Where is Badaling, how to get to Badaling Great Wall? What are the interesting sightseeing and entertainment activities in the most beautiful section of the Great Wall in China? Let’s find the answer in this ULTIMATE Guide to Badaling Great Wall: One of the most visited and the Beautiful Sections of the Great Wall of China!
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Located about 70 km from Beijing, Badaling is one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall, attracting millions of tourists every year. This work is not only a testament to the strength and will of the Chinese people, but also has the breathtaking beauty of nature combined with history.
Coming here, you will admire the winding walls between the mountains, a scene that is both majestic and poetic. Explore Badaling with Klook and “pocket” extremely useful travel experiences!
Where is Badaling?
Badaling is one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall of China, attracting millions of tourists every year. Located in Badaling Town, Yanqing County, this section of the Great Wall is about 70-80 km northwest of central Beijing and once played an important strategic role in defending the ancient capital.
Located on the ancient Guangou Road and the Jundu Mountains, Badaling stands out with its highest point, Beibalou, at an altitude of 1,015 meters above sea level. The solid architecture, soft curves of the wall combined with the majestic mountain scenery have created a place that is both rich in historical value and breathtakingly beautiful.
Badaling Great Wall Ticket & Cable Car
Badaling Operating Hours
Badaling – one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall, is open to visitors all year round with a limit of 65,000 visitors per day. Visitors should note that opening hours vary by season:
- Peak season (April 1 – October 31): 6:30 – 16:30
- Low season (November 1 – March 31): 7:30 – 16:00
- Night tour: 19:30 – 21:30
To ensure convenience, you should book tickets online at least 10 days in advance through the official system (Chinese only). International visitors can easily book tickets through Klook, saving time and ensuring a fast, reliable experience.
How much is a ticket to visit Badaling?
Badaling Great Wall Ticket & Cable Car
Ticket prices vary depending on the time:
- Peak season (April 1 – October 31): 40 CNY (~VND 140,000).
- Low season (November 1 – March 31): 35 CNY (~VND 123,000).
Free tickets apply to:
- Children under 1.2m in height (instead of 18 years old as above).
- Elderly people over 60 years old (with valid documents).
History of Badaling Great Wall – The Most Beautiful Section of the Great Wall of China
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Located in the middle of majestic mountains, Badaling is famous as the most typical section of the Great Wall, marking a historical journey spanning thousands of years. This project originated in the Warring States period (475 – 221 BC), with the first walls and watchtowers being built. During the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), the scale of the Great Wall was significantly expanded. In 1505, the citadel at Badaling was officially formed, and in 1582, General Qi Jingguang completed the 643 km long wall section.
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After the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), Badaling’s military role gradually faded, leading to deterioration in many sections. However, in 1953, this section of the wall was opened to visitors, with 3.74 km of wall and 18 watchtowers preserved. In 1961, Badaling was ranked as a national cultural relic, and in 1987, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site. Today, Badaling has welcomed more than 200 million visitors, including many world leaders and celebrities.
Distinctive Architecture of Badaling in China
As an important part of the defense system, Badaling stretches 12 km with 43 watchtowers. The wall here has an average height of 7.8 meters and a width of 6 meters, enough for 5 horses to gallop side by side or 10 soldiers to march at the same time.
With a structure built from large stones and bricks, the wall is also reinforced with compressed earth and small stones, creating a solid construction. The holes in the wall are used for archery and observing the enemy. Along with that, the watchtowers, in addition to the observation function, also have the task of housing soldiers, storing supplies and transmitting messages.
Today, Badaling has been restored and opened to visitors for 3.74 km with 19 watchtowers. This section of the wall is divided into two parts, North and South. The North section is 2,565 meters long with 12 watchtowers, attracting many tourists with its beautiful scenery and steep paths. In contrast, the South section is 1,176 meters long with 7 watchtowers, keeping its wild and quiet beauty, ideal for those looking for a relaxing space.
Sightseeing & Fun Activities in Badaling – China
Take the Cable Car to the Top of the North Tower No. 8
One of the experiences not to be missed when visiting the Great Wall is taking the cable car to the top of the North Tower No. 8 – the highest point of Badaling. In about 8 minutes of travel, the cable car will gently take you through the mountains, opening up an impressive panoramic view of the Great Wall from above. Getting off the cable car, you will come to the place known as the “Sun Viewing Tower” – an ideal location to admire the majestic beauty of nature.
This trip not only saves you time but also saves your energy to explore the Great Wall, very suitable for families with young children or the elderly. Right at the Guntiangou parking lot, the cable car will take you straight to the North Tower No. 8, which is extremely convenient.
Climb to the Top of the North Tower No. 8
The journey to conquer the North Tower No. 8 in Badaling is an inspiring experience, especially for those who love challenges and exploration. Following the stone path leading to the top, you will be immersed in the majestic natural scenery, where the Badaling Great Wall stretches out, winding like a giant dragon in the middle of the deep green mountains and forests.
When you reach the top, you will not only feel the pride of conquering the highest section of the Great Wall yourself, but also enjoy the beautiful panoramic view. The mountains follow each other, surrounded by vast spaces, creating a vivid natural picture. Try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, and prepare enough drinking water!
Experience Sliding at Badaling
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If you are looking for a new and interesting experience when exploring Badaling, try sledding from the Great Wall down. This is not only an energy-saving means of transportation but also brings a sense of exciting adventure, like a gentle “roller coaster” version gliding through the majestic natural space.
The sledding journey starts from the upper station near North Tower No. 4 and ends at Bear Garden at the foot of the mountain. During the trip, you will adjust the speed yourself through the joystick, so there is no need to worry about the sledding being too fast or too slow. Note that children and the elderly should consider carefully before participating.
