The Badaling Great Wall, a crown jewel of China’s Great Wall heritage, captivates travelers worldwide with its awe-inspiring vistas and rich cultural legacy. Whether you’re a history buff, photography enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this iconic site promises to deliver unforgettable experiences. This guidebook provides comprehensive insights to help you navigate the Badaling Great Wall with confidence and ease.

I. Basic Overview

The Badaling Great Wall, located at the northern entrance of the Guandou Ancient Road in Beijing’s Yanqing District, stands approximately 70 kilometers from downtown. As a vital section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, it is renowned for its dramatic terrain and breathtaking landscapes. The towering walls here, featuring densely packed watchtowers, vividly demonstrate the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese laborers. In 1987, UNESCO inscribed Badaling on the World Heritage List, making it a precious cultural treasure shared by all humanity.

Tickets and opening hours

 opening time

  • Peak season: 6:30-17:00 (ticket stop at 16:30).
  • Off-season: 7:30-16:30 (ticket sales stop at 16:00).

Traffic Guide

 mass transit

  • Bus 877: From Deshengmen, to the Great Wall at Badaling.
  • S2 Line train: Departing from Huangtudian Station, the scenery along the way is beautiful, but there are few trains, so you need to check the timetable in advance. High-speed railway: Take high-speed railway from Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Station, which only takes 20-30 minutes, but tickets are tight, so you need to book in advance.

Tourist bus express and private car

If you choose a tourist bus or four independent chartered buses, you can get on the bus at a designated place in downtown Beijing. You can go to the G6 expressway and get off at Exit 58. Follow the signs to reach the parking lot of the scenic spot. After the tour, you can take a bus back to downtown Beijing.

4. Recommended travel route

Classic route: South Great Wall-North Great Wall

Starting from Guancheng, begin by ascending the southern section of the Great Wall to admire its picturesque scenery and distinctive architectural style. The southern wall features gentler terrain, making it ideal for travelers with moderate stamina. After returning to Guancheng, cross the road to head north toward the northern section. The northern wall boasts steep terrain and more spectacular views, with Beibalu (Hero’s Slope) standing as the highest point of Badaling Great Wall—a must-visit landmark. From Beibalu, the Great Wall winds like a colossal dragon through the mountains, creating an awe-inspiring vista that leaves visitors in awe.

Leisure route: Cable car up and down

To avoid exhaustion, consider taking the cable car. The Southern Line cable car reaches the South Fourth Platform, while the Northern Line takes you to the North Seventh Platform. This option not only conserves energy but also offers breathtaking aerial views of the Great Wall’s grandeur. Upon reaching the summit, visitors can stroll through the surrounding watchtowers and experience the charm of this historic monument.

Challenge route: Hiking the whole way

For energetic travelers seeking adventure, the full-length hiking route is a must-try. Starting from Nan Qilou (South Seventh Tower), this 7.8-kilometer trek along the Great Wall to Bei Shierlou (North Twelfth Tower) takes 3-5 hours. While offering breathtaking views of the monument’s grandeur and perilous terrain, it demands significant physical stamina – so be sure to pack your gear well in advance.

5. Photo check-in points

  • Heroic Stele: Located at the entrance of the first floor of the south building, the stone stele with the words “No hero until you reach the Great Wall” is a must-see landmark. Taking photos here is of great significance.
  • Beibadao (Haohanpo): The highest point of the Great Wall at Badaling. Standing here, you can see the magnificent scenery of the Great Wall in full view. It is an excellent place to take panoramic photos.
  • Enemy towers: The enemy towers on the Great Wall are of various shapes and forms, which are good backgrounds for taking photos. Taking photos of people and the Great Wall inside the enemy towers or on the wall can create a unique atmosphere.
  • Guan City: The majestic Badaling Pass city has the plaques “Juyong Outer Town” and “Key to the North Gate” on its gate, which bear witness to the vicissitudes of history. Taking photos here will leave a deep memory.

6. Food recommendations

  • Restaurants at the foot of the Great Wall: There are many restaurants in the scenic area, offering a variety of Chinese food, such as fried sauce noodles, dumplings, stir-fried dishes, etc. Although the price is relatively high, it can meet the basic needs of food.
  • After the tour, you can go to downtown Yanqing to taste local delicacies such as Yanqing Tofu Banquet, fire spoon meat, and Liugou Tofu. These delicacies have unique tastes and are worth trying.

VII. Notes

  • Comfort: The Great Wall is uneven and the steps are uneven. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes for easy walking.
  • Do a good job of sun protection: the Great Wall is strong in sunlight, you need to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and other sunscreen products to avoid sunburn.
  • Carry plenty of water and food: Water and food are expensive in the scenic area, so bring your own drinking water and snacks to replenish your strength.
  • Follow the regulations of the scenic spot: during the tour, we should take care of cultural relics, do not scribble or carve words at will, and keep the environmental sanitation of the scenic spot.
  • Pay attention to safety: Some sections of the Great Wall are steep, so pay attention to safety when walking, especially when going up and down steps and turning corners.

The Great Wall at Badaling is not only a tourist attraction, but also a living history textbook. Here, you can touch the pulse of history and feel the great spirit of the Chinese nation. I hope this guide will help you have an unforgettable journey along the Great Wall and leave beautiful memories.