Badaling Great Wall

Posted on In Views: Word count in article: 13k Reading time ≈ 12 mins.

Spot Introduction

Badaling Great Wall is the best-preserved and most representative section of the Ming Great Wall. It was listed as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units in 1961 and included in the “World Cultural Heritage List” in 1987. Located at Guangou Ancient Road, Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing, with an elevation of 1015 meters, it was an important pass of the Ming Great Wall. Due to its precipitous terrain and tall and solid walls, there was an old saying that “the danger of Juyong Pass lies not in the pass but in Badaling.”

The construction of Badaling Great Wall began in 1505 and was an integral part of the Ming Great Wall defense system. The wall is 3741 meters long, with an average height of 8.5 meters, and the widest part can accommodate five horses riding abreast. The wall is built with blue bricks on the outside, filled with rammed earth in the middle, and paved with stone slabs on the surface, showcasing the superb architectural craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty. The wall is equipped with defensive facilities such as crenels, observation holes, and drainage holes, reflecting the wisdom of ancient military architecture.

As the essence of the Great Wall, Badaling Great Wall not only has significant military value but also symbolizes the spirit of the Chinese nation. It has witnessed the history of the Chinese nation resisting foreign invaders and defending their homes, and it also demonstrates the wisdom and strength of ancient working people. Nowadays, Badaling Great Wall has become a world-renowned tourist attraction, attracting millions of Chinese and foreign tourists every year to visit and experience the grandeur and profound cultural heritage of this great building.

Historical Evolution

  • Construction Period: Ming Yongle Period (1404)
  • Important Milestones:
    • 1505: Large-scale repair and reinforcement
    • 1582: Rebuilding of the wall

增建敌楼

Added Enemy Towers

  • 1752年：乾隆年间再次修缮
  • Repaired again during the Qianlong Emperor’s reign in 1752
  • 1957年：首次对外开放
  • First opened to the public in 1957
  • 1984年：邓小平题写”长城”
  • Deng Xiaoping inscribed the words “The Great Wall” in 1984
  • 历史地位：
  • Historical Significance:
    • 明代北京外围防御体系核心
      • Core of Beijing’s outer defense system during the Ming Dynasty
    • 京师门户，军事要塞
      • Gateway to the capital, a military fortress
    • 古代交通要道枢纽
      • Hub of ancient transportation routes

建筑特色

Architectural Features

  1. 整体布局

    • Overall Layout

    • 规模特点：

      • 总长度：3741米
      • Total length: 3741 meters
      • 平均高度：8.5米
      • Average height: 8.5 meters
      • 城墙宽度：5.7米
      • Wall width: 5.7 meters
      • 敌楼数量：19座
      • Number of enemy towers: 19

    • 地理位置：

      • 海拔：1015米
      • Altitude: 1015 meters
      • 坡度：最大达70度
      • Slope: Up to 70 degrees
      • 地势：居高临下，易守难攻
      • Terrain: Dominant position, easy to defend and difficult to attack

  2. 建筑工艺

    • Architectural Techniques

    • 城墙结构：

      • 内外青砖包砌
        • Built with blue bricks on the inside and outside
      • 中间夯土填充
        • Filled with rammed earth in the middle
      • 表面铺设条石
        • Surface paved with strip stones

    • 防御设施：

      • Defense Facilities
        • 垛口：射击和观察用
          • Crenellations: For shooting and observation
        • 排水孔：防止积水损毁
          • Drainage holes: To prevent water damage
        • 马面：扩大防御空间
          • Horse-face towers: To expand defensive space
        • 敌楼：瞭望和储存物资
          • Enemy towers: For observation and storage of supplies

  3. 军事价值

    • Military Value

    • 防御体系：

      • Defense System
        • 城墙与敌楼相结合
          • Combination of city walls and enemy towers
        • 内外双向防御
          • Two-way defense inside and outside
        • 烽火台通讯网络
          • Beacon tower communication network

    • 战略地位：

      • Strategic Position
        • 控制居庸关要道
          • Controlling the key passage of Juyong Pass
        • 保护京师安全
          • Protecting the safety of the capital
        • 监控商旅往来
          • Monitoring the travel of merchants and travelers

必游景点

Must-Visit Attractions

  1. 北楼段

    • North Tower Section

    • 建筑特色：

      • Architectural Features
        • 北段最高点海拔1058米
          • The highest point in the north section is at an altitude of 1058 meters
        • 登顶需爬1000多级台阶
          • Reaching the top requires climbing over 1000 steps
        • 城墙最陡处达70度
          • The steepest part of the wall reaches 70 degrees

