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I remember my first trip to Badaling. I followed the crowd, ended up on the north section at 10am, and spent most of my time shuffling behind tour groups. The photos I wanted? Full of strangers. The experience I expected? Buried under noise and elbows.
That was years ago. Since then, I have been back a few times — sometimes with family, once with friends who insisted on the Cable Car, and once alone on a weekday. Each time taught me something different about how this place actually works.
The problem is not Badaling. The problem is how most people approach it. They arrive late, pick the wrong section, and spend more time queuing than walking. This article fixes that.
Quick Answer: Which Route Should You Pick?
- – North section: 12 watchtowers, steeper, more crowded, ends at the famousHero’s Slope. Best for fit adults who want the classicGreat Wall experience and are willing to arrive early.
- – South section: 7 watchtowers, gentler slopes, far fewer people. Best for families with kids, older visitors, or anyone who wants quiet views and good photos without the crush.
- – Both sections in one day: Only if you arrive by 7:30am and have 4-5 hours. Start with south, then cross to north.
Why Most Visitors End Up on the Wrong Section
The north section is what you see in every photo — the steep steps, the winding wall, the crowds at the top. It is also where every tour bus drops people off. By 9am, the north section between watchtowers 4 and 8 becomes a slow-moving line.
The south section, by contrast, is almost empty at the same hour. The slopes are gentler. The views are still impressive. And the famous “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.” stone tablet is actually on the south side now — at south watchtower 1, not north.
Most visitors do not know this. They follow the crowd north, then wonder why the experience feels rushed and crowded.
The Three Routes — Choose Based on Your Group
Route 1: The Classic North Hike (3-4 hours, for fit adults)
Start at the mainCastle Entrance, walk to north watchtower 1, then continue to north 8 (Hero’s Slope). This is the steepest section. The steps near north 7 to north 8 are close to 70 degrees in places. You will need to hold the railing.
After north 8, most tour groups turn back. If you continue to north 11 or north 12, the crowd thins dramatically. The wall here is more original and less restored. Exit near the Bear Park and take the free shuttle back.
Trade-off: This route is physically demanding. I have seen fit friends struggle on the steep sections. If you have knee issues, consider theCable Car up to north 7, then walk to north 8 and back.
Honest take: The north section is worth doing once. But do it early. By 9:30am, theHero’s Slope area is packed.
Route 2: The South Quiet Route (1.5-2 hours, for families and casual visitors)
Start at the sameCastle Entrance, but turn south. Walk to south watchtower 4, which is the high point of the south section. The slope is gentle. The views of the north section from here are excellent — you can see the crowds you are avoiding.
The ” He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero. ” stone tablet is at south watchtower 1. It is less crowded here than at the north version.
Trade-off: The south section is shorter and less dramatic. You will not get the same sense of scale as the north. But you will get a more peaceful experience.
Honest take: I brought my parents here last year. They are in their 60s and managed the walk without issues. The south section is the right choice for anyone who wants to enjoy theGreat Wall without treating it as a workout.
Route 3: The Combined Route (4-5 hours, for ambitious visitors)
Start with the south section first — walk to south 4 and back (about 1.5 hours). Then cross to the north section and walk from north 1 to north 8. This gives you both perspectives: the quiet south and the dramatic north.
Trade-off: This requires good fitness and an early start. If you arrive after 8am, you will hit the north crowds.
Transport: The One Decision That Makes or Breaks Your Day
- High-speed train (Top Choice): From Beijing North or Qinghe station to Badaling Great Wall station. 19-35 minutes, 16-31 yuan. The station is a deep underground platform — impressive in itself. Exit and walk 5-10 minutes to theCastle Entrance. No traffic, no delays.
- Train tickets: These sell out fast, especially on weekends. Book 14 days in advance on 12306. The early trains (around 6:40am and 7:29am) are your best bet.
- Bus 877: From Deshengmen, 12 yuan (6 yuan with transit card), about 70 minutes. The last return bus is at 5pm. This is the budget option, but it can get stuck in traffic on weekends.
- Driving: Navigate to “Badaling Chaxi Parking Lot” or “Heilongtan parking lot.” Parking is 10-20 yuan per day. Free shuttle buses run from the parking lots to the entrance. If you drive, arrive before 7:30am on weekends.
