Great Wall Section · Beijing (Yanqing District)
Great Wall at Badaling
The closest and most visited Great Wall section, 60 km from Beijing. 80,000+ daily visitors in peak season. Most accessible and most touristed.
Last updated:
Quick Facts
| Region | Beijing (Yanqing District) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
| Length | 3.74 km open to visitors |
| Duration | 2-3 hours on the wall. With travel from Beijing, plan 4-5 hours total. |
| Ticket | ¥45 (Apr-Oct) / ¥35 (Nov-Mar). Cable car round-trip ¥120 or one-way ¥80. |
| Access | Beijing North or Qinghe Station to Badaling HSR station: 20-30 min. Bus 877 from Deshengmen: 1.5 hours. S2 line from Beijing Suburban Railway: 1.5 hours. Tour buses and DiDi also available. |
Overview
Badaling is the most-visited Great Wall section, about 60 km northwest of central Beijing. It was the first section opened to tourists in 1957 and remains the most accessible, with cable cars on both sides. The wall here is fully restored, wide, and easy to walk. The downside: 80,000+ daily visitors in peak season, mostly Chinese tour groups. Western travelers often find it underwhelming compared to Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
Best for
- Visitors with limited time
- Wheelchair users (most accessible)
- Crowd-tolerant travelers
Highlights
- Closest major section to Beijing
- Multiple cable car options
- Most accessible (paved ramps, elevators in some sections)
- Classic Wall experience with great photo spots
Tips
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds
- Take the cable car up — walking the 4.5 km from the entrance is exhausting
- Bring your own snacks — restaurants at the top are overpriced
- Walk north for fewer people (the south end is the main tourist area)
Frequently asked questions
Is Badaling worth visiting?
For first-time visitors short on time, yes. For travelers who want a less crowded experience, Mutianyu or Jinshanling is better. Badaling's accessibility (20 min by HSR from Beijing) is its biggest advantage.
How do I get to Badaling?
HSR from Beijing North Railway Station: 20-30 min, ¥14-19. Trains run every 15-30 min. From Qinghe Station: 20 min. The HSR station is at the foot of the wall — short walk to entrance.
Is Badaling crowded?
Yes — 80,000+ daily visitors in peak season (April-October). Chinese tour groups dominate. The wall gets so crowded that walking can be difficult. Avoid weekends, Chinese holidays, and summer. Early morning (before 9 AM) is the quietest.