Introduction
Badaling Great Wall, located at the northern entrance of the ancient Guangou Road in Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing, is a key pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
The Badaling Great Wall is the earliest section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall opened to visitors, with an accessible length of 3,741 meters. In 1987, UNESCO included the Great Wall of China on the World Heritage List. The torch relay for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics also took place at Badaling. From 2000 to 2009, over 500 heads of state, government leaders, and ruling party chiefs from around the world visited the Badaling Great Wall.
The U.S. President Richard Nixon once said, “Only a great nation could create a great Wall.”
Best Time to Visit
Each year, from mid-October to mid-November, is the best season to visit the Great Wall. During this time, the skies are clear, the weather is cool, and the winding curves of Badaling Great Wall stand out against the distant mountains, showcasing its majestic and grand presence.
Tour Route
Badaling Great Wall is divided into two sections, the North and the South, separated by the Fortress Gate (entry point). The North section has twelve watchtowers, while the South section has seven. The segment from the first to the seventh northern towers is the most popular but crowded and offers limited views, so it’s often recommended to skip this part. The eighth northern tower is the highest point on the Badaling Great Wall, providing a sweeping view of the wall, but it is also a busy area with many visitors, making it somewhat congested.
Compared to the relatively “straight” Mutianyu Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall is more “winding and undulating,” capturing the unique grandeur and charm of the Great Wall’s architecture.
Your travel route will depend on the mode of transportation you choose to reach Badaling. Here are a few recommended routes:
By High-Speed Train
Get off at “Badaling Great Wall Station,” and follow the directional signs after exiting to walk to the cable car station (which is the North Line Aerial Cableway). Take the cable car up to the seventh northern tower.
Start your tour from the seventh northern tower and head toward the eighth northern tower, known as “Hero Slope.” The eighth tower is the highest point on the Badaling Great Wall, offering expansive views and spectacular scenery. Continue onward along a longer, more challenging section, with a particularly steep incline between the eighth and ninth towers—hold the handrails and stay cautious for safety.
The route from the tenth to the eleventh towers is considered the classic section, ideal for taking photos and capturing the experience, while the other sections are relatively similar in views. Expect around 2 hours for the full tour of the northern section, including time for photos and breaks.
Descend from the eleventh northern tower and pass by the Bear Park (free to visit). After a ten-minute walk, you’ll reach the Fortress Gate (entry point), where you can access the southern section of the Great Wall. At the first southern tower, you’ll find the “Hero’s Stele.” The southern section is relatively gentle, making it suitable for families with elderly members and children. Begin at the first southern tower and proceed to the fourth southern tower. This marks the end of the tour, where you can take a cable car down the mountain.
By Bus 877
After getting off the bus, walk for a few minutes to reach the Fortress Gate (entry point). Near the first southern tower, you can take a photo with the “Hero’s Stele.” At this point, we will not visit the southern section of the Great Wall. This route mainly follows the northern section, starting from the first northern tower and walking all the way to the eleventh northern tower. The journey is long, so be mindful of your stamina. Before reaching the eighth northern tower, it may be crowded with visitors.
Finally, descend from the eleventh northern tower, pass by the Bear Park, and walk for about ten minutes back to the Fortress Gate. If you still have energy, you can continue to explore the southern section. Walk from the first southern tower to the seventh southern tower, then return along the same path. This plan is ideal for young and fit individuals who want to experience nearly every part of the Badaling Great Wall. It will take at least 4 hours to complete. This is often referred to as the “Beijing Ironman Triathlon” — Great Wall, National Museum, and the Forbidden City.
Effortless Routes (By Car, High-Speed Train)
North Line Aerial Cableway to the Great Wall → Seventh Northern Tower → Descend southward by stairs to the First Northern Tower → First Southern Tower (Hero’s Stele) → Fourth Southern Tower (Hero’s Stele) → Southern Line Cable Car down the mountain.
After driving to the Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area, you can take the free shuttle bus to reach the core scenic area (Fortress Gate).
Photos and Videos
Basic Information
Is it free? No
Opening Hours: Off-season (November 1 – March 31): 7:30 – 16:00; Peak season (April 1 – October 31): 6:30 – 16:30
Luggage Storage: Yes (Both free and paid options available)
Customer Service Phone: +86 10-69122222
| Item | Price | Description |
| Scenic Area Ticket – Peak Season | ￥40（Approx. USD 5.6） | Seniors (60 years and older) and minors (under 18 years) receive free entry. |
| Scenic Area Ticket – Off-Season | ￥30（Approx. USD 4.2） | Seniors (60 years and older) and minors (under 18 years) receive free entry. |
| Cable Car – Round Trip | ￥140（Approx. USD 19.6） | Optional. Children with a height of 1.2 meters and below can enter for free. |
| Cable Car – One Way | ￥100（Approx. USD 14） | Optional. Children with a height of 1.2 meters and below can enter for free. |
Transportation Options
How to Get to the Scenic Area from Downtown?
Getting to the Badaling Great Wall is very convenient, with multiple transportation options available.
