Simatai Great Wall (司马台长城) is the only section of the Great Wall in China that offers a night tour experience, and it is truly magical after the sun sets. The night views are breathtaking, providing a completely different atmosphere compared to the daytime visits to other Great Wall sections. Whether you’re traveling with children or seniors, the cable car offers a convenient and comfortable way to explore the Wall after dark. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your Simatai Great Wall night tour.
Ticket Information
- November to April:
- Sunday to Thursday: 17:30 – 20:10
- Friday to Saturday: 17:30 – 20:40
- May to October:
- Sunday to Thursday: 17:30 – 21:10
- Friday to Saturday: 17:30 – 21:40
- Standalone Night Tour Ticket: 160 yuan (includes cable car and entrance)
- Combo Ticket: Gubei Water Town entrance + Night Tour at Simatai Great Wall (includes entrance + round-trip cable car): 280 yuan
It’s recommended to first explore Gubei Water Town before heading up to the Wall for the night tour.
Night Tour Route
Start with the cable car to the top station, then walk to the 5th watchtower. Enjoy the spectacular night views of the Great Wall. After the tour, walk back to the cable car station and take the cable car down.
The best vantage points offer a stunning view of the illuminated Gubei Water Town below, making for incredible photos and memories. Don’t miss the return cable car, as it’s an essential part of the experience.
Unique Features of the Night Tour: As dusk falls, visitors can carry lanterns that they crafted earlier in Gubei Water Town’s lantern-making workshop. It’s a charming, romantic way to experience the Wall at night. Be sure to arrive early to grab the best photo spots, as they tend to get crowded quickly.
Transportation
- By car: Drive along the Jingcheng Expressway and exit at Simatai, just 2 kilometers away.
- Direct Bus: From Dongzhimen Public Transport Hub, take bus lines 942 or 855 to Gubei Water Town. From there, purchase tickets to Simatai Great Wall.
- Ticket price: 48 yuan per person, one-way (tickets available starting 30 minutes before departure until the bus is full).