If it’s your first time visiting the Great Wall of China, it’s helpful to know that several entrances are open to tourists. Among them, Badaling Great Wall is one of the easiest and most popular options.
In fact, Badaling is the most accessible and best-maintained section of the Great Wall. In addition, it is also the most foreigner-friendly. Unlike other sections, Badaling has a high-speed train station right next to the entrance, which means you can arrive quickly and without stress. Because of this, it’s an excellent choice if you’re short on time or not confident navigating rural areas.
In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know, including:
Where the Badaling Great Wall is located
How to get there from Beijing (train, bus, taxi, or tour)
Ticket prices and opening hours
Cable car vs tram — and which one you should choose
The best time to visit and how to avoid crowds
Practical tips specifically for foreign visitors
Why Visit Badaling Great Wall?
The Great Wall of China (长城) stretches over 21,000 km, but not all sections offer the same visitor experience. For first-time visitors, Badaling stands out for a simple reason: it was designed specifically for tourism. In addition, as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it holds strong global significance.
Historically, Badaling was the first section of the Great Wall officially opened to the public in 1957. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result, it has welcomed world leaders, foreign delegations, and millions of first-time visitors from around the world.
What Makes Badaling Ideal for First-Time Visitors
- Closest Great Wall section to Beijing
- Direct high-speed train access
- Wide, well-restored stone paths
- Cable car & tram available
- Toilets, food stalls, souvenir shops on-site
- Suitable for elderly visitors and families with kids
Downsides You Should Know
However, it can be very crowded during peak season
Compared to Mutianyu or Jinshanling, it feels less “wild” or untouched
Bottom line:
If this is your first visit to China or the Great Wall, this section of great wall is the safest and simplest choice.
Where Is Badaling Great Wall Located?
Badaling Great Wall is located in Yanqing District, about 70 km (43 miles) northwest of central Beijing.
As a result, the travel time from Beijing city center is relatively short—around 1 to 1.5 hours. In fact, Badaling is the closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing. More importantly, it is the only section with its own high-speed train station.
Because of this strategic location, Badaling has become the most visited section of the Great Wall in China.
Unlike Mutianyu or Jinshanling, visitors can arrive at Badaling by high-speed train and walk straight to the entrance in just a few minutes, making the journey simple and stress-free.
From Beijing to Badaling Great Wall
1. High-Speed Train (BEST OPTION)
For most travelers, the high-speed train is the fastest and easiest way to reach Badaling.
Typically, trains depart from Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station and arrive at Badaling Great Wall Station. In total, the journey takes 30–35 minutes, with tickets costing around CNY 25–30 one way.
Once you arrive, it’s only a 5–10 minute walk to the entrance, making this option extremely convenient.
💳 How to buy tickets:
- Trip.com (recommended for foreigners)
- China Railway app (Mandarin interface)
Important tip:
However, train tickets often sell out on weekends and Chinese holidays. For this reason, booking at least 2–3 days in advance is strongly recommended.
2. Private Transport or DiDi
Alternatively, you can take a private car or DiDi, which offers more flexibility.
On average, the drive takes 1–1.5 hours, with an estimated cost of CNY 300–500 one way. This option is best for families or groups traveling together.
That said, some DiDi drivers may be reluctant to drive to Badaling due to the distance. As a result, you may need to negotiate before confirming the ride.
⚠️ Warning:
Always use DiDi instead of street taxis, as some drivers may try to sell unnecessary “tour packages.”
3. Group or Private Tour (Hassle-Free)
Alternatively, you can take a private car or DiDi, which offers more flexibility.
On average, the drive takes 1–1.5 hours, with an estimated cost of CNY 300–500 one way. This option is best for families or groups traveling together.
That said, some DiDi drivers may be reluctant to drive to Badaling due to the distance. As a result, you may need to negotiate before confirming the ride.
⚠️ Warning:
Always use DiDi instead of street taxis, as some drivers may try to sell unnecessary “tour packages.”
