The Simatai section of the wall dates from the Ming Dynasty and has some unusual features, like 'obstacle-walls' - walls-within-walls used for defending against enemies who had already scaled the Great Wall. There are 135 watchtowers at Simatai, the highest of which is Wangjing Lou (Overlooking Beijing). Small cannon have been discovered in this area, as well as evidence of rocker-type weapons such as flying knives and flying swords.

Simatai is not for the faint-hearted: this section of the wall if very steep. A few slopes have a 70-degree incline and you need both hands free, so bring a day-pack to hold your camera and other essentials. One narrow section of footpath has a 500m drop, so it's no place for acrophobics.