As one of nine famous military fortifications in Ancient China, Badaling Great Wall is an important stretch of the Ming Great Wall. It served as an outpost for Juyong Pass, Ming Great Wall, as an old saying that goes “Badaling Great Wall is of vital importance for the defense of Juyong Pass” suggests. It was also taken as a barrier to protect the capital Beijing. Therefore, it had been a must for those who wanted to establish a central government. Being best-preserved and representative, it is the first section of the wall to open to tourism.
It represents the most elaborate part of the Ming dynasty. Located at a commanding and strategic position, it winds along lofty, cragged， steep mountains with verdant and picturesque vegetation. It is also known as “Natural Barrier and Perfect Pass”. Thanks to its vast and expansive view and the famous saying of “One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero”, it is world-renowned.
The gate tower is in the shape of a trapezoid of which narrow edge is on the