Walking on autumn leaves and climbing the Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall in autumn is like a magnificent landscape painting. The Great Wall winds through mountains adorned with golden, orange, and fiery red leaves, creating a picturesque scene where ancient bricks meet vibrant foliage. On crisp autumn days, climbing the Badaling Great Wall offers not only a sense of historical grandeur but also the enchanting beauty of nature, leaving visitors refreshed and reluctant to leave.

🕘【Opening Hours】: Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): Open daily from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM.
Off-Season (November 1 - March 31): Open daily from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Recommended visit duration: 4-6 hours.

💴【Ticket Prices】: Peak Season (April 1 - October 31): Adult ticket ¥40, student ticket ¥20.
Off-Season (November 1 - March 31): Adult ticket ¥35, student ticket ¥17.5.

⛺【Activities】: Hiking and Red Leaf Viewing: Stroll along the Great Wall trail, passing through watchtowers and enjoying the perfect blend of red leaves and the ancient wall. Start from the North Tower 1, hike northward, pass through the red leaf forest area near North Tower 4, and immerse yourself in the autumn atmosphere until you reach North Tower 8, the "Hero Slope," where you can overlook the stunning autumn scenery.
Cable Car Sightseeing: For those with limited energy or time, opt for the cable car. Badaling offers a northern cableway and a ground cable car. The northern cableway takes you to North Tower 8, "Hero Slope," while the ground cable car reaches South Tower 4. From the cable car, enjoy a bird's-eye view of the red leaves and the winding Great Wall, with a wide and open perspective.

Red Leaf Viewing Spots:
- South Tower 1 "King of Red Leaf Trees": Inside the courtyard stands a 60-year-old yellow smoke tree with a trunk diameter of 32 cm. Its umbrella-like canopy forms a natural frame with the wall and arrow windows, creating a classic composition of red leaves against the Great Wall.
- South Tower 2 "Most Beautiful Arrow Window for Red Leaves": Through the arrow window, gaze at the valley ablaze with red leaves, yellow smoke trees, and golden maple trees. Sunlight filtering through the leaves onto the wall creates a scene as beautiful as an oil painting.
- North Towers 10-11 "Red Leaf Wall": The pentagonal leaves of the maple trees contrast with the geometric lines of the battlements, blending the soft beauty of red leaves with the ruggedness of the ancient wall. Photographers call this the "most picturesque autumn section of the Great Wall."
- North Tower 4 "Red Leaf Forest Trail": A 1.2 km northern trail surrounded by red leaf forests allows you to touch the leaf veins. The northern tower serves as the foreground, while the southern tower provides a distant view, creating a layered visual effect.
- Beacon Tower 13 "A Solitary Great Wall": Hike the extended trail to the unrestored section of the Great Wall, where red leaves and ruins coexist, exuding a serene yet historically rich atmosphere, perfect for capturing artistic photos.

🚌【Transportation Guide】:
Public Transport:
- S2 Line: Take the S2 Line from Beijing North Station to Badaling Station. From there, walk to the scenic area while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
- Bus 877: Board Bus 877 from the north side of Deshengmen Arrow Tower. This direct bus takes you straight to the Badaling Great Wall scenic area without any stops, making it convenient and fast.
Driving: Set your navigation to "Badaling Great Wall Guntian Parking Lot." From downtown Beijing, take the G6 Jingzang Expressway and exit at Exit 58. The scenic area offers approximately 3,400 parking spaces. On weekdays, parking is relatively easy, and arriving early ensures closer parking spots.

👉【Itinerary Suggestions】: Nearby Attractions: Visit the Juyongguan Great Wall, which also boasts stunning autumn scenery with red leaves complementing the ancient fortress. You can also explore the Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall to learn about the life and contributions of this great patriotic engineer to China's railway construction.
Accommodation: For an in-depth experience, consider staying in Yanqing District, where various hotels and guesthouses, such as the Badaling Hotel, are available, making it convenient for continued exploration the next day.

🧡【Preparation Tips】: Clothing: Autumn temperatures on the mountain can be low, especially in the morning and evening. Bring warm clothing such as jackets or sweaters.
Footwear: Some sections of the Great Wall trail are steep and require prolonged walking. Wear comfortable hiking or sports shoes to ensure safety and comfort.
Other Essentials: Bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against UV rays. Pack some snacks and water, such as bread, chocolate, and bottled water, to replenish energy and stay hydrated during your visit. Additionally, bring a camera or smartphone to capture the breathtaking autumn scenery.