In short
- The North cable car goes to North Tower 8, the wall's highest point.
- The South funicular takes you to South Tower 4 for a quieter visit.
- Cable car tickets are priced separately from the main entrance fee.
In this article
Riding a cable car saves time and energy, but the two routes serve completely different experiences. Knowing where each one goes helps you plan your time and manage crowd levels on the wall.
Are there cable cars at Badaling Great Wall?
Yes, there are two mechanical transport options available at the site.
You can take the North aerial cable car or the South ground funicular. Both rides operate independently of the main gate entrance. Bus 877 from Beijing drops you off near the North cable car station.
Where does the North cable car go?
It drops you directly at North Tower 8.
North Tower 8 is known as Hero's Slope. This is the highest point of the Badaling section, sitting approximately 1,015 meters (3,330 feet) above sea level. This drop-off point gets extremely crowded early in the day.
Where does the South funicular go?
The South funicular travels along the ground to South Tower 4.
This side of the wall features a gentler slope and well-preserved battlements. The South section sees significantly fewer visitors than the North. Taking the funicular up and hiking down is a popular strategy for an easy descent.
How much do the cable car tickets cost?
Cable car rides are priced separately from the general entrance fee.
Base admission is ¥40 in peak season and ¥35 in the off-season. You must buy cable car or funicular tickets in addition to this entry cost. Kids under 120cm can ride the cable car for free.
Which route should I choose?
Choose the North for high viewpoints, or the South for a peaceful walk.
Families with young children often prefer the South route for its gentler inclines. If you want the sweeping views from the top, head North. See North vs South for more details on the hiking paths.
Is the cable car wheelchair accessible?
Badaling features elevators near the North Wall for accessibility.
There is also a 180-meter long wheelchair ramp accessible from Wangjing Square. Check Wheelchairs & Strollers for full details on navigating the site with mobility aids.
Questions travellers ask
Can I walk up instead of taking the cable car?
Yes, you can hike up from the base. Hiking to North Tower 8 takes 1.5 to 2 hours from the bottom.
Does the entrance ticket include the cable car?
No, the basic admission fee does not include mechanical transport. You must pay for cable car rides separately.
Can I take the North cable car up and South funicular down?
No, they operate on completely different sides of the valley. You would need to hike down to the base to cross over.
