Beijing Municipality, China
The Badaling Great Wall is the most visited section of the Ming Dynasty wall. It sits 70 kilometers northwest of central Beijing.
4.9 from 200 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided trips, transfers, and basic entry tickets.
Top ratedGain insight into imperial China on a full-day tour of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing. Start with a look at the monuments of Tiananmen Square, then tour...
Best valueBeat the crowds by purchasing the Badaling Great Wall tickets in advance. Guarantee your entry as the Badaling Great Wall allows only 65,000 visitors a day. Free change...
Most bookedSee two of China's most popular destinations, the World Heritage-listed Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs, on one unforgettable guided day trip from Beijing. You'll...
Explore
The site splits into two main routes with a central base area.
3 spotsIconic Northern RouteThe main route featuring Hero's Slope and steep, restored climbs.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsQuiet Southern RouteA shorter, gentler alternative to the bustling North Section.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsBase AmenitiesFacilities at the foot of the wall for context, food, and services.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Visitor capacity is strictly capped at 65,000 people per day.
Advance online booking with your passport is essential.
Plan your visit
Plan for 2 to 4 hours on the wall. Add another 2 to 3 hours for round-trip travel.
Visit in April, May, September, or October. Arrive at 6:30 AM to beat the crowds.
Entry costs ¥40 in peak season. Cable cars and funiculars require separate tickets.
Built originally in 1505 during the Ming Dynasty, this section served as a critical military defense for the capital. It averages 7.8 meters in height and 6 meters in width. The structure heavily utilizes large granite slabs and bricks.
Badaling became the first section of the Great Wall opened to tourists in 1957. It remains the most heavily visited segment today. It features extensive visitor amenities, including a 180-meter wheelchair ramp and accessible elevators near the Iconic Northern Route.
The site divides into two main climbing routes. The steep Iconic Northern Route leads to the highest point at North Tower 8. The gentler Quiet Southern Route offers a quieter hike. Learn more about choosing your route in our North vs South guide.
We only list tours with established operating histories.
You know exactly if transport, meals, or cable car tickets are included.
We summarize what past travelers warn about to prevent surprises.
From Viator
200 reviews of the forbidden city & wall combo on Viator
We really enjoyed the tour with our guide Helen. Tiananamen Square and the Forbidden Coty were incredible and we learned loads from Helen who was great :)
Michael was an excellent tour guide. He provided so much information about the historic context and cultural significance of the buildings and features around Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. He also gave us a recommendation for dinner that was delicious. We would highly recommend this tour.
Our tour guide Sandy Yin was great. She was knowledgeable, friendly & well organised. Would highly recommend using her as a guide in Beijing. Many thanks Sandy.
To avoid any stress: when booking make sure to select round trip cable car. Once you park, there is a shuttle bus to take you to the area to catch the cable car. Our experience was wonderful! Bonus: the Great Wall coconut iced latte is the best treat after spending time on the wall. The lady running the coffee stand was so lovely! Glad we stumbled upon her stand.
Top tour of the ming tombs and Great Wall. Jenny our tour guide planned the trip around the rain and it worked beautifully got us into all locations early so missed the big crowds. Jenny helped us through all the history and also where to get the cheapest tickets for the Great Wall. And also helped out with non tour needs jenny is the best tour guide. Also to mr lee a smooth driver
Everything was great, Lee was great tour guide. Pick up was on time and easy. We enjoyed our tour.
We had a really good time. Driver was super friendly and could even speak a bit of English. He was right on time to pick us up. The ride was really smooth and the car incredible, super comfortable and clean, it even had massage on the rear seats. We got help with the tickets and everything and then we could visit and enjoy the wall at night on our own with no pressure. Certainly I would recommend the experience.
We had just one night in Beijing on our way from London to Osaka, and this tour was the perfect choice. Thanks to the driver’s translation app, we caught the Great Wall illuminated at night. Despite the drizzle, it was an amazing experience!!!! Thank you !!! 乗り継ぎで北京に1泊しかありませんでしたが、このツアーのおかげで万里の長城を満喫できました。ドライバーさんも親切で、翻訳アプリを使いながらライトアップの時間に合わせて案内してくれました。あいにくの小雨でしたが、とても良い体験でした。
Tom was a really good guide and a very good company, I could have not asked for a better person. We had a lot of time in the Gorge. The time in the great wall was limited but it was understandable due to the crowds of the holiday season. I highly reccomend this tour if you want to mix the great wall landscape with the Gorge scenary which is very similar to Ha Long Bay.
Travel tips
Tickets & PricesAdmission costs, discounts, and how to book entry.Read 
Train vs. BusCompare the high-speed train and Bus 877 to Badaling Great Wall.Read 
North vs SouthChoose between the iconic North side or the quieter South route.Read 
Beat the CrowdsLearn when to visit Badaling to avoid peak crowds and long queues.Read Wheelchairs & StrollersLearn how to access Badaling using ramps, elevators, and cable cars.Read Cable Car RoutesCompare the North aerial cable car and South funicular routes.Read It is about 70 kilometers (43 miles) northwest of the city center. The site sits in Yanqing District. Travel times range from 20 to 90 minutes depending on your transport method.
You can take a High-Speed Train from Qinghe Railway Station. This takes 20 to 60 minutes. Alternatively, take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Bus Terminal, which takes 70 to 90 minutes. See our Train vs. Bus guide.
It is not recommended. You must book online in advance using your passport details. The daily visitor limit is 65,000, and tickets regularly sell out.
Adult admission is ¥40 between April and October. It costs ¥35 between November and March. Minors under 18 and seniors aged 60+ enter for free.
Yes. There is a North Aerial Cable Car and a South Ground Funicular. Both cost extra and are not included in the standard admission ticket.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours hiking. Hiking up to North Tower 8 takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from the base. The South Section takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Book your tickets early to secure your preferred date and avoid long lines.
