Badaling Great Wall八达岭长城
Badaling is the best-known and most representative section of the Great Wall, about 60 km from Beijing, with easy transport and full visitor facilities. Built in the Ming dynasty on commanding terrain, it splits at the entrance into a south line and a north line — the higher, steeper north line is the choice of most visitors. Peak-season admission is CNY 45, off-season CNY 40.
Beijing · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Badaling Great Wall worth visiting?
The most classic stretch of the Great Wall, 60 km from Beijing at roughly 1,000 m. Entry CNY 40 off-season and CNY 45 in season, cableway extra; allow 2-4 hours.
Quick facts
| Ticket | CNY 45 peak season, CNY 40 off-season; cableway extra CNY 120 |
|---|---|
| Hours | 07:30-18:00 (peak season), 08:00-17:00 (off-season) |
| Recommended duration | 2-4 hours |
| Best time to visit | April-May and September-October; avoid public holidays |
| How to get there | Bus 919 from Deshengmen, or the S2 train from Beijing North railway station |
| English signage | |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| Distance from central Beijing | About 60 km |
| Elevation | About 1,000 m |
| Open section length | About 3,741 m |
| Watchtowers | 43 |
| Built | Ming dynasty |
| Character | One of the most dramatic sections of the wall |
What to expect
Badaling is one of the most representative sections of the Ming Great Wall, running along the Cuiping ridge of the Jundu Mountains. Its name reflects the old maxim that the strategic key to Juyongguan lies not in the pass itself but here at Badaling. The terrain is formidable — rolling ridgelines with the wall snaking over the hills, watchtowers scattered thick as stars, and an overwhelming sense of scale.
At the entrance the wall splits into two routes. The north line climbs past 12 watchtowers — steeper but with sweeping views, the pick for fitter visitors — while the south line has 6 watchtowers on a gentler gradient better suited to seniors and children. Either route delivers the full grandeur of the wall.
Badaling was the first section of the wall opened to the public and remains the best equipped and easiest to reach, drawing millions of visitors a year. That popularity means big crowds: skip the holidays and come early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a far better experience.
How to get there
Direct bus 919 from Deshengmen (express CNY 12), or the S2 train from Beijing North station to Badaling station (CNY 6).
Best photo spots
- The view from the highest watchtower on the north line
- Panoramas along the wall itself
- Aerial views from the cable car
- The Haohanpo (Hero Slope) stone stele
Tips
- Avoid public holidays at all costs — the crowds are enormous
- Arrive early, right at opening time
- Wear comfortable, grippy shoes — the steps are steep
- Bring plenty of water and snacks; prices on the mountain are high
Scams to avoid
- Beware of unlicensed taxis and unlicensed tour guides
- Do not be misled by claims that the wall is closed or located elsewhere
- Agree on horse-ride and photo prices at the foot of the wall before taking part
Frequently asked questions
Badaling or Mutianyu — which is better?
Badaling has the best facilities and easiest transport but the biggest crowds; Mutianyu is better preserved and quieter but harder to reach.
Is the climb very long?
Depending on your fitness, plan on 2-4 hours for a visit.
Is the cable car worth it?
If your stamina is average or you are short on time, take the cable car up to the North 8th Tower.
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