Trip.com's In-depth Guide to the Badaling Great Wall

### Trip.com's In-depth Guide to the Badaling Great Wall **——Reach the summit of the Great Wall, admire its millennial majesty, and explore the pulse of history** --- **1. Introduction to the Badaling Great Wall** The Badaling Great Wall, located in Yanqing District, Beijing, is the best-preserved and most representative section of the Ming Great Wall. Known as the "essence of the Great Wall," it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987 and is now a national 5A-rated scenic spot. With its steep terrain and fortified passes, it once served as a vital military defense barrier. Today, it attracts tourists from all over the world with its magnificent scenery, comprehensive service facilities, and rich cultural heritage, receiving over 10,000 visitors daily. --- **2. Must-see Attractions and Experiences** 1. **Core Attractions** - **North Tower 8 (H好汉坡 (Haohan Slope))**: The highest point of the Badaling Great Wall. Reaching the summit offers a panoramic view of the winding mountains and allows you to experience the heroic sentiment of "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man." It's a popular spot for taking photos. - **South Tower 4**: Offers a wide view of the entire pass. Accessible by cable car, it's suitable for visitors with limited physical strength. - **North Tower 12**: Features challenging terrain and fewer crowds, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts seeking a challenge. - **Great Wall Museum of China**: Showcases the history, military significance, and culture of the Great Wall. The 360-degree panoramic movie "The Great Wall" is a must-see. - **Wangjing Stone and Tianxian Stone Carvings**: Natural granite carvings that bear witness to the vicissitudes of history. A must-see for photography enthusiasts. 2. **Special Experiences** - **Cable Car Sightseeing**: The north cable car (CNY 100 one-way) goes directly to North Tower 7, while the south cable car (CNY 100 one-way) goes directly to halfway up South Tower 4, saving time and effort while providing panoramic views. - **Toboggan Ride Downhill**: The toboggan at North Tower 4 (CNY 80 one-way) is fun for the whole family, especially those with children. - **Night Tour of the Great Wall**: A summer-only program where the Great Wall appears even more mysterious under the lights. Reservations are required. --- **3. Recommended Itinerary** **One-Day Efficient Tour** (Classic Route) - **Morning**: 1. **7:30am**: Arrive at the scenic spot. Taking the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway (from Beijing North Railway Station/Qinghe Railway Station, 20 minutes direct) is recommended. 2. **8:00am**: Take the north cable car up to North Tower 7, then hike to the top of North Tower 8, taking photos of the watchtowers and mountains along the way. - **Afternoon**: 1. **12:00pm**: Hike down from North Tower 8 to North Tower 4 and experience the toboggan ride. 2. **2:00pm**: Visit the Great Wall Museum of China and watch the panoramic movie. 3. **4:00pm**: Visit South Tower 4 before returning for a different perspective of the Great Wall. **Half-Day Relaxed Tour** (Suitable for visitors with limited time or with seniors and children) - **Morning/Afternoon**: 1. Take the south cable car directly to South Tower 4, tour the southern section of the Great Wall, and return the same way. 2. Alternatively, take the north cable car round-trip, focusing on North Tower 8 and the toboggan experience at North Tower 4. --- **4. Practical Information** 1. **Tickets and Fees** - **Tickets**: Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): CNY 40/person; Off-season: CNY 35/person; Student tickets are half price; Free admission for children under 6, seniors over 60, etc. - **Recommended Combo Ticket**: Ticket + round-trip north cable car for about CNY 240/person offers good value. 2. **Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: Badaling Great Wall Station on the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway (5-minute walk to the scenic spot), departing from Beijing North Railway Station/Qinghe Railway Station, 20-minute journey. - **Bus**: Take Bus No. 919/877 from Deshengmen directly to the scenic spot, approximately 1.5-hour journey. - **Car**: Take the Jingzang Expressway (G6) to the "Badaling Great Wall" exit. Free shuttle buses are available at the scenic spot. 3. **Opening Hours** - **Summer**: 6:30am–7:00pm; **Winter**: 7:00am–6:00pm. Time-slot reservations are required (it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance through the official WeChat account "Badaling Great Wall"). --- **5. Travel Tips** 1. **Recommended Gear**: - Wear non-slip athletic shoes. Some sections of the Great Wall have a 70-degree slope. Avoid wearing high heels. - Bring a windbreaker in spring and autumn, sunscreen and a sun hat in summer, and warm clothing in winter. 2. **Dining and Shopping**: - There are limited dining options within the scenic spot. It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water. After descending, you can try Yanqing's specialty Huo Shao (baked sesame cakes) and local cuisine. - Souvenir recommendations: Great Wall models, ginkgo tea (a Badaling specialty), and cultural and creative ice cream. 3. **Environmental Protection and Safety**: - Do not carve on the wall or litter. Protect this World Cultural Heritage Site. - Some sections are closed during rainy or snowy weather. Pay attention to the scenic spot's announcements before traveling. --- **6. Recommended Nearby Attractions** - **Cultural Route**: Badaling Great Wall → Ming Tombs (Dingling/Changling) → Juyongguan Great Wall, a one-day tour connecting Ming and Qing history. - **Nature Route**: Badaling → Longqing Gorge (known as the "Little Li River of the North") → Yuda Mountain (alpine meadow), experience the beauty of Yanqing's landscapes. --- **Conclusion** The Badaling Great Wall is not only a testament to history but also a symbol of national spirit. Whether you're climbing to enjoy the scenery, exploring ancient battlefields, or experiencing modern smart tourism services (such as Trip.com's multilingual ticketing system for inbound tourists), this place can meet your expectations. It is recommended to book tickets and transportation combo tickets in advance through Trip.com to enjoy one-stop convenient service and embark on your epic Great Wall journey!