Hi just a quick correction to next post- we just returned and from Jinshanling to Simitai is 10K - there a 2 or 3 places that you hop down onto a trail beside the wall- and there is some repair work in progress- but they stop to let you thru. Think about supportiing the folks on the wall- this is a poor country and they hike up there with ice, coolers and water. They are asking a US $1 for water and drinks- so plan accordingly and don't bother to carry more than a bottle or two- and I guarantee in this heat- you will drink 5 or 6 bottles of something on this great up and down route- it's challenging and amazing. DO IT! Plan for time to just sitting and taking it all in. If you want to carry something- carry lunch and hang out on the wall for awhile.