snowscape at Simatai Great Wall Pass (2019-02-11) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
“Guanmen” (The Gate)
Simatai Pass is also known locally as “Guanmen” (the Gate). The river below passes through the pass and merges into the Chao River, which flows to the Miyun Reservoir. This river below originates from Wudaogou, Laowa Township, Luanping County, Hebei Province, and is named Tang River because it flows through Simatai Pass.
The Passes
There are different sizes of passes along the Great Wall, some of which are accessible by car, some by bike, and some by foot only. As an old saying goes, "Simatai Pass is accessible to only a single soldier", this place is so dangerous and narrow that only one soldier can pass at a time.
Reservoir of Simatai Great Wall (2021-05-25) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
Simatai Reservoir
There used to be a building against the root of the east mountain of the Simatai Pass, whose remnants could be seen before the construction of the reservoir, but now it has been buried by water and sediment. Below the gate is the famous Simatai Reservoir. The gurgling river passes under the gate, and now it has become a tourist attraction.
Its History
As the local elderly recalled, the foundation of the building in the water was very wide. Being a five-eyed building, it sits east to a tall arch-shaped water hole, with the top building on the wall like a horse path. In 1995, a 100-meter-long cable bridge was built to link the two gates for the convenience of tourists.
Second floor in the east section of Simatai Great Wall (2021-08-11) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
The Tower Protecting the Pass
The beacon tower surrounding the gate is the East No. 2 tower. It has been damaged, and now fixed with brackets.
Gate of Great Wall (2021-08-11) by Wu QiangSimatai Great Wall
The Structure of the Pass
Entering the pass, there is a narrow but beautifully-built passage, which is very well preserved.
