Badaling Great Wall

Introduction

Badaling is the best-known and most visited section of the Great Wall that runs across the northern part of Beijing. It is connected to Beijing by the Badaling Expressway. This part of the Great Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1744) and it was also the first section of the Great Wall to be opened to tourists. During the preceding Yuan Dynasty it was known as the “North Mountain Pass”. The peak of Badaling is about 1,015 meters above sea level.

The Badaling section of the Great Wall is the quintessential and most outstanding part of the Ming Great Wall. Its strategic position, fame, and gorgeous scenery are unrivalled by other sections of the Great Wall. In 1961, the State Council listed the Badaling Great Wall as “the first precious cultural relic unit under state protection” in China. In 1990, it was named a World Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations.

Those who have seen the Badaling section of Great Wall acclaim it as the peak of perfection. Over 80 million people have visited, including many dignitaries and celebrities such as President Richard Nixon, President Ronald Reagan, Mrs. Thatcher, and other recent world leaders. Every year, Badaling receives over 500, 000 visitors from inside and outside China. It has become a tourist icon for people fond of travelling.

In addition, the China Great Wall Museum and China Great Wall Cinema were both founded at this site, providing an opportunity to learn more of the history and reality of this remarkable site. It should also be noted that Badaling and the Badaling Expressway were the sites of the finishing circuit of the Urban Road Cycling Course during the 2008 Summer Olympics.

How to explore Badaling Great Wall

Hiking: Hike along the well-preserved sections of the Badaling Great Wall for a unique and challenging experience.

Cable Car: Take a cable car to the top of the Badaling Great Wall for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Sightseeing Bus: Take a sightseeing bus for a tour of the Badaling Great Wall and the surrounding area.

Photography: The Badaling Great Wall is one of the most photographed sections of the Great Wall, making it an ideal spot for photographers.

Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the Badaling Great Wall.

Toboggan Ride: Enjoy a fun and scenic toboggan ride down the mountain, back to the entrance of the Badaling Great Wall.

About Hiking

Badaling Great Wall hike is a popular destination for tourists visiting China. Here are some details:

Length: The section at Badaling is around 3.7 miles (6 km) long.

Difficulty: The hike is considered to be of moderate difficulty with some steep inclines and steps.

Time: It takes around 2-3 hours to complete the hike, depending on your pace.

When to visit: Badaling is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to November when the weather is milder.

What to bring: It is recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.

Note: It's advisable to check for the latest information on the Badaling Great Wall website or with a tour guide before your visit as there can be changes in trail conditions and operating hours.

Hiking route

The Badaling Great Wall hike usually starts from the parking lot at the base and follows a route along the ramparts of the wall to the highest point, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. After reaching the highest point, hikers typically return the same way back to the starting point.

Here's a general overview of the route:

Start: Parking lot at the base

First section: A steep climb up the ramparts to reach the first watchtower

Second section: A series of steps and inclines along the ramparts to reach the highest point

Third section: Descent back to the starting point, following the same route as the ascent

Note: The route may vary and it's recommended to follow the designated trail and signs for safety reasons. It's advisable to check for the latest information on the Badaling Great Wall website or with a tour guide before your visit.