Tour recommendation:
Tickets & Opening Hours
Entrance Fees
- Entrance ticket: ≈ CNY 40 (peak season), CNY 35 (off season)
- Cable car or tram: ≈ CNY 80–100 one way
Opening Hours
- Summer: ~6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Winter: ~7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Important for Foreigners
- Passport is required to enter
- Foreigners cannot use Chinese ID QR codes
- Buy tickets online in advance during peak season
When Is the Best Time to Visit Badaling?
Best Months
Overall, the best months to visit Badaling Great Wall are April–May (spring) and September–October (autumn), when the weather is mild and visibility is clear.
Ideal Time of Day
To avoid crowds, it’s best to arrive before 9:00 AM. At this time, queues are shorter, and you’ll have a better chance of taking clean, aesthetic photos without large crowds.
Dates to Avoid
On the other hand, certain periods tend to be extremely busy. In particular, try to avoid:
Chinese National Day: October 1–7
Chinese New Year
Summer weekends
In general, visiting on weekdays is always a better option than weekends.
What to Expect for First-Timer
Walking difficulty: Easy to moderate. Overall, the path is not entirely flat. In some areas, the route is quite steep, while other sections include long staircases.
Time needed: Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the wall. Generally, the north section is steeper and less crowded. In contrast, the south section is gentler but tends to attract more visitors.
Facilities: Along the way, you’ll find toilets, food stalls, and souvenir shops, making the visit more comfortable.
For photography, the best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and crowds are smaller.
What to Wear & Bring
- Passport(mandatory, as it serves as your entry ticket) — first and foremost, make sure you bring this with you.
- Comfortable walking shoes (non-slip) — since the paths can get slippery in the rain or during winter, proper footwear is essential.
- Jacket or windbreaker — even in summer, strong winds are common along the wall, so an extra layer is highly recommended.
- Gloves in winter — especially during colder months, metal railings can become extremely cold to touch.
- Water and light snacks — because food options on the wall are limited, it’s best to bring your own.
- Power bank — in cold weather, phone batteries drain much faster than usual.
Where to Stay When Visiting Badaling Great Wall
Stay in Beijing City (Most Popular)
✅ Pros:
Overall, staying in Beijing city offers far more hotel choices, dining options, and nightlife. Since there is very little to do around the Badaling area, returning to the city allows you to fully enjoy what Beijing has to offer.
❌ Cons:
However, staying in the city means you’ll need an early start to catch the train, as Badaling is located some distance from the city center.
Hotels Recommendation:
Stay Near Badaling Great Wall
✅ Pros:
Overall, staying near the Great Wall means a much shorter travel time to Badaling. In addition, the area is quieter and less crowded, making it ideal if you prefer slow travel and don’t mind exploring a calmer side of the region.
❌ Cons:
However, there is very little to do around the hotels. Likewise, food options are limited, and there are fewer hotel choices compared to staying in Beijing city.
Hotels Recommendation:
Is Badaling Great Wall Worth Visiting?
Yes—Badaling Great Wall is absolutely worth visiting, especially if it’s your first time seeing the Great Wall of China. It is one of the most well-preserved and accessible sections. The wide stone paths, sturdy handrails, and panoramic mountain views make it enjoyable for non-hikers, families, and elderly visitors.
While Badaling can be crowded due to its popularity, its historical significance, dramatic scenery, and easy transport from Beijing make it an iconic and unforgettable introduction to one of the world’s greatest wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Badaling Great Wall worth visiting?
Yes, especially for first-time visitors and foreign travelers. Overall, Badaling is easy to navigate and well-equipped for tourists, making it a convenient introduction to the Great Wall.
Can elderly visitors go to Badaling?
In general, Badaling is one of the more accessible sections, thanks to cable cars, wide paths, and rest areas. However, it may not be the best choice for visitors who have difficulty walking. In reality, the steep stairs in some areas can make the experience tiring rather than enjoyable.
How long does it take to walk Badaling Great Wall?
Typically, most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the wall. That said, if you’re staying in Beijing city, a significant amount of time will be spent commuting to and from Badaling.
Is Badaling wheelchair-friendly?
Only partially. While the entrance area is accessible, most sections of the wall involve stairs, making it unsuitable for visitors who require a wheelchair. For this reason, it is generally not recommended.
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