- Warning about fake buses: At Deshengmen, people in fake uniforms may tell you bus 877 is not running or that the last bus has left. Ignore them. Only board buses with official Public Transport Group markings.
Timing: When to Go and When to Avoid
- Best time: Weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Arrive at the entrance by 7:30am. The first hour is the quietest.
- Worst time: Weekends and public holidays, especially between 9am and 2pm. Tour buses arrive in waves starting around 9am.
- Seasonal note: April to October is peak season. The weather is better, but the crowds are worse. November to March is off-peak. Fewer people, colder weather, and occasional ice on the steps.
- Time arbitrage: If you arrive at 7:30am, you will have about 70% fewer people around compared to 10am. That difference is worth the early wake-up.
The Cable Car Question: Is It Worth It?
- Cable car (Aerial cableway): From the back mountain (Rolling the Sky Trench parking lot) to north watchtower 7. Single trip 100 yuan, round trip 140 yuan.
- GroundCable Car (Ground Cable Car): From near Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall to south watchtower 4. Same price.
- My take: If you are fit enough to walk, skip theCable Car. The total walking distance from theCastle Entrance to north 8 is about 2.5 kilometers. Most people can manage this in 1.5-2 hours. TheCable Car saves time but costs money and skips the experience of actually climbing.
- When theCable Car makes sense: If you are with elderly family members, young children, or anyone with mobility issues. Also if you are short on time and want to see the top quickly.
- When theCable Car is a waste: If you are a healthy adult. I have seen 70-year-olds walk the north section with breaks. The sense of achievement from walking up is real.
What to Bring and What to Leave Behind
- Bring: Water (at least 2 bottles per person), snacks (chocolate, energy bars),Non-slip athletic shoes, a light jacket (the wind at the top is strong), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Leave behind: Heavy backpacks, unnecessary electronics, and anything that adds weight. Every kilo matters on the steep sections.
- What I learned the hard way: I once brought a backpack with a laptop and a full camera kit. By north watchtower 5, I regretted every gram. Pack light.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Mistake 1: Arriving late. The difference between 7:30am and 9am is the difference between emptyGreat Wall and crowdedGreat Wall. Arrive early.
- Mistake 2: Following the crowd north without checking the south section. The south section is quieter and gentler. Do not assume north is the only option.
- Mistake 3: Buying ” Hero Certificate ” at the entrance. These are overpriced. The official certificate is available near north watchtower 8 for a lower price.
- Mistake 4: Trusting unofficial transport. At Deshengmen, only board buses with official markings. Ignore anyone in fake uniforms.
- Mistake 5: Wearing the wrong shoes. The steps are uneven and can be slippery. Flat shoes or sandals are dangerous. WearNon-slip athletic shoes.
Practical Info Block
- Address: Badaling Great Wall, Yanqing District, Beijing
- Transport: High-speed train from Beijing North or Qinghe station to Badaling Great Wall station. Exit and walk 5-10 minutes.
- Price: Peak season (April-October) 40 yuan, off-peak (November-March) 35 yuan. Free for under 18 and over 60 with valid ID.
- Hours: Peak season 6:30am-7pm, off-peak 7:30am-5:30pm.
- Booking: Required. Use the “长城内外旅游” mini-program or official WeChat account. Book 1-7 days in advance.
FAQ
What is the difference between the north and south sections at Badaling?
The north section is steeper, longer (12 watchtowers), and more crowded. The south section is gentler, shorter (7 watchtowers), and quieter.
Which route is best for beginners at Badaling?
The south section. It has gentler slopes and fewer people, making it easier to manage.
Is theCable Car worth it at Badaling?
For fit adults, no. The walk from theCastle Entrance to north 8 is about 2.5 kilometers and takes 1.5-2 hours. TheCable Car is useful for elderly visitors, young children, or anyone with mobility issues.
What time should I arrive at Badaling to avoid crowds?
Arrive at the entrance by 7:30am. The first hour is the quietest. After 9am, tour buses arrive and the crowds increase significantly.
How do I get to Badaling without a tour bus?
Take the high-speed train from Beijing North or Qinghe station. It takes 19-35 minutes and drops you near the entrance. Book tickets 14 days in advance.
Is the “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.” stone tablet still at the north section?
No. It has been moved to south watchtower 1. The north section has a different stone tablet near north watchtower 4.
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