Summer Travel Issue Destination of the Week, Destinations, LowFares Summer Issue
From Beijing: China’s Wild Wall
While the Great Wall is a must-see monument, most trips are made to spots where busloads of tourists are dropped off every morning. Yet, there are a few places unmarked by restoration or tourism, and surprisingly few people go there. The rare, serene experience of discovering the “wild wall” this way–unmolested by modern human hands that could never improve upon its ancient, ruinous splendor–is simply magnificent.
The Simatai-Jinshanling section of the wall is one such place. Jinshanling is 87 miles (140 km) outside Beijing and generally less crowded, and Simatai is 75 miles (120 km) from the city. These sections offer a trek of approximately 7.5 miles, with many watchtowers along the path that offer dramatic views, and from which you can even see Beijing on a clear day. Some sections of the path become very steep and rocky, with loose stones; however, each person can simply walk the distance he or she feels comfortable. To get there, instead of walking ahead to the main Great Wall entrance gate from Beijing, turn right or left; both directions will lead further into the village where original sections of the wall await. Admission passes for both Jinshanling and Simatai can be obtained at the entrance point, for about $10.00 US with bridge pass.
The Xiangshui Lake scenic area also has two beautiful, solitary stretches of untouched wall, as well as a restored section. Along this route you will see the Beijing Knot, an extremely unique section where the Wall splits into two directions, one heading toward Badaling and the other to Datong. The Xiangshui Lake area is at the Moshikou Pass entrance of the wall located 48 miles (78 km) from Beijing, near the Mutianyu Great Wall of Huairou County. Ticket prices are about $3.00 US, and the area is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
There are even companies that offer horseback riding along spots of the Wild Wall, and two hotels where you can have completely private access. Red Capital Ranch is Beijing’s first eco-tourism resort, with 10 ancient restored villas set on a private estate of 50 acres, that offer stunning 360-degree views and private access to the Wall. Tucked along the foot of a mountain range in traditional Manchurian lodge fashion, the estate is dotted with rivers that flow through it and part of the Great Wall that dates to the first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. The ten unique residences are designed with a fusion of Chinese, Tibetan and Manchurian décor, and each is protected by an antique stone animal spirit at its doorway.
Kempinski’s Commune by the Great Wall is another such place. The Commune is a showcase of contemporary Chinese and Asian design, with a private collection of contemporary architecture. The grounds are comprised of 42 unique villas with 190 suites and 11 Presidential Suites, four restaurants, Anantara Spa, Kid’s Club and an outdoor pool. Each villa is completely different and visually arresting; check out the Suitcase House, a cantilevered building that juts over the surrounding trees, with four bedrooms that can be partitioned off any number of ways via numerous sliding doors. The Commune’s private path to the Wall is accessible only to guests, and the hotel provides gourmet picnic baskets on request.
Resources and Links:
+86 10 6402 7150
Rates: $125-155 per night, plus 15% service charge, including breakfast
+86-10-81181888
Rates: $225-550 per night, plus 15% service charge, including breakfast
Photo Guide of the Jinshanling/Simatai trek
East Tours specializes in custom, private tours that open the door to the world’s most culturally rich destinations
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Photo credits: Shelley Seale
Photo 1: China’s Great Wall
Photo 2: Commune by the Great Wall
