Badaling Great Wall: Journey of the Eastern Dragon

Introduction

Walking along the Badaling Great Wall is like stepping back into history. The towering stone walls stretch across the mountains like a sleeping dragon, guarding centuries of stories. As you ascend the steep steps, you can imagine the ancient soldiers standing watch and the travelers who marveled at this incredible feat of human engineering. The Hero Slope, in particular, is a striking section where history comes alive.

Quick Facts

Item	Content
Location	Badaling, Beijing, China
Open Hours	07:30 – 17:30 (depends on season)
Best Time to Visit	Spring (Apr–May), Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Duration	2–3 hours (for main sections)
Tickets	Adult: ¥40–¥60, Child / Senior: ¥20–¥30
Highlights	Cable car ride, Watchtowers, Hero Slope

A Strategic Fortress Through History

The Badaling Great Wall holds immense historical significance. Its military value dates back to the Warring States Period, when the Yan State first built defenses here to fend off northern tribes. After China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, unified the country, these early walls were connected into the vast barrier we now know as the Great Wall.

During the Ming Dynasty’s 270-year-long expansion, Badaling earned the title “Jade Gate Natural Stronghold.” Built with massive granite blocks and topped with blue bricks, the wall here is 4–5 meters wide, equipped with watchtowers, archery holes, and drainage systems. This deep, layered defense system made Badaling one of the most crucial strongholds in northern China.

The pass witnessed countless historical events: the sorrowful flight of Empress Dowager Cixi in 1900, the thundering cavalry of Genghis Khan, and the Ming emperors’ northern campaigns. Today, the wall still stands as a silent witness to two thousand years of Chinese history.

Top Things to Do at Badaling Great Wall

1. Walk along the restored sections and enjoy panoramic views
2. Take the cable car for an aerial perspective of the Wall
3. Climb key watchtowers (Tower 1, Tower 2) for great photo opportunities
4. Visit Hero Slope and read historical inscriptions
5. Capture sunrise or sunset for stunning photography

Architectural Genius and Cultural Codes

Climbing to North Tower 8 (Guanritai), visitors understand why this pass was considered “more important than Juyong Pass.” The watchtowers here were designed in varied styles, with arrow slits balancing defense and natural light. Even the steep ramps were engineered with human movement in mind, showcasing the Ming Dynasty’s architectural brilliance in adapting the wall to the mountain terrain.

• The Military Code: The plaque above the west gate, “North Gate Lock and Key,” symbolizes Badaling’s defensive strategy. The barbican and flanking towers created a tactical setup known as “shut the door and beat the dog,” a formation that trapped intruders.
• Stone Legends: Carvings near the Tanjin Gorge include Buddhist reliefs and legendary figures such as the Yang Family Generals, blending faith, folklore, and history.
• Cannon Memory: Inside the pass, you’ll find the Ming Dynasty’s “Great General Iron Cannon” (Shenwei Dajiangjun), an advanced weapon of its time with a range of nearly a thousand meters.

In modern times, Badaling remains a stage for national pride. During the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the torch relay passed through here, connecting the ancient Great Wall to the modern Olympic spirit.

Immersive Cultural Experiences at Badaling

A visit to Badaling offers more than breathtaking views. Travelers can dive into cultural experiences that bring the Great Wall’s history to life:

1. Night Tour: On weekends, Badaling transforms into a “Starry Sky Museum.” Laser projections and holographic shows like Guihe Night Painting and Great Wall Dream recreate scenes from Ming Dynasty craftsmanship and folklore.
2. Great Wall Museum: The China Great Wall Museum at Badaling offers interactive digital exhibits, where visitors can simulate beacon relays or examine the famous Great Wall Brick Inscription—a Ming-era record of border guards.
3. Hands-on History: At the Cultural Workshop, you can learn how Ming craftsmen built the wall using a unique mortar made from sticky rice paste, lime, and hemp fiber. You can even craft a personalized commemorative brick to take home.

Travel Tips for Visiting Badaling Great Wall

Best Time to Visit

• April–May: Colorful mountain blossoms
• October–November: Golden autumn foliage
• Winter: Snowfall transforms the wall into a “Jade Dragon in Armor”

Getting There

• S2 “Great Wall” Train from Beijing North Station – scenic route
• By Metro: Line 2 to Jiantou Station → bus 877 / 919 or taxi to Badaling
• By Bus: Direct buses 877 / 919 from Deshengmen in central Beijing
• By Car / Taxi: Approx. 1.5-hour drive from central Beijing (depends on traffic)
• By Expressway: G6 Jingzang Expressway, Exit 58

Cultural Bonus

• Every Tuesday at 10:00 AM, the pass square hosts a Ming Dynasty Military Performance, featuring costumed soldiers in historically accurate armor

Suggested Visit Time

• Early morning is best to avoid crowds
• Allow 2–3 hours to explore the main sections

Additional Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes – lots of steps!
• Bring water and snacks
• Check weather for clear views

If you’re planning a detailed trip, check out our upcoming Badaling Great Wall Travel Guide for practical tips, including ticketing, hiking routes, and the best photo spots.

Badaling in the Heart of Beijing Attractions

Badaling is often the first stop for international travelers exploring beijing tourist attractions. Alongside iconic sites like theForbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, it forms the cultural backbone of Beijing’s heritage.

Walking back from Badaling, you can’t help but marvel at how the Wall winds along the mountain ridges, disappearing into the horizon. Every step tells a story of human endurance, and every tower is a reminder of history’s presence. Visiting the Badaling Great Wall is not just a sightseeing trip—it’s a journey through time.

As UNESCO notes, the Great Wall is “the ultimate proof of humanity’s challenge to terrain using hands and wisdom.” The great dragon is awake—are you ready to walk in its footsteps?

F&Q about Badaling Great Wall