Visiting Badaling Great Wall in 2024

As one of the most renowned sections of the Great Wall of China, Badaling Great Wall is a popular choice for visitors from Beijing. As the famous saying goes, “He who has not seen the Great Wall is not a true man.” True fact – you can find a stone marker that says this quote on Badaling Great Wall!

I’ve visited Badaling several times and recently visited again. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your visit to Badaling Great Wall in Beijing.

How To Get To Badaling

From Beijing: Badaling Great Wall is located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Beijing, making it easily accessible from the capital city. You can take a bus, hire a taxi, or join a guided tour.

By Bus: Buses to Badaling Great Wall depart from Deshengmen Bus Station in Beijing. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions.

By Train: You can also take a train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Station. From there, it’s a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk to the entrance of the Great Wall.

Hire a Driver for the Great Wall

I always recommend hiring a driver and car to take you, because you can customize and time your trip according to your own schedule without the hassle or frustration of navigating China’s buses (which might be infrequent or difficult if you don’t speak Chinese fluently).

If you’re seeking a recommendation or want to connect with a local Beijing driver, I have a service in Beijing I can connect you with! I’ve booked several trips with this company, and they will help arrange a car for you according to the destination you want to visit and how many people are with you.

You can add my WeChat below and I will share the contact info with you.

Please write “Beijing city driver” in your friend request – I won’t add any accounts that look like spam or are unclear why they are adding me.

Cable Cars

You can choose to hike up from the bottom, or alternatively Badaling Great Wall offers cable car services that take visitors up to the higher sections of the wall.
The cable cars operate year-round, including during snowy conditions, providing a convenient and scenic way to reach the upper sections of the wall.
You can buy a round trip ticket for 140 RMB.

Exploring the Great Wall in the Snow

Beijing recently had a somewhat late winter snowfall on the evening of February 20, and I’d been itching to see the Great Wall in snow again. The last time I had seen the Great Wall in snow was at Jinshanling in 2019 (read more here about it Snowy Sunrise at Jinshanling Great Wall) which was absolutely stunning, so I felt it was time to see it again!

Dress Appropriately: Make sure to wear warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking on slippery surfaces.
Take Precautions: Be cautious while walking on the snow-covered sections of the Great Wall, as the steps can be slippery. Use handrails whenever available and watch your step.
Enjoy the Views: The snow-covered landscape offers a stunning backdrop for exploring the Great Wall. Take your time to admire the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains and valleys below.
Photography Opportunities: The snow-covered Great Wall presents excellent photo opportunities. Capture the contrast between the ancient stone structure and the pristine white snow for memorable pictures.

Tips for Visiting

Check Weather Conditions: Before your visit, check the weather forecast to ensure safe traveling conditions. Avoid visiting during heavy snowfall or blizzard conditions.
Plan for Limited Facilities: Keep in mind that facilities such as food stalls and shops may have reduced operating hours or be closed during the winter season, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks.
Stay Hydrated: Despite the cold weather, it’s essential to stay hydrated, so remember to bring water with you.
Respect the Environment: Help preserve the beauty of the Great Wall by avoiding littering and respecting the natural surroundings.

Cons of Visiting the Badaling Great Wall

I have to be honest – Badaling is not one of my favorite sections of the wall to visit and try to avoid it and go to others if I can. Here’s a few things to be aware of:

Crowds and Touristy Atmosphere: Badaling is one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall, which means it can get extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Commercialization: Due to its popularity, Badaling has become quite commercialized with souvenir shops, restaurants, and vendors lining the pathways. This commercial aspect can sometimes detract from the authenticity and historic ambiance of the site, making it feel more like a tourist attraction rather than a cultural monument.
Long Queues: During peak times, you might encounter long queues for tickets, cable cars, and restrooms. This can eat into your time spent exploring the Great Wall and may lead to frustration and impatience, particularly for those with limited time.
Hawkers and Touts: Visitors may encounter persistent hawkers and touts trying to sell souvenirs, snacks, and other goods along the pathways. This can lead to a less enjoyable experience as you may feel pressured or harassed to make purchases.

While Badaling offers a more convenient opportunity to see the Great Wall – especially if you don’t have much time, just be aware of these potential drawbacks when planning your visit. Consider exploring less-visited sections of the Great Wall or visiting during off-peak times to avoid the crowds and experience a more authentic and serene atmosphere.

If you want more information about other sections, here’s my guide of Which Section of the Great Wall Is Best To Visit?