a good local lunch at the Simatai Wall when finished.

Overnight trips are also available during the warmer months, March to October. Travelers have the option to stay overnight in a Jinshanling courtyard hotel or camp out on the wall under the stars, making it ideal to catch the morning sunrise.