Simatai
Simatai (Chinese司马台/司马台, Pinyin Sīmǎtái ), a section of the Great Wall in the north of Miyun County, 120 km northeast of Beijing, guards the entrance after Gubeikou, a strategic pass in the eastern part of the Great Wall. Originally during the Northern Qi Dynasty ( 550-577 ) and rebuilt under Qi Jiguang during the years of Hongwu ( Ming Dynasty ), this section is one of those who have preserved the original features of the Ming dynasty wall. Simatai fell within the administrative area of Ji Garrison.
The Great Wall of Simatai is 5.4 km long with 35 beacon towers. In tricky situation appearing on the ridge of the Yan Shan built, the section is defined by its steep passages. It is separated by a valley in which a reservoir located in an eastern and a western part. The western part appears gentle and 20 well-preserved watchtowers lining the wall. The eastern part is much steeper and follows the rough terrain on the edge of cliffs and craggy peaks. The 15 watchtowers of this section are relatively closely set and offer impressive views.
These are the " Beijing - view tower" ( Wangjinglou ), the "Angel Storm " ( Xiannulou ), the "Heavenly Ladder" and the " sky bridge ", which are not accessible for security reasons. The "Heavenly Ladder" an up to 80 ° steep slope rises up and is the access to the towers Wangjinglou and Xiannulou, its narrowest point is at the crest barely half a meter wide. Wangjinglou situated at an altitude of 986 m and is the height of the Simatai section. Stones of this sub- section are provided with stamps on which the date and the name of the building team are noted. In good weather conditions are from here the lights of Beijing to be visible at 120 km distance. The 100 m long sky bridge connects Wangjinglou with Xiannulou, it is in places only 40 inches wide. Xiannulou has over the arch towers, a sculpture of two lotus flowers and is known for its architecture.
A gondola with open gondolas allows the rise to a part of the total height, from which introduces a scale in a serpentine path to Tower No. 6. In order to overcome this slope more convenient, a cable -bound, narrow-gauge miniature train was starting next to the cable car station, set up to transport tourists in the fall line of the slope to below the mountain ridge.
A popular walk is the walk from Jinshanling to Simatai on the wall.
The Beijing Municipal Cultural Relics Bureau chose the Simatai section of the most important priority project for 2004. Simatai has more signal towers than other sections of the Great Wall. Under the use of traditional building materials and methods in partial collapse, gates, walkways and wall sections have been restored and strengthened.
As of June 17, 2010 Simatai was closed due to the reconstruction of Simatai Village until further notice.