The Badaling Great Wall is the most visited section of the Great Wall of China, and for good reason. Just 60km from Beijing, it’s the easiest section to reach and the first major section built during the Ming Dynasty. With a 4.7/5 rating from over 59,000 reviews, it’s the top choice for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.

Badaling Great Wall China
Why Visit Badaling Great Wall?
- Closest major section to Beijing — only 60km from city center
- Most well-preserved Ming Dynasty fortification
- 4.7/5 rating based on 59,290+ verified reviews
- Best accessibility — cable car available for those who need it
- Rich history — one of the Nine Strategic Passes under heaven
Tickets & Hours 2026
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Open Hours | 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) |
| Ticket from | $5.89 |
| Recommended Visit | 3-5 hours |
| Address | Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing |
| Phone | +86-4008180088 |
Buy tickets online to skip the queue and secure your preferred time slot.
Getting There from Beijing
| Transport | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | 35 min | ¥20-30 |
| Tour bus | 1.5 hrs | ¥60-100 |
Pro tip: The high-speed train is the fastest and most reliable option. Trains depart regularly from Beijing North Station.
What You’ll See
The fortress gate has a trapezoidal shape with two gate towers:
- Eastern arch — inscribed “Juyong Waizhen” (Frontier Town of Juyong)
- Western gate — inscribed “Beimen Suoyue” (Key to the Northern Gate)
North of the fortress stretches the 12-tower Northern Wall (most popular, steeper climb).
South lies the 7-tower Southern Wall (less crowded, quieter).
For the best experience: Start with the Southern Wall first, then tackle the Northern section.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-May): Flowers bloom, pleasant temperatures
- Autumn (September-October): Golden foliage, cool weather
- Avoid: Chinese National Day (October 1-7) — extreme crowds
- Best time of day: Arrive at opening time (6:30 AM) or after 3 PM to beat peak crowds
What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Water (2-3 bottles)
- Sunscreen and hat
- Light jacket (spring/fall seasons)
- Power bank for photos
- Cash (some vendors don’t accept cards)
- No drones — strictly prohibited
Amenities
- Audio guide rental
- Stroller rental
- Restrooms
- Baby care room
- Dining and convenience store
Important Notice
⚠️ Cable car maintenance every Tuesday. Check the schedule if planning to use the cable car on a Tuesday.
Insider Tips
- Book online — saves time and often cheaper than walk-in
- Visit on weekdays if possible — much less crowded than weekends
- Start with the Southern Wall — it’s less crowded and a good warm-up
- Bring layers — weather changes quickly on the wall
- Arrive early — parking fills up fast during peak season
Is Badaling Worth It?
“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.”
The Badaling section represents the grandeur and engineering marvel of ancient China. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, Badaling delivers an authentic Great Wall experience with excellent facilities and accessibility.
Start planning your 2026 trip today.
Learn more about the Great Wall on Wikipedia
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