Overview: The Badaling Section is the most popular spot for Chinese tour groups. It isn't far from the center of Beijing City. This means that it is also the most crowded section of the wall and you'll have to fight hoards of bussed-in tourists as well as water and soft-drink touts. Your guide has been there, on a tour bus, fought through the crowds and it was still a "great" wall experience. The first glimpse of the wall as you near it from the highway is breath-taking, no matter what section you visit.
Location: about 40 miles (70 km) northwest of Beijing
History: The site of the Badaling section of the wall has been a strategic location since the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 B.C.) when the first walls were built. Badaling is the highest section of the Jundu mountain and historically protected the Juyongguan Pass. This portion of the wall was reconstructed during Ming times and was renovated in modern times as well. It was the first section to open for tourism in 1957.
Features:
- Elevation: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
- 3,741 meters long (2.3 miles) with and average height of 8 meters (26 feet)
- Top wide enough for 5 horses to be ridden together
- Constructed of large stones weighing one hundred kilograms (220 pounds)
Getting there :
- City bus 919
- Tourist bus 1 from Front Gate
- Tourist bus 2 from Beijing Railway Station
- Tourist bus 3 from East Bridge
- Tourist bus 4 from Xizhi Gate or Beijing Zoo
- Tourist bus 5 from West Taxi Station at the Front Gate
- Tourist bus 8 from An Ding Men or Qianmen Station
- More information on Beijing bus transport
- Beijing Bus Schedule
- Taxi hire
- Private tour: from RMB 1,500 (about $185) for the day, includes guide, driver and transportation in private car
Essentials:
- Admission fee: 11/01-03/31 40RMB ($5), 4/01-10/31 45RMB ($5.55)
- Opening hours: 6:40 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Recommended time for visit: two and a half hours
- Best time to visit: Autumn for changing foliage and best chances for clear views
Tips:
- Consult with your hotel before going in peak seasons or holidays
- If you're looking for a less crowded experience, try the Mutianyu Section
