The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China is one of the most famous and well-preserved parts of this world-renowned landmark. Located about 70 kilometers from Beijing, Badaling offers an extraordinary glimpse into China’s ancient history, majestic views, and a chance to experience one of the most iconic monuments in the world. Whether you’re hiking or taking the cable car, Badaling provides a memorable and accessible experience for travelers of all fitness levels. Here’s your complete guide to visiting the Badaling Great Wall, including tips on the best routes, transportation options, ticket information, and nearby attractions.
Ticket Information
General Admission: ¥40
Duration of the Hike
Round-Trip on Foot:
- South Line: Approximately 1.5 hours
- North Line: Approximately 2.5 hours
Cable Car to the 8th Tower: Approximately 5 minutes
Transportation Guide to Badaling Great Wall
By Train (S2 Line): From Huangtudian (黄土店) (next to Huoying Subway Station on Line 8) to Badaling, single journey costs ¥7 and takes about 1 hour.
By High-Speed Rail (Beijing-Zhangjiakou): From Beijing North Station (next to Xizhimen Subway Station, Lines 2 and 4) or Qinghe Station to Badaling, the journey costs ¥18 and takes approximately 40 minutes.
Direct Bus: Departs from Qianmen (前门)/Beitucheng (北土城)/National Library subway stations (国家图书馆) and takes you directly to Badaling, with a round-trip fare of ¥80. The bus takes about 1.5 hours each way.
Bus 877: Departs from Deshengmen Station (德胜门站) (next to Jishuitan Subway Station, Line 2) to Badaling, single journey costs ¥6 and takes about 2 hours.
Taxi: Navigate to the Badaling Great Wall Parking Lot. Free shuttle buses are available to transport visitors from the parking area to the commercial street and Guntian Gorge Parking Lot (滚天沟停车场).
Self-Driving: Take the Jingzang Expressway to Heilongtan Parking Lot (黑龙潭停车场), approximately 1 hour with a ¥24 toll. Free shuttle buses are available from the parking area to the Great Wall’s main entrances.
Badaling Great Wall Sections
North Section (Tower 1-12):
- Tower 1-4: Gentle slopes with a smooth walking surface, easy for beginners.
- Tower 7-8: Known as the “Hero Slope,” the highest point of the North section.
- Tower 8-12: Steeper slopes with stairs, requiring a moderate level of physical endurance. These areas offer fewer crowds and excellent views, making them highly recommended for visitors seeking a quieter experience.
South Section (Tower 1-7):
- Tower 1-4: Easier slopes and accessible by cable car.
- Tower 5-7: Steep stairs are present but fewer than in the North section.
Cable Car and Toboggan Options
Cable Car: One-Way: ¥100; Round-Trip: ¥140
Toboggan Ride: One-way toboggan descent from the top costs ¥80 and is a fun and thrilling way to return from the Great Wall.
Recommended Hiking Routes
- Easy Route for Beginners: Cable Car to North Tower 7 → Hike to North Tower 8 → Hike back to North Tower 7 → Return via Cable Car
- Full Experience with Cable Car and Toboggan: Cable Car to North Tower 7 → Hike to North Tower 8 → Hike back to North Tower 4 → Take the Toboggan to Black Bear Park → Exit on Foot
- Comprehensive North-South Experience | Cable Car Option: Walk from South Tower 1 to South Tower 7 → Return to South Tower 1 → Walk to North Tower 1 to North Tower 8 → Return via Cable Car
- Comprehensive North-South Experience | Toboggan Option: Walk from South Tower 1 to South Tower 7 → Return to South Tower 1 → Walk to North Tower 1 to North Tower 8 → Return via Toboggan
- Challenging Option for Experienced Hikers: Walk from South Tower 1 to South Tower 7 → Return to South Tower 1 → Hike to North Tower 1 to North Tower 12 → Return to North Tower 11 → Black Bear Park → Exit on Foot
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May): Perfect weather conditions with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. The scenery is breathtaking, with blooming flowers and clear skies.
Summer (June to August): Ideal for those wanting to enjoy lush vegetation and evening visits. This is also the best time for escaping the heat of the city.
Autumn (September to November): The most popular time to visit, especially for stunning autumn foliage. The colors of the maple leaves and the surrounding mountains create a picturesque landscape.
Winter (December to February): Experience the Great Wall in a unique winter setting with snow covering the surrounding areas. However, the number of visitors is lower during this time, making it a more peaceful experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting the Badaling Great Wall
- For Stronger Hikers: If you have good stamina, consider hiking from North Tower 7 to Tower 12. This route offers fewer tourists and magnificent panoramic views.
- Mao Zedong’s “Not a Hero Unless You’ve Climbed the Great Wall”: Don’t miss the famous stone tablet near South Tower 1, which reads Mao’s iconic quote.
- Hero Slope: Located between North Tower 7 and North Tower 8, this slope is steep but rewarding for those seeking a challenge.
- Black Bear Park: Located at North Tower 11, this park is a great rest stop. You can exit here instead of retracing your steps.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are conveniently located at Tower 1, Tower 4, and Tower 7.
- What to Bring: Hiking essentials like water, snacks (chocolate, apples, beef jerky), and comfortable shoes.
- Food and Drinks: There are several food options on South and North Towers 1, including fast food chains like KFC, Starbucks, and local snacks.
- Ticket Tips: It’s recommended to purchase your high-speed rail tickets to Badaling in advance, as tickets for the Badaling Great Wall Railway Station stop being sold 12 minutes before departure.
Nearby Attractions
Badaling Wildlife Park: One of China’s largest wildlife parks, ideal for families and animal lovers.
Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall: A museum dedicated to the famous Chinese engineer Zhan Tianyou, who helped construct the Beijing-Zhangjiakou railway.
Great Wall Cable Car: Experience a thrilling ride above the Great Wall, offering panoramic views of the entire area.