High-Speed Train: Beijing North Station → Badaling Great Wall Station, with ticket prices starting at 25 RMB（Approx. USD 3.5）, and the journey taking about 30 to 50 minutes. The earliest train departs from Beijing North Station at 6:10. Tickets may be in high demand on weekends, so it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance. If your departure point is closer to Qinghe, you can also opt to buy a ticket from Qinghe Station to Badaling. If tickets are sold out, you can try buying a ticket to Yanqing Station and get off early. The last train from Badaling Great Wall Station departs at 20:43.
The Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch Bus: The departure point is at Qianmen, with a direct route to Badaling. Buses operate from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM, with departures at regular intervals. If you want to reserve a seat, children need to purchase a full ticket. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Return buses depart between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM from the GuntianGou parking lot. Return buses pass by the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, with the final stop at Qianmen Subway Station. Round-trip tickets are 80 RMB (Approx. USD 11.2), and one-way tickets are 50 RMB (Approx. USD 7). (Tickets can be purchased in advance via the Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch’s WeChat official account, search for “北京旅游集散中心” in WeChat.)
Busda: The departure point is at Exit C of Beitu City Subway Station (北土城), with six daily departures (from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, one bus per hour), offering a direct route to the ticket entrance, without needing to take the scenic area shuttle bus. The return pickup point is at the “China Great Wall Museum Square.” The return time will be determined based on the arrival time of the outbound bus, ensuring visitors have at least 4 hours for sightseeing. Specific arrangements will be provided by on-site staff. One-way tickets are 40 RMB (Approx. USD 5.6), and round-trip tickets are 80 RMB (Approx. USD 11.2). Children aged 4 to 10 can get tickets at half price, and children under 4 can travel for free. Additionally, it’s free on your birthday.
DarlingBus: There are several departure points, including Qianmen, Chaoyangmen, Zhushikou, Xuanwumen, Wangfujing, Chongwenmen, Hepingmen, National Library, Beitu City, and the Art Museum. Round-trip tickets are 80 RMB (Approx. USD 11.2). Tickets can be purchased through the WeChat official account “长城内外旅游” for more detailed information on bus schedules and routes.
Bus 877: Deshengmen → Badaling (Direct), ticket price is 12 RMB (half price with a bus card), with a journey time of about 1.5 hours. The first bus departs from Deshengmen at 6:30 AM, arriving at the Jinniugou parking lot at Badaling Great Wall. The last bus from Badaling Great Wall departs at 16:30 (off-season, November 16 to March 31) and 17:00 (peak season, April 1 to November 15).
Bus 919: Deshengmen → Tiyuchang Community (via Badaling Great Wall). This bus also departs from Deshengmen but stops at several stations along the way, so it takes longer and is not a direct route. The drop-off point (Heilongtan Parking Lot) is about 3 kilometers away from the core scenic area (Fortress Gate). However, there is a free shuttle bus available to take you closer. Be aware that there is also a bus route called “919快”, so make sure you get on the correct bus.
Taxi or Self-Driving: If driving, use navigation to reach the Badaling Great Wall Tiandi Parking Lot, where free shuttle buses are available to take you to the core scenic area (Commercial Street and Fortress Gate).
Important Notes
Smoking, carrying fire, pets, and drone photography equipment are prohibited within the scenic area.
As the wind can be strong on the Great Wall, it is recommended to bring a jacket. In some areas with steep inclines, wearing sports shoes or hiking boots is advisable. For those who care about appearance, make sure to apply sunscreen during the summer and autumn seasons.
The full climb takes a considerable amount of time, so it’s a good idea to bring some snacks and drinking water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parking lots are available for self-driving to the Great Wall, and which one is the most convenient?
There are several parking lots available: Badaling Jinniugou Parking Lot, Chaxi Parking Lot (which has the most parking spaces), Heilongtan Parking Lot, and Great Wall Tiandi Parking Lot. The most convenient one is the Jinniugou Parking Lot, which is only 200 meters from the core scenic area (Fortress Gate).
How much is the parking fee at Badaling Great Wall?
The parking fee is 10 yuan (Approx. USD 1.4).
How long does it take to walk from the first northern tower to the eighth northern tower?
It takes about 1.5 hours.
How long does it take to climb from the first northern tower to the eleventh northern tower?
It takes about 2 hours, excluding time for photos and breaks. The distance is quite far, so be prepared as it can be tiring. It’s reasonable to allocate about 3 hours for this part of the journey.
Can I hike up and take the cable car down?
Yes, you can. You can walk up the northern section to the eighth northern tower and take the cable car down. For the southern section, you can hike to the fourth southern tower and take the track cable car down.
Which section of the Great Wall should I take if I’m with elderly people?
The southern section is definitely more suitable as it is gentler. Walking from the first southern tower to the seventh southern tower takes about 1.5 hours. For elderly people with limited stamina, walking to the fourth southern tower would be enough.
Can I climb a short section and then return the same way?
Of course, you can. You can always return whenever you feel tired.