He Who Has Never Been to the Great Wall Is Not a True Man

—A Comprehensive Guide to Badaling Great Wall “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” The Badaling Great Wall, as the most quintessential section of the Great Wall, attracts countless tourists from home and abroad with its magnificent scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage. This guide will take you on an in-depth tour of the Badaling Great Wall, allowing you to experience its charm. I. Best Time to Visit The Badaling Great Wall is suitable for visiting all year round, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Spring (April–May): Flowers bloom in spring, and everything comes back to life. It is a good time for hiking and enjoying the scenery. Autumn (September–October): The weather is crisp and clear in autumn, and the forests are dyed in various colors. It is the best time to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Great Wall. II. Transportation Guide Bus: Take bus no. 877 from Deshengmen directly to the Badaling Great Wall. The journey takes about 1.5 hrs. Train: Take the S2 line suburban railway from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Railway Station. The journey takes about 1 hr. Car: Navigate to “Badaling Great Wall.” There are multiple parking lots in the scenic area, making parking convenient. III. Recommended Tour Routes The Badaling Great Wall is divided into the south line and the north line. The south line is shorter and gentler, suitable for tourists with average physical strength; the north line is longer and steeper, suitable for tourists with good physical strength. South line: Guancheng → South Tower 1 → South Tower 2 → South Tower 3 → South Tower 4 → South Tower 5 → South Tower 6 → South Tower 7 North line: Guancheng → North Tower 1 → North Tower 2 → North Tower 3 → North Tower 4 → North Tower 5 → North Tower 6 → North Tower 7 → North Tower 8 (Haohanpo, or the Steep Slope) IV. Must-See Attractions Guancheng: The entrance to the Badaling Great Wall, and also one of the best-preserved passes on the Great Wall. Haohanpo (Steep Slope): A steep slope between North Tower 8 and North Tower 7. It is the most challenging section of the Badaling Great Wall. Climbing the Steep Slope, you can experience the heroic feeling of “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” Wangjingshi (Looking-toward-Beijing Stone): A huge rock near North Tower 4. Legend has it that it was the place where ancient soldiers watched for enemies. Great Wall Museum: Located near Guancheng, the museum displays a large number of cultural relics and materials related to the Great Wall, which can help tourists better understand the history and culture of the Great Wall. V. Food Recommendations Badaling Roast Duck: Made from locally raised free-range ducks, it has crispy skin, tender meat, and delicious flavor. Local Dishes: There are many farmhouse restaurants near Badaling where you can taste authentic local dishes, such as stewed chicken with mushrooms and cornbread. VI. Accommodation Recommendations Near Badaling: There are many hotels and guesthouses near Badaling with beautiful environments and convenient access to the scenic spot, but the prices are relatively high. Downtown Beijing: There are more hotel choices in downtown Beijing, with relatively lower prices and convenient transportation, but it is farther from the scenic area. VII. Travel Tips * The Badaling Great Wall scenic area is large, so comfortable shoes are recommended. * Some attractions in the scenic area require additional fees. Please check in advance. * Pay attention to sun protection and mosquito bites. * Travel responsibly. Please do not scribble on the Great Wall. VIII. Summary The Badaling Great Wall is a symbol of the Chinese nation and a World Cultural Heritage site. Here, you can feel the wisdom and strength of the ancient working people and appreciate the magnificent scenery of the motherland. I hope this guide can help you better tour the Badaling Great Wall. Have a pleasant trip!