    • 观景特点：

      • Scenic Views
        • 可俯瞰群山连绵
          • Overlooking continuous mountains
        • 长城蜿蜒壮观
          • The Great Wall winds its way impressively
        • 适合摄影创作
          • Ideal for photographic creation

    • 游览建议：

      • Visiting Suggestions
        • 建议参观时间：45-60分钟
          • Suggested visiting time: 45-60 minutes
        • 适合体力好的游客
          • Suitable for visitors with good physical strength
        • 准备登山装备
          • Prepare hiking gear

  2. 南楼段

    • South Tower Section
      • 地形特点：
        • Topographical Features
          • 坡度较缓
            • Gentle slope

景点介绍

参观建议

台阶规整

  • Suitable for the elderly and children

  • Multiple viewing platforms

  • Landscape Features:

    • Open view
    • Ideal for panoramic shots
    • Rich in cultural landscapes

  • Touring Tips:

    • Suggested visiting time: 30-45 minutes
    • Equipped with resting platforms
    • Concentrated area for tourists
  1. Badaling Great Wall Museum

  • Exhibition Content:

    • Great Wall historical and cultural exhibition
    • Archaeological discoveries display
    • Military defense system exhibition

  • Key Points of Visit:

    • Great Wall architectural models
    • Historical artifacts display
    • Multimedia interactive exhibition area

  • Practical Information:

    • Free admission
    • Suggested visiting time: 40-60 minutes
    • Bilingual (Chinese and English) explanation available
  1. Great Wall Cinema

  • Facility Features:

    • Circular screen cinema
    • 4D special effects experience
    • Great Wall historical films

  • Movie Watching Experience:

    • Duration: 15 minutes
    • Ticket price: 60 yuan/person
    • One show every half hour

  • Visiting Suggestions:

    • Ideal for family tours
    • Alternative activity for rainy days
    • Advance ticket purchase required
  1. Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area Service Center

  • Functional Facilities:

    • Tourist inquiry service
    • Ticketing center
    • Luggage storage service
    • Medical assistance

  • Convenience Services:

    • Free drinking water
    • Wheelchair rental
    • Tour guide booking
    • Lost and found

Visiting Suggestions

  1. Best Touring Routes

  • Classic Route (2 hours):

    • Visitor Center → Cable Car Uphill → North Tower Section → Walk Downhill → Museum
    • Suitable for visitors with good physical strength
    • Experience the most classic landscapes

  • Relaxed Route (2-3 hours):

    • Visitor Center → Cable Car Uphill → South Tower Section → Cable Car Downhill → Museum → Cinema
    • Suitable for the elderly, children, and visitors with average physical strength
    • Gentle slopes and multiple viewing platforms
  1. Visiting Schedule
  • Peak Season (April-October):
    • Best visiting time: 7:30-9:30 or 15:30-17:30
    • Avoid high temperatures and peak crowds at noon
    • Ascend the wall 1 hour before sunset.

景点介绍

参观建议

Photography of sunset glow is allowed.

  • Low season (November to March):
    • Recommended visiting time: 9:00-15:00
    • Keep warm as it’s windy on the mountain.
    • The scenery is most beautiful after snow, but be careful of slippage.
  1. Seasonal Features

  • Spring (March to May):

    • Features: Blooming mountain flowers and pleasant climate.
    • Suggestions: Ideal for photography and hiking.
    • Dress code: Light jacket, windproof.

  • Summer (June to August):

    • Features: Lush vegetation, best vista.
    • Suggestions: Avoid noon, carry a parasol.
    • Dress code: Sunscreen, breathable clothes, hiking shoes.

  • Autumn (September to November):

    • Features: Vibrant forests, crisp and clear weather.
    • Suggestions: Suitable for extended tours.
    • Dress code: Warm jacket, comfortable footwear.

  • Winter (December to February):

    • Features: Snow-covered landscapes, fewer tourists.
    • Suggestions: Check the weather, avoid windy days.
    • Dress code: Warm and cold-resistant clothes, anti-slip shoes.
  1. Practical Tips

  • Climbing Gear

    • Essentials:

      • Comfortable and anti-slip hiking or sports shoes.
      • Hiking sticks (can be rented at the scenic area, 20 yuan per stick).
      • Insulated water bottle (1-1.5L recommended).
      • High-energy snacks (chocolate, energy bars, etc.).
      • Camera and power bank.

