Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a Chinese travel expert with years of experience exploring the world across five continents and dozens of countries. Unlike typical “check-in” tourists, I dive deep into the cultural and historical context of each place I visit. In this guide, I’ll walk you through one of China’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites—the Badaling Great Wall. This is not just a sightseeing destination, but a powerful journey through centuries of Chinese history. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, I hope this guide helps you experience the Wall with deeper understanding and appreciation.

Summary

Introduction to the Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is a key section of China’s ancient military defense project—the Great Wall of China. It’s one of the most strategically significant and best-preserved parts of the Ming Dynasty Wall. Historically, Badaling served as a forward outpost of Juyongguan Pass, often referenced by the phrase: “The danger of Juyong is not in the pass, but in Badaling.” This segment of the Wall is also referred to as the “Impassable Barrier of Jade.” In 1991, it was officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is recognized as a 5A-rated national tourist attraction in China.

  • Address: G6 Jingzang Expressway Exit 58, Yanqing District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening Hours:
    • Peak Season (April–October): Daily 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • Off-season (November–March): Daily 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Suggested Visit Duration: 3–5 hours
  • Best Visiting Seasons: All year round
  • Ticket Price: 40 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase:Trip.com Discounts,Klook Deals,KKday Offers
Panoramic view of the Badaling Great Wall under blue sky

Badaling Great Wall Map

Tourist map of the Badaling Great Wall scenic area

Why You Should Visit the Badaling Great Wall

Profound Historical Significance

As a major part of the Great Wall of China, Badaling is not only a symbol of the Chinese nation, but also a site with deep historical roots. It has served as a key military location for centuries, witnessing the movements of figures like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Genghis Khan, and emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

Scenic Beauty Across All Four Seasons

Badaling is ideal to visit in spring, summer, and autumn. In spring, flowers bloom and temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C—perfect for hiking while reflecting on the Wall’s long history. In summer, the wall stands proud against a bright blue sky and white clouds. As night falls, lights illuminate the path, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. Autumn is the best season for viewing colorful leaves. The surrounding forest transforms into a vibrant mix of red, orange, and yellow hues.

Top Things to Do in Badaling Great Wall

Main Attractions

Hao Han Bei (Hero’s Stele)

“You are not a true hero until you’ve climbed the Great Wall”—this famous saying is engraved on the Hao Han Bei. You’ll find this inscription on steles at both North Tower 4 and South Tower 1, marking key milestones along the Wall. First stated by Mao Zedong in 1935, it has become a symbolic point of pride and a must-photograph location. Standing in front of this stele is both a physical achievement and a tribute to Chinese historical spirit.

Hero Stele with Mao Zedong inscription at Badaling Great Wall

Hao Han Shi (Hero Stone)

Located between North Tower 4 and 5 on a steep slope, this natural boulder features three large red characters that say “好汉石” (Hero Stone). Legend says only those who conquer this steep segment deserve the title of “hero.” Today, it remains a popular photo stop and a symbol of bravery for visitors who make the climb.

Hero Stone with red characters on a cliff at Badaling

Hao Han Po (Hero Slope)

This is the steepest part of the Badaling Great Wall, known for its sharp incline and high steps. It challenges your stamina and determination. From the base, the Wall resembles a giant dragon coiling up the mountain. Reaching the summit rewards you with sweeping views of the landscape and a deeper appreciation for the words: “You are not a true hero until you’ve climbed the Great Wall.”

Steep stone stairs known as Hero Slope at Badaling Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall Ticket Guide

Badaling offers various tickets not only for entrance but also for internal transport options such as cable cars, ropeways, and toboggans, which can be confusing at first. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide.

