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October 23, 2007

We are exchange students in Hong Kong and travelled to Beijing for a weekend.
My friend and I did not see this website but ran into Mr. Liu (the younger) at the entrance to the Simatai section of the Great Wall. Our hidden purpose to arrive at Simatai at around closing time was to hike and camp on the wall. The guards were closing up and sweeping the wall, so we could not get too far. We figured Mr. Liu's restaurant was the best bet to stall until the guards left, then hike the wall. We headed down the path with Mr. Liu, and after leaving sight of the guards he turned to us and made it clear he understood our intentions, and that he already had a full plan for us. We ate dinner with him (despite having our own food already prepared and vacuum packed), then played some Jianzi (chinese hackey sack) and petted his cat. The food was delicious and Mr. Liu was an excellent host! The prices were very decent, maybe expensive for china but cheaper than the hong kong prices we are used to.

We planned to return to Mr. Liu for breakfast and coffee after a very cold (and awesome) night on the roof of watchtower no. 7.

He's a wonderful, gentle man with a 5 month old daughter and deserves a full recommendation!

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July, 2008

We visited the Simatai Guesthouse, tucked in next to the Great Wall, for 2 days in July 2008 and had a wonderful time - it was just what we had hoped for (not "touristy" at all).  We had it almost to ourselves and the view is breathtaking as the Wall snakes off into the distance.  The family is so friendly, welcoming and fun and the food is incredible.  We had to beg them not to give us any more!  A great experience...  Sally and Julius





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