🏯 Ultimate Badaling Great Wall Travel Guide｜How to Beat the Crowds & Get the Best Photos!

#hellohalloween

If you’re planning a Beijing day trip, the Badaling Great Wall is an absolute must-visit — and with the right timing and route, you can avoid the crowds and get those cinematic “Great Wall all to myself” shots! 📸

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🚆 Getting There

✅ High-speed train: the best option!
From Beijing North / Qinghe Station → Badaling Great Wall Station
⏰ About 20 minutes ｜💰 ~25 RMB
🚶♀️ Exit directly connects to the cable car entrance — super convenient!
⚠️ Tickets can sell out fast, so book early on the 12306 app.

❌ Bus 877 (Deshengmen): Expect 1-hour lines and no air-con escape from the heat 😩
❌ Driving: Parking is far and weekend spots are like winning the lottery 🎟️

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🎫 Tickets & Cable Car
• 🎟️ Entrance ticket: 40 RMB (half-price for students; free for children/minors)
• 🚠 Cable car: One-way 100 RMB / Round-trip 140 RMB
💡 Worth it if you’re bringing parents, kids, or just don’t want to climb 45° slopes!

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📸 Top Photo Spots

1️⃣ Between North Tower 8 → North Tower 9
🔥 The iconic S-shaped slope with endless watchtowers — perfect for panoramic shots!
🔥 Try looking back while walking — you’ll catch stunning perspectives.

2️⃣ South Tower 4 Viewing Deck
👀 The best full “zigzag” Great Wall view — especially beautiful in the afternoon light.

3️⃣ North Tower 4 – “Hero’s Stone” (好汉石)
⚠️ Avoid the front crowd! Go to the side staircase for an upward angle with fewer people.

4️⃣ Inside the Watchtowers
Cool, shady, and photogenic — the windows perfectly frame the mountain views (but be prepared to wait for your turn!)

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👟 Route Tips

👉 Two main sides:
• South Route – shorter (~1 km), easier climb.
• North Route – ~4 km, steeper but more scenic (and includes the famous highest point).

🏔️ North Tower 8 = highest point; North Tower 12 = furthest open section.
Most visitors stop around Tower 8–9, but walking further gets you peace and great views.

🐻 If you reach Tower 12, you’ll pass a small bear park and reach the exit shortly after.
💡 On your way down, take the side road, not the same path — less crowd, safer descent.

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⚠️ Pro Tips from Experience

❗️Wear non-slip shoes — some sections are really steep and slippery.
❗️Arrive before 10 AM — tour buses flood in after noon.
❗️Bring a hat or light sun jacket — very little shade!
❗️Umbrellas help, but climbing while holding one is a workout on its own 💪

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🧊 Bonus Tip

Right before the entrance, there are two Mixue Ice Cream shops 🍦 — a lifesaver after that climb!