How to get there?

[SightForSierra]

I am bringing my daughter to China for medical treatments next month in Hangzhou. I want to see the Great Wall and from my research what I'd like to do is the hike from Jinshanling to Simatai. I have some questions though.

1. Would y'all recommend a train or airplane to get there from Hangzhou?
2. Once I get to Beijing how do I get to either Jinshanling or Simatai?
3. How much money should I budget for entrance fees, the zip line, etc?
4. Once I'm done how do I get from my end point (either Jinshanlin or Simatai) back to Bejing?
5. How much time should I allow for the trip (from Bejing to the great wall and back)?
6. Does it matter which end of the hike is my start point and which is my destination from a logistics standpoint?

I appreciate everyone's input. This will be my first time stepping foot outside the United States so will be quite and adventure for me.

[Bryan]

Hello SightForSierra,

1. Either plane or train would be suitable, depending on your available time and your budget. They both have pros and cons. I like riding on a train and seeing the countryside, but only in a sleeper. I find the hard seat trains too crowded for my taste.

2. It's easiest to find a taxi that will take you to Jinshanling and then pick you up at Simatai and return you to Beijing. You could also take a bus to Gubeikou and find local taxis from there if you want to save some money.

3. About ¥150 RMB per person assuming you won't take any cable cars. That's 50 for Jinshanling, 50 for Simatai, 10 for the bridge, and 40 for the zip line.

4. See #2.

5. Transportation time will be two to three hours each way. Hiking time will be five to six hours if you take your time.

6. If you won't have a car waiting for you then it's easier to find one at Simatai but it's only a slight difference.

Good luck on your trip and on your daughter's treatments as well.