We spent the whole day at the Great Wall near Simatai. The guide book said it was the least touristy part in the area so we were somewhat confused to find three bus loads of Germans in the same spot, but at least I could talk to them without as much sign language.
Learning my lesson from last time I took the Cable Car up with the intention of walking the 10km from Jinshanling to Simatai. After about 2km a nice local lady pointed to a path and mimed short cut (although thinking back I can’t imagine how). 30 minutes later I’d cut 7km off the total trip.
To consolidate the laziness we cut off the last kilometre by using a Flying Fox aerial runway and then a small speed boat. This delivered us at the visitor centre far enough ahead of the rest to be relaxed and ready with chips and beers for their arrival.
