Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Badaling is fully restored and heavily visited. Good planning is essential to manage crowds and secure transport from Beijing.
Badaling Great Wall
Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing
GPS 40.3544, 116.0064
Open directionsGetting there
Choose between high-speed trains, direct buses, or private transfers.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train: High-Speed Train from Qinghe Railway Station or Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Great Wall Station. | 20-60 minutes depending on the station. | ¥16 to ¥31 for a second class seat. | The fastest route bypassing all road traffic. The station is a short walk from the Wall entrance. Tickets sell out fast on 12306. |
| Train: S2 Suburban Train from Nankou to Badaling Station. | Varies | Varies | A slower commuter train without reserved seating. Offers great mountain scenery but requires transit to Nankou first. |
| Bus: Bus 877 departing from Deshengmen Bus Terminal directly to the Badaling base. | 70 to 90 minutes (traffic dependent). | ¥12. | Non-stop route. Beware of fake buses and touts around Deshengmen. It drops you off near the Bear Park and cable car. |
| Car: Private driver, taxi, or ride-hailing app via G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway to Heilongtan Parking Lot (P3). | 1 to 1.5 hours | ¥300-¥500 one way | Highly susceptible to severe traffic jams during summer and weekends; early morning departures are crucial. |
| Tour: Organized small-group or private coach tour from downtown Beijing hotels. | Full day or half day | Convenient for those who want to avoid navigating public transit; frequently combined with a stop at the Ming Tombs. |
When to go
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The site is open year-round. The most comfortable months are April, May, September, and October. Clear skies and autumn foliage make September and October particularly popular.
Avoid Chinese national holidays and summer school vacations. If visiting in summer, expect extreme crowds and severe traffic on the G6 Expressway.
What to bring
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Do not forget your original physical passport.
You cannot enter the Great Wall without it.
How the day runs
How to structure your time at Badaling.
Take the morning train, climb the iconic North Section, and return before the afternoon rush.
- Depart Beijing
Take the High-Speed Train from Qinghe Railway Station.
- Arrive and Enter
Walk to the entrance plaza and pass passport checks.
- Hike the North Section
Climb toward North Tower 8 to see the highest point.
- Descend
Walk down via the fast-track path or take the cable car.
- Return trip
Catch the train or Bus 877 back to downtown Beijing.
Avoid the steepest climbs and heavy crowds by focusing on the gentler South Section.
- Arrival
Arrive at Badaling via a private transfer or early bus.
- Head South
Turn toward the South Section from Wangjing Square.
- South Tower 4
Reach the funicular terminus and enjoy the views.
- South Tower 7 Extension
Continue walking for emptier photo opportunities.
- China Great Wall Museum
Descend and visit the free museum near the base.
What to bring
Your physical passport is mandatory. Without it, you cannot pass the real-name ticket gates. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The stone stairs are steep and uneven.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. There is very little shade on the wall. Bring plenty of water and a light windbreaker, as temperatures drop quickly at this elevation. A smartphone with Alipay or WeChat Pay is necessary for buying snacks.
Easiest way to do it
Beijing Transfer Service: Badaling Great Wall with VIP Option
4.9 (85)
- VIP Pass if you choose the option
- Hotel pickup and drop-off(For hotels within the 4th ring road of the Beijing City)
- Bottled water
- Round-trip transfer
From$36per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How far is Badaling Great Wall from Beijing?
It is located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) northwest of the central city. Travel time ranges from 20 minutes by high-speed train to 1.5 hours by car or bus.
Are there restaurants at the Badaling Great Wall?
Yes. The Wangjing Square entrance area has multiple restaurants and shops. Bring digital payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay for convenience.
Is Badaling Great Wall wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It features a 180-meter long wheelchair ramp and elevators near the North Wall. Wheelchair users can access the lower sections directly from Wangjing Square.