  • Ropeway: One-way 100 CNY, available for purchase on-site. Shared ticketing system with cable car. Travels between Guntiangou parking lot and North Tower 7 in a sealed 8-passenger cabin. Ride time: 8 minutes.
  • Cable Car: One-way 100 CNY, also shared with ropeway. Departs from the commercial area to South Tower 4 in a 120-passenger cabin with panoramic windows. Ride time: 6 minutes.
  • Toboggan: One-way 80 CNY. On-site purchase only. Travels between North Tower 4 and Xiongleyuan base station. Single-row seating for 20 passengers. Ride down: 2 minutes. Ride up: 10 minutes. Unlike the Mutianyu Great Wall, this toboggan is less of a must-try.

Badaling Great Wall Ticket Prices

  • Ticket Times: Morning (6:30–12:30), Afternoon (12:31–16:30)
  • Adults: 40 CNY
  • Free Admission: Children under 18 and seniors over 60 (ID required for verification)

Where to Buy Tickets

The Badaling Wall has two sections: South (Towers 1–7) and North (Towers 1–12). Most visitors explore the North Section due to its dramatic views and iconic features.

  • South Section: Towers 1–4 feature gentle slopes. Tower 4 is the highest point in the south. Towers 5–7 have a few steep stairs but remain senior- and kid-friendly. Takes around 1–1.5 hours one way.
  • North Section: Towers 1–4 are gentle, but from Tower 7 onward (Hao Han Po), it becomes more physically demanding. Tower 8 is the highest point. Towers 8–12 include steep climbs and descents. One-way walk: 3–4 hours.

Recommended Routes for Different Visitors:

  • Full Hike (for full experience): Start at entrance → North 1 → Hao Han Po (North 7) → Tower 8 → Tower 11 → exit at Front Mountain parking lot
  • With elders/children: Enter from Guntiangou → take aerial cable car → North 7 → Tower 8 → free exploration → return via North 7 cable car
  • Walk + Cable Car Down: Start at entrance → North 1 → North 7 → Tower 8 → return to North 7 → cable car back. Skips the steepest part (Tower 8–11) but offers a rich experience

You’ll find plenty of restaurants around Badaling Pedestrian Street, so no need to worry about where to eat. Here are a few recommended spots:

Badaling Food Plaza

Badaling Food Court near the Great Wall entrance
  • Why Visit: A great place with a variety of snacks and meals. If you’re unsure where to eat, this is the safest choice.
  • Address: Changcheng West Road, Sanzhuang, Yanqing District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Average Price: 39 CNY

Qing-Feng Steamed Dumpling Shop (Badaling Branch No. 2)

Steamed buns at Qing-Feng Baozi Shop at Badaling
  • Why Visit: One of Beijing’s most popular dumpling chains. Fresh, hot dumplings that taste amazing.
  • Address: Inside Badaling Great Wall, Exit 58, G6 Jingzang Expressway (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Average Price: 27 CNY

KFC (Badaling Pedestrian Street Branch)

Cheeseburger from KFC at Badaling Great Wall pedestrian area
  • Why Visit: A fast and familiar option. Ideal for a quick bite if you’re short on time.
  • Address: G6 Jingzang Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Average Price: 45 CNY

How to Get to the Badaling Great Wall from Downtown Beijing

Taking the train is the most recommended option. It is time-efficient, offers a great experience, and is reasonably priced. If you can’t get a round-trip train ticket, consider the tourist bus—it’s available on-site and provides a much better experience than you might expect. If you’re on a tight budget, public buses are the cheapest option and depart from central Beijing.

Train

There are two train stations in central Beijing that offer service to Badaling Great Wall: Beijing North Railway Station and Qinghe Railway Station. Be aware: the correct arrival station is Badaling Great Wall Station, not “Badaling Station”—a common mistake. A one-way ticket costs about 30 CNY and takes around 30–40 minutes. This is by far the most comfortable option. Tickets for high-speed rail must be purchased in advance, especially the return trip. If you wait too long, tickets may sell out and you’ll need to find another way back to the city. Also note that boarding at Badaling Great Wall Station closes 12 minutes before departure, so arrive early.

