Beijing Badaling Great Wall
The most famous Great Wall site in China.
Badaling Great Wall is definitely the most famous section of all the Great Wall areas in China. Famous international visitors who have been here include U.S. President Nixon, Queen Elizabeth II of the UK, Russian President Yeltsin, and Indian Prime Minister Nehru. As of May 2024, it has welcomed over 200 million tourists.
The Badaling Great Wall is located on the outskirts of Beijing and is easy to reach by high-speed train. It’s mainly split into two parts: the “North Wall” and the “South Wall.” The North Wall is steeper and has 12 watchtowers along the way. It gets the most visitors. The South Wall is gentler, with 7 watchtowers, and sees fewer tourists.
We will introduce the main sights at Beijing Badaling and how to visit. We’ll also talk about what it’s like to visit in different seasons. At the end, you’ll find a Q&A section and ticket info.
Table of Contents
Highlights of the Beijing Badaling Great Wall
Main Entrances of Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城入口)
There are three main entrances to the Badaling Great Wall: the cable car entrance, the slide entrance, and the main gate. Most visitors usually choose the main gate. However, during peak tourist seasons, it’s recommended to enter from the Bear Park on the south side of the Wall, as it’s much less crowded. As for the cable car and slide entrances, our advice is: if it’s not too busy, give them a try. But if the lines are long, it’s better to avoid them since you might end up waiting up to two hours.
Pathway of the Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城的道路)
Once you pass through the main gate, you’re stepping onto a path that’s over 2,300 years old. This road has seen countless ancient Chinese soldiers standing guard, looking north, and protecting every dynasty that ruled China.
Wall Bricks (长城的墙砖)
On either side of the path are the iconic wall bricks of the Badaling Great Wall. Made from granite, these bricks are incredibly durable, resistant to natural weathering and external impacts. The mortar holding them together isn’t just ordinary soil—it’s a mix of lime, sticky rice paste, and other materials. The lime enhances the soil’s stickiness and strength, while the rice paste acts like modern glue, making the walls even sturdier and better able to withstand wind and rain.
If you look closely at the bricks, you’ll notice some are carved with writing in various languages. Most of it is just tourists’ names or phrases like “I was here.” We urge visitors to the Beijing Badaling Great Wall to be respectful and help protect this incredible 2,300-year-old structure.
Hero Monuments (好汉碑)
As you walk along the Great Wall of China Badaling, you’ll come across many stone tablets known as “Hero Monuments.” There’s a well-known saying in China: “He who doesn’t reach the Great Wall is not a true hero.” This phrase comes from a poem Mao Zedong wrote in October 1935. It’s a metaphor, meaning that if you can’t overcome obstacles to achieve your goal, you’re not really a hero.
Many visitors enjoy taking photos with the Hero Monuments at Beijing Badaling, showing they’ve completed the entire stretch of the Wall and conquered the challenge.
Hero Slope (好汉坡)
As you climb the Badaling Great Wall from Beijing, you’ll come across many steep uphill sections. The steepest one is located just before the eighth watchtower on the North Wall. This slope is famous for its difficulty and challenging incline, so it’s called the “Hero Slope.” The angle is about 45 degrees. During the climb, people need to grip the handrails tightly and use all their strength to slowly make their way up.
North Eight Tower (北八楼)
After conquering the Hero Slope, you’ll reach the highest point of the Badaling Great Wall, the “North Eight Tower.” It sits at an elevation of 888 meters and offers the best view of the Great Wall.
Badaling Bear Park (熊乐园)
Beijing Badaling Bear Park is located on the south side of the Great Wall. After touring the Wall, you can visit the park to see black bears, brown bears, and sun bears—over 380 in total. You can buy food inside the park to feed the bears and even interact with them up close. However, it’s important to be cautious when feeding them. Make sure the interaction stays safe for both you and the animals.
Shopping Street (商业步行街)
You don’t have to worry about finding food or stores at the Great Wall of China Badaling—there’s a shopping street that has everything you need. You’ll find brands like Chagee, Starbucks, and MIXUE Ice Cream & Tea, along with fast food spots like McDonald’s and Subway. There are also local Beijing restaurants. Plus, just 2 kilometers away, there’s an outlet mall with even more shopping and dining options.
Badaling Great Wall in Different Seasons
Spring (春天)
In spring, the Badaling Great Wall is alive with vibrant mountain flowers and fresh leaves, creating a beautiful, lively scene. As you stroll along the Wall, you’ll see peach and apricot blossoms competing for attention, turning the area into a sea of flowers. It’s a refreshing sight that lifts your spirits.
Summer (夏天)
Summer at Beijing Badaling can get quite hot, especially in July when temperatures can reach 35-40°C (95-104°F). The heat makes climbing the Wall a real challenge. Unless you’re ready to sweat it out under the scorching sun, I’d suggest avoiding this season.
Fall (秋天)
Fall is one of the best times to visit Great Wall of China Badaling. The weather is mild—no more summer heat, but not as cold as winter. The maple leaves turn fiery red, the ginkgo trees are golden, and the evergreens remain lush. All these colors mix together, creating a stunning view that looks like a beautiful watercolor painting.