    • Seasonal equipment:

      • Spring and Autumn: Windproof jacket, sun hat.
      • Summer: Sunscreen, sunglasses, parasol.
      • Winter: Warm clothing, anti-slip shoe covers, hand warmers.

  • Photographic equipment:

    • Wide-angle lens: Suitable for capturing the panorama of the Great Wall.
    • Telephoto lens: For capturing distant mountain views.
    • Tripod: Essential for sunrise and sunset photography.
    • Polarizing filter: Enhances the layering of the sky.

  • Ticket Services

    • Great Wall tickets:

      • Peak season (April to October): 40 yuan per person.
      • Low season (November to March): 35 yuan per person.
      • Student tickets: Half price (valid ID required).
      • Seniors (over 60): Free entry.

    • Cable car service:

      • North section cable car: One way 80 yuan, round trip 120 yuan.
      • South section cable car: One way 80 yuan, round trip 120 yuan.
      • Operating hours: 8:00-17:00 (summer).
      • Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Avoiding Lines

  • Toboggan Service:

    • Ticket Price: 80 yuan one-way, 100 yuan round-trip
    • Operating Hours: 8:30-16:30
    • Note: Service suspended during rainy or snowy weather

  • Cinema Services:

    • Great Wall Cinema: 60 yuan/person
    • Screening Times: Every hour on the hour
    • Duration: 15 minutes
    • Advance reservations required

  • Tour Guide Services

    • Manual Explanation:

      • Chinese Explanation: 200 yuan/group (2 hours)
      • English Explanation: 300 yuan/group (2 hours)
      • Other Languages: Need to be booked 3 days in advance
      • Maximum 10 people/group

    • Electronic Navigation:

      • Audio Guide: 40 yuan/device (deposit 100 yuan)
      • Supported Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean
      • Rental Location: Visitor Center
      • Usage Time: Up to 4 hours

    • Smart Navigation:

      • Official APP: Free audio explanation
      • Electronic map navigation
      • Detailed introduction of scenic spots
      • Supports offline use

  • Convenience Services

    • Storage Services:

      • Location: Visitor Center
      • Large luggage: Free storage
      • Valuables: Please carry with you
      • Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00

    • Medical Services:

      • Clinic: Provides simple medical assistance
      • Location: Next to the Visitor Center
      • Equipment: Stretchers, wheelchairs
      • Emergency Phone: 120

    • Restrooms:

      • Distribution: Near major attractions
      • Equipment: Barrier-free facilities
      • Tip: Please bring your own tissues

    • Rest Area:

      • Equipped with a shaded rest pavilion
      • Provides benches
      • Some areas have water dispensers

Transportation Guide

  1. Arrival by Train
    • S2 Line (Beijing North Station - Badaling):
      • First Train: 6:00.

景点介绍

Visiting Suggestions

  1. By Train:

    • Last Train: 17:20

      • Ticket Price: 6 yuan
      • Travel Time: 1.5 hours
      • 12 trains per day

    • Notes:

      • It is recommended to arrive at the station 1 hour early.
      • Purchase tickets ahead of time during holidays.
      • The train can be boarded at Beijing North Station.

  2. By Bus:

    • Route 877 (Desheng Gate - Badaling):

      • First Bus: 6:00, Last Bus: 17:00
      • Ticket Price: 12 yuan
      • Travel Time: 2 hours
      • Buses depart every 30 minutes.

    • Route 919 (Desheng Gate - Badaling):

      • First Bus: 6:00, Last Bus: 16:30
      • Ticket Price: 12 yuan
      • Travel Time: 1.5 hours
      • Buses depart every 15 minutes.

  3. Dedicated Travel Lines:

    • Badaling Dedicated Line (Tiananmen/Qianmen - Badaling):

      • Departure Time: 7:30-11:00
      • Return Time: 14:00-17:00
      • Ticket Price: 140 yuan round trip (including Great Wall entrance ticket)
      • Buses depart every 30 minutes.

    • Tourist Bus:

      • Multiple travel agencies offer one-day tours.
      • Price: Varies from 200-300 yuan.
      • Includes entrance tickets and guide.
      • Advance booking required.

  4. Self-drive Route:

    • Recommended Route:

      • Jingzang Expressway → Badaling Expressway → Badaling Exit
      • Total distance: approximately 75 kilometers.
      • Travel time: approximately 1.5 hours.