S2 Line Railway

This option is similar to the Beijing Metro, with a one-way fare of 7 CNY and travel time around 1 hour. The departure point is Huangtudian Station, which is located far from downtown. Public buses can get you there, but a taxi is recommended. Since the S2 line doesn’t run frequently, take it only if the schedule works for you.

Public Bus

Take bus No. 877, a suburban line set up specifically for visitors going to the Badaling Great Wall. It departs from Deshengmen Bus Terminal. Buses run from 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM for departure, and from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM for return. The fare is 12 CNY per adult, and the journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This is the cheapest transportation option, but it takes significantly longer than the alternatives.

Tourist Bus

You can board and exit on Qianmen Street. Tickets are purchased on-site, and the bus goes directly to the entrance of the Badaling Great Wall. The fare is 80 CNY for a round trip and the ride takes about 1.5 hours. Compared to the public bus, this is a much more comfortable experience. The pickup point is located in the city center.

  • Boarding point: 50 meters west of the south gate of Zhengyangmen Turret, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Operating hours: Departures from 8:00 to 10:00 AM; Returns from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

How to Get to the Badaling Great Wall from Beijing Capital International Airport

There’s no direct transportation from Beijing Capital Airport to the Badaling Great Wall. You’ll need to travel to downtown Beijing first, then take public transportation. If you’re short on time, using a ride-hailing app is the most efficient option.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

The most convenient way is by taxi or ride-hailing directly from the airport to the Badaling Great Wall. A one-way ride costs between 260–300 CNY and takes about one hour.

Subway + Tourist Bus

From the airport, take the Capital Airport Express Line to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station. This costs 29 CNY. From Qianmen Street, you can buy tickets on-site and take the tourist bus directly to the entrance of the Badaling Great Wall. The round-trip fare is 80 CNY. Since this bus stops right at the entrance, you won’t need to pay the 15 CNY shuttle transfer fee. Note: Some buses also sell Wall entrance tickets onboard. If you’ve already purchased yours, no need to buy again.

  • Boarding point: 50 meters west of the south gate of Zhengyangmen Turret, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Operating hours: Departures from 8:00 to 10:00 AM; Returns from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Airport Shuttle + Tourist Bus

Take the airport shuttle that runs to Beijing West Station, and get off at Qianmen East. This costs 30 CNY. Then walk to Qianmen Street to board the tourist bus directly to the Badaling Great Wall entrance. Round-trip fare is 80 CNY, and as before, it drops you at the gate—no need for the 15 CNY shuttle. Note: Entrance tickets are also sold on the bus, only needed if you haven’t already purchased one.

  • Boarding point: 50 meters west of the south gate of Zhengyangmen Turret, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Operating hours: Departures from 8:00 to 10:00 AM; Returns from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

How to Get to the Badaling Great Wall from Beijing Daxing International Airport

There’s no direct transport from Beijing Daxing Airport to the Wall. The best approach is to take the subway into the city, then transfer to the tourist bus to reach the Badaling Great Wall.

Subway + Tourist Bus

From Daxing Airport, take the Daxing Airport Express Line to Caoqiao Station, then transfer to Line 19 → Jingfengmen Station → Line 14 → Yongdingmenwai Station → Line 8 → Qianmen Station. The subway fare is 39 CNY. From Qianmen Street, you can buy tickets on-site and board the tourist bus straight to the Wall entrance. The fare is 80 CNY round-trip. As with other routes, you’ll save the 15 CNY shuttle transfer fee by using this bus. Tickets are also sold onboard, but only needed if you haven’t already purchased them.

  • Boarding point: 50 meters west of the south gate of Zhengyangmen Turret, Dongcheng District, Beijing (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Operating hours: Departures from 8:00 to 10:00 AM; Returns from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

FAQ

Is Badaling Great Wall stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?

Unfortunately, no. The Wall is steep and rugged, and there are no accessible facilities.

Where can I store luggage?

There is free luggage storage at the entrance of the Badaling Great Wall. Even large suitcases can be stored there—very convenient.

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