Winter (冬天)
In winter, the trees around Beijing Badaling have shed their leaves, giving the landscape a unique, desolate beauty. The temperature drops, so it’s best to dress warmly—think down jackets, scarves, and hats. Also, the ground may be icy, so wearing non-slip shoes or hiking boots is a smart choice to stay safe while walking.
Ways to Explore the Beijing Badaling Great Wall
Hiking the Great Wall (徒步长城)
Hiking the Great Wall’s southern section takes about 1-2 hours, while the northern section takes around 3-4 hours. The southern route is relatively flat, making it ideal for the elderly and kids. The first four watchtowers have gentle slopes, with the 4th tower being the highest point on the south side. The 5th to 7th towers have steeper stairs, but overall, it’s still pretty manageable for families. The northern section, however, requires more stamina.
Cable Car (缆车)
The southern cable car is a ground-level ride, starting across from the Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall and taking you to the South Four Tower in just 6 minutes. The northern section has an aerial cable car, starting at the Guntian Valley parking lot and ending at the North Eight Tower near the Hero Slope. This ride takes about 8 minutes.
A heads-up: during peak tourist seasons in Beijing, many visitors report long waiting times for the cable car, with some lines stretching up to 2 or 3 hours. However, the actual ride only lasts a few minutes, which can leave tourists feeling frustrated with the wait-to-ride ratio.
Slide (滑车)
The Great Wall’s slide ride is a track-mounted sled that you slide down by gravity. It has a lever at the front to control your speed, allowing you to brake as needed. However, some visitors have said the ride lasts only about 2 minutes and can be quite noisy, making it feel like it’s not worth the ticket price.
Helicopter Tour (直升机)
For a more unique experience, you can take a 15-minute helicopter tour of the Badaling Great Wall. The flight takes off from the Beijing Badaling Airport and flies over the beacon towers, offering amazing views of the Wall winding through the mountains and the surrounding natural beauty. The helicopter base is at the Beijing Badaling General Airport, and the price is around 899 CNY (about 125 USD) per person, though it may vary. It’s best to check the latest prices in advance.
Worst Times to Visit the Great Wall of China Badaling
The peak tourist seasons at Badaling China mainly coincide with Chinese holidays and the summer school break. During holidays like Labor Day (May 1st) and National Day (October 1st), the crowds can get overwhelming, and the area can become extremely crowded. The summer break, especially in July and August, also sees a huge influx of visitors, as many families take vacations during this time. These periods are definitely not the best time to visit China if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
Fun Things to See at the Great Wall of China Badaling
Cute "Great Wall Cat" (可爱的“长城猫”)
While exploring the Wall, you might spot a lazy cat lounging on top of the high walls, just staring down at you. These adorable cats bring a touch of life and energy to the majestic Great Wall. Although they live freely in the wild, they’re cared for by both staff and visitors. Plus, they play a role in protecting the ancient structure from rodent damage.
Ice Cream (冰淇淋)
At the entrance to the Badaling Great Wall from Beijing, you’ll find a convenience store selling ice creams shaped like the Wall itself. Each one costs 25 CNY (about 3.5 USD). Many visitors love to grab one before heading up the Wall, enjoying a tasty treat and snapping a few fun photos with it.
Luggage Storage at Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall offers luggage storage for visitors. You don’t have to carry big bags while exploring.
You can store your luggage at the entrance, the Great Wall Museum, or the North Gate Visitor Center.
FAQs About Beijing Badaling Great Wall
1. How long is Badaling Great Wall?
The Badaling section of the Great Wall is about 7,600 meters (about 4.7 miles) long. The part open to tourists is roughly 3,741 meters (about 2.3 miles).
2. How long does it take to climb Badaling Great Wall?
For most people with average fitness, it takes about 2-3 hours to climb the Badaling Great Wall. If you’re traveling with older adults or children, it might take longer—around 3-4 hours or even more. If you plan to hike both the southern and northern sections, expect it to take even longer.
How to Get to the Badaling Great Wall
If you’re traveling in Beijing, take the subway Line 5 and transfer to Line 13, then get off at Qinghe Station. From there, hop on a high-speed train, and in just 20 minutes, you’ll arrive at Changcheng Station (Great Wall Station). Once you exit the station, you’ll find clear signs to guide you on a short walk to the entrance of the Badaling Great Wall.
Hours & Fees
Hours
Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily
Off-Season (November 1 – March 31): 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM daily
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, and October
Fees
Admission: 40 CNY (about 5.5 USD) per person
Cable Car:
One-way: 100 CNY (about 14 USD) per person
Round-trip: 140 CNY (about 19 USD) per person
Slide:
One-way: 80 CNY (about 11 USD) per person
Round-trip: 120 CNY (about 17 USD) per person
Helicopter Tour: 899 CNY (about 125 USD) per person (10 minutes)
High-Speed Train from Qinghe Station to Great Wall Station: 20-30 CNY (about 3-4 USD)
Practical Tips
If you’re taking the high-speed train round-trip, it’s a good idea to arrive at the train station 25 minutes early, since the Badaling Great Wall Station stops ticketing 12 minutes before departure.
There’s almost no shade on the Wall. If you’re visiting in summer, make sure to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
The steps on the Wall vary in height, and the slopes can be steep and slippery. Wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is really important.