    • Parking Information:

      • Scenic Area Parking: 10 yuan per entry.
      • Capacity: 2000 parking spaces.
      • It is recommended to arrive early during holidays.

    • Notes:

      • Avoid morning and evening peak hours.
      • Pay attention to weather and road conditions.
      • It is recommended to navigate to “Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area Parking”.

  1. Jun Du Mountain Villa Farmhouse

    • Special Dishes:

      • Farmhouse Stewed Chicken: 128 yuan per chicken, cooked fresh.
      • Great Wall Hot Pot: 158 yuan per pot, serves 4-6 people.
      • Farmhouse Big Stew: 68 yuan per portion, local specialty.

    • Shop Information:

      • Location: 500 meters from the south gate of Badaling Great Wall.
      • Average consumption: 80-120 yuan per person.
      • Business hours: 8:00-20:00.
      • Valet parking available.

  2. Ancient City Restaurant

    • Signature Dish:
      • Roasted Whole Lamb: 498 yuan per lamb.

景点介绍

参观建议

Reservations required.

  • Farmhouse stir-fry: 38-68 yuan/serving
  • Hand-rolled noodles: 18 yuan/bowl
  • Dining environment:
    • Location: Inside Badaling Ancient City
    • Per capita consumption: 60-100 yuan
    • Can accommodate 100 people dining at the same time
    • Provide group dining reservations
  1. Badaling Service Area Food Plaza

  • Fast food options:

    • Chinese fast food: 25-35 yuan/serving
    • Noodles: 15-25 yuan/serving
    • Beverages and snacks: 5-15 yuan/serving

  • Special recommendations:

    • Yanqing snacks: Lvdagun, Aiwowo
    • Special noodles: Old Beijing fried sauce noodles
    • Food cart snacks: Grilled sausage, Oden
  1. Ancient City Dumplings

  • Special dumplings:

    • Three delicacies dumplings: 15 yuan/serving
    • Beef dumplings: 18 yuan/serving
    • Vegetarian three delicacies: 12 yuan/serving

  • Shop information:

    • Location: East Street, Badaling Ancient City
    • Business hours: 9:00-19:00
    • Provide packaging services
    • Advance phone reservations available

Special Reminders

  1. Safety Instructions

  • Safety when climbing the wall:

    • The steps are steep, so be careful not to slip.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult during the entire climb.
    • Those with hypertension or other similar conditions should exercise caution when climbing the wall.

  • Weather-related advice:

    • It is recommended not to climb to the top in windy weather.
    • Be careful not to slip in rainy or snowy weather.
    • Summer heatstroke prevention measures are essential.
  1. Visiting Etiquette

  • Cultural relic protection:

    • Do not write or graffiti on the city walls.
    • Do not climb on the walls or battlements.
    • Keep the scenic area clean and tidy.

  • Civilized touring:

    • Obey the regulations of the scenic area.
    • Do not make loud noises.
    • Take good care of public facilities.
  1. Touring Suggestions

  • Avoiding peak periods:

    • The Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week are extremely busy with tourists.
    • Weekends can also be crowded.
    • It is recommended to travel during off-peak periods.

  • Equipment preparation:

    • Wear comfortable hiking shoes.
    • Bring warm and windproof clothing.
    • Prepare drinking water and snacks.
  1. Other Services
  • Medical assistance:
    • There is a clinic available.

景点介绍

参观建议

  • Provision of Basic Medical Services:

    • Common medications are prepared.
    • Stretcher and wheelchair services are available.
    • Convenient Facilities:
      • Left Luggage: Free luggage storage is provided.
      • Restrooms: Available near each attraction.
      • Rest Areas: Provide shade and shelter from the rain.
  1. Special Weather Conditions

  • Rainy and Snowy Weather:

    • Steps can be slippery, walk carefully.
    • Prepare rain gear or snow protection equipment.
    • Pay attention to weather forecasts.

  • Windy Weather:

    • It’s windy at higher altitudes, so keep warm.
    • Avoid carrying items that can be easily blown away by the wind.
    • It is recommended not to climb to the top.
  1. The number of visitors is extremely high during the Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week, so it is recommended to avoid these periods.
  2. Steps may freeze in winter, so be careful of slippage.
  3. There is a clinic in the scenic area. Patients with hypertension and other conditions should be cautious when climbing the wall.
  4. It is recommended to bring warm clothing as the temperature difference is large and the wind is strong on the mountain.
  5. Please do not write or graffiti on the Great Wall.