Hi,there
You are right that Simatai is much more steep and difficult. It suits energetic young adults. As your kids are still young, and you want a more smooth way, mutianyu will be a good choice.

Hi, We did the Jinshanling to Simatai walk on 11 June. For the spectacular views, ease of walking and safety I would suggest that you go to Jinshanling and take the cable car to the wall, and then choose a direction to walk, and return to the cable car. The walk from Jinshanling towards Simatai has some steep sections, but is very spectacular, however there are a number of sections that are in disrepair (good for age!). We did not walk the wall in the opposite direction, but from Jinshanling it appeared to be in good condition and not too steep. Bear in mind that there are no safety barriers or signs. Some sections have the side walls missing and long drops off the side of the wall, and in some sections the top bed and stairs are very worn and washed out. Care to ones safety, and that of children, should be a high priority. There are a lot of local people that will follow you and pester you to buy water and postcards etc, be polite and say no and they will go away, after a while! Take plenty of water, it is 10 times the price on the wall. Having said that, it is well work the 3-hour trip out of Beiing and the views are spectacular!