Beijing Outskirts, China
Beijing is known the world over for such attractions as the Forbidden city, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall at Badaling and Tianamen Square. But just outside the main city are a number of interesting counties and districts where Chinese life has not changed for centuries.
This photo gallery, taken in 1999, explores the Fengtai District, southwest of Beijing, and the lesser known Great Wall sections of Simatai and Jingshingling located in the mountainous Miyun County, northeast of Beijing.
Of particular note is Simatai which is considered a pinnacle of engineering, even for the Great Wall. All of the 12-mile section is built on very steep, precipitous slopes and in some places the incline is seventy degrees. The wall is largely unrestored and in a state of decay, thus walking its length is not for the faint of heart. Jingshingling, which is equally breathtaking and unrestored, is across a deep, mountain gorge from Simatai. Both are connected by a narrow, pedestrian suspension bridge.
Click image to enlarge.