Historical Context: From Military Fortress to World Heritage Site
The Badaling Great Wall is one of the most iconic sections of the Great Wall of China, dating back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC). Built in the early days as a defence against nomadic attacks from the north, it has been repaired through the ages, reaching its peak especially during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Qi Jiguang, a famous general who fought against Japanese invasion, presided over the construction of this section of the Great Wall, which became an important barrier to Beijing, the capital of the Ming Dynasty.
The Badaling Great Wall was officially opened to the public in 1953, making it the first Great Wall scenic spot to be shown to the public, and in 1987, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has received over 500 international dignitaries and countless tourists to date.
Geographic location: a transport hub amidst the treacherous mountains
Badaling is located in Yanqing District, northwest of Beijing, about 75 km from the city centre. It is situated at the northern entrance of the ancient Guandou Road in Jundu Mountain, at an altitude of 1015 metres above sea level, with a precipitous terrain, and has been a major transport hub connecting Beijing with Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Zhangjiakou and other places since ancient times.
Climatic characteristics: Badaling has four distinct seasons, with cool summers (average temperature 26.1℃) and cold winters (-4.6℃), and the average annual temperature is 3℃ lower than that of downtown Beijing. Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) are the best seasons to visit, and the combination of red leaves and the Great Wall is particularly spectacular.
Transportation Methods: Convenient Route Guide
- Bus to Special Line (recommended): Departing from BeiTuCheng Metro Station, the bus departs at 8:00 and 10:00 daily and goes directly to the scenic spot car park without transferring to the ferry. The accompanying tour guide provides explanations in English and Chinese and assists in ticket purchasing.
- High-speed railway line S2: departing from Huangtudian Station, the ticket price is about RMB 6. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but you need to pay attention to the frequency time.
- Bus 877: get on the bus from Deshengmen Station, the fare is RMB 12, and it takes about 70 minutes to arrive.
- Self-drive: Beijing-Tibet Expressway (G6) directly, the scenic spot has enough car parks, suitable for flexible schedule.
Tickets and Reservations: Tickets are 45 RMB in peak season (April-October) and 40 RMB in off-season; real-name reservations are required 7 days in advance through the official website or applet, and the daily flow is limited to 65,000 people.
Attractions in detail: highlights not to be missed
1. The North and South Great Walls: two experiences
- North Great Wall: 2,565 metres long, with 12 enemy towers, it is difficult to climb. The northern eight towers are the highest point, known as the ‘Slope of the Good Man’, where Mao Zedong once inscribed ‘It is not a good man until he reaches the Great Wall’.
- South Great Wall: 1,176 metres long, with fewer tourists, suitable for photos and quiet tours. 2023 newly opened extension of the South Wall (South 7th Floor to South 16th Floor and a half) retains its original appearance, and requires a reservation to visit.
2. Guancheng and Enemy Towers: the crystallisation of military wisdom
- Juyongwai Town and North Gate Locking Key: The stone inscriptions at the east and west gates of the Guancheng highlight its strategic position. The western gate, the ‘North Gate Lock and Key’, meaning ‘the key to the northern gateway’, is a symbol of the Ming Dynasty’s defence system.
- Enemy Towers and Beacon Stations: There are 43 enemy towers in total, which have the functions of observation, garrison and storage. Inside some of the towers, weapons and defence facilities of the Ming Dynasty are displayed, such as the iron cannon of ‘General Shenwei’.
3. Featured attractions: history and nature blend together
- Wangjing Stone: a huge stone outside the east gate of Guancheng City, where the Empress Dowager Cixi is said to have looked back at the capital, leaving behind a sad story.
- Bouncing Qin Gorge: one of the scenic spots in Guan Gou, the stream running between the stones sounds like a zither, suitable for hiking and resting.
- Forked Road City: a Ming Dynasty military fortress with boat-shaped walls, now a living fossil for exploring ancient border life.
4. Modern Experience: Culture and Amenities
- Cable car and cable car: cable cars are available on both the North and South Great Walls, with a one-way ticket costing RMB 100, saving energy while overlooking the panoramic view.
- Commercial Walking Street: offers Beijing cuisine such as fried noodles and dumplings, as well as international fast food such as SUBWAY.
- Museum & Light Show: The Great Wall of China Museum showcases cultural relics and history, while the nightly light show (open during certain seasons) gives the Great Wall a fantastic colour.
Summary: Why Badaling is worth a visit?
- Historical Depth: From the Warring States period to modern times, witness China’s 2,000 years of defence history and cultural exchanges.
- Architectural Wonders: The average height of the city wall is 7.5 metres, which can be ridden by five horses, and the stone and brick work shows the wisdom of ancient engineering.
- Natural Scenery: Enjoy the mountain flowers in spring and the red leaves in autumn.
- Convenient experience: perfect transport and facilities for families, photography enthusiasts and history buffs.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable sports shoes, some sections of the steep need to hold railings.
- Protect yourself from the sun in summer and keep warm in winter, as the weather in mountainous areas can be very changeable.
- Protect cultural relics, don’t carve on the walls or throw rubbish.
Badaling is not only a symbol of China, but also a common heritage of all mankind. Whether you want to challenge yourself by climbing up the ‘Hao Han Slope’, or just enjoy the history of the area, this place will meet your expectations. When planning your trip, don’t forget to make reservations in advance to avoid holiday crowds and enjoy an unforgettable trip to the Great Wall!
If you have come to the background, in addition to the Great Wall, you can also visit the Palace Museum, article link The Forbidden City in Beijing is a must-visit on a trip to China
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