Visit the Badaling Watchtowers
Along the Badaling, the majestic watchtowers on the Great Wall are not only historical relics but also give visitors an insight into ancient military strategies. Of the 43 original watchtowers, only 19 have been restored and opened, each with a separate function.
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Some towers are where soldiers patrol and guard, others are used as signal towers, emitting smoke and fire when enemies appear. In particular, the two-story towers have a ground floor for storing food, the upper floor is an observation point with a solid shooting hole and sawtooth, which is a testament to the military architecture of the Ming Dynasty.
Check-in With the “True Hero” Stele at Badaling
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When exploring Badaling, don’t miss the opportunity to check-in next to the famous “True Hero” stele located on the south side of the Great Wall. This stele was engraved by Chairman Mao with a message taken from his famous poem: “Whoever has not been to the Great Wall cannot be considered a true hero.”
Taking a photo with the stele is not only a way to mark your journey of exploring the majestic history but also to show your own spirit of conquest and discovery. Prepare your camera to capture the moment you become a “True Hero” with the stele as a symbol in your journey to conquer Badaling!
Visit the Great Wall Museum in Badaling
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Located near the entrance to the Badaling area, the Great Wall Museum is a must-see destination for visitors who want to learn more about this great work. Built in 1944, the museum provides an overview of the formation process, architecture and economic and military importance of the Great Wall through the dynasties.
The museum has an exterior architecture shaped like a signal tower and an interior design that curves like a city wall. Currently, it displays more than 2,500 ancient artifacts, including weapons, ancient coins and relics made of iron and ceramics. Visiting the museum, visitors can not only rest after their journey of discovery but also have the opportunity to learn more useful information about the history of the Great Wall and ancient Chinese culture.
Convenient Ways to Get to Badaling in China
To get to Badaling, you can choose many means of transport depending on your starting location and personal preferences. The fastest means of transport is the high-speed train, departing from Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station, taking only about 20-50 minutes. High-speed train fares range from 16-29 yuan (for second class), with the final stop at Badaling Station, about 500 meters from the entrance to the Great Wall.
Another option is bus 877, which departs from Deshengmen Gate. The bus runs non-stop, with a journey time of around 2-3 hours and a fare of 12 yuan. This route operates from 6:00 to 12:30 (April to November) and from 6:30 to 12:30 (November to March). It stops near the Badaling entrance and ticket office.
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There is also a direct tourist bus from Qianmen Gate, which takes around 90 minutes and costs 80 yuan for a return ticket (50 yuan for a one-way ticket). This route only departs when there are enough passengers. Another option is bus 919, which is especially convenient for the return journey after 16:30, when bus 877 has stopped running. However, this route has many stops and the journey time is around 2.5 hours.
(*) Note, taxi is not an ideal choice because the price is unstable and you can easily get ripped off, especially when returning to the city center. If you are traveling in a group of 3-4 people, you can book a private car with a driver for more convenience.
When is the best time to visit Badaling?
Badaling has its own beauty in each season, but Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November) are the two most ideal times.
In Spring, the weather is cool, peach blossoms bloom and the trees are green, creating a vibrant scene. Meanwhile, Autumn stands out with the red and yellow colors of the changing leaves, bringing a romantic space and cool weather, perfect for taking photos.
If you like quietness, Winter (December – February) with white snow covering everything is a great choice, but you need to prepare warm clothes. Summer (June – August) is suitable for sunny days, however, be sure to bring adequate sun protection!
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Some Notes When Visiting Badaling – The Great Wall
To have a safe and enjoyable trip to Badaling, you should note some important information before starting your journey to explore this place:
- First, the terrain in Badaling is quite steep and mountainous, so you should choose to wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes to move easily and ensure safety throughout the journey.
- Second, bring cool clothes, sunscreen and sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Third, during the tour, visitors should comply with the regulations and follow the correct route in the area, avoid writing or littering to maintain hygiene and protect the environment.
- Finally, during peak seasons or holidays, Badaling is often very crowded. Therefore, you should avoid these times or book tickets, accommodation and transportation in advance to save time and avoid overcrowding.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Badaling in China
How Long Does It Take to Get to Badaling from Downtown Beijing?
If you take a sightseeing bus from the east side of Tiananmen, it usually takes about three hours. If you take a direct bus, it will be faster, only taking 1 to 1.5 hours. After the bus arrives at the station, you just need to walk for another 10-15 minutes to Badaling. There is also a free shuttle bus after you get off the bus station to make your travel easier.
What Is the Best Way to Go Directly from Beijing Airport (PEK) to Badaling?
The best way to go directly from Beijing Airport (PEK) to Badaling is to hire a private car or taxi, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can also take the airport express train to Dongchimen, then transfer to the subway to Xishuitang Station, and take bus 877 to Badaling. This is a more economical option, but it will take longer, about 2.5 to 3 hours.
What is the best time of day to visit Badaling?
The best time to visit Badaling is early in the morning. Coming here at this time will not only help you avoid the crowds, but also give you more time to explore and enjoy the beauty of this famous section of the wall. Besides, you should choose to visit on weekdays instead of weekends to avoid the crowds.
When is the peak time for the bus routes to Badaling?
The peak time for buses 919 and 877 to Badaling usually starts from 7:00 am and lasts until about 9:00 am. This is the time when both tourists and locals are on the move, leading to a large crowd at the bus stations. Therefore, you should consider going before or after this time to avoid jostling!
The Great Wall is not only a cultural symbol of China but also a “must-see” destination for all tourists. In particular, the Badaling section is a beautiful destination for you to explore.
Schedule your trip to Badaling and the Great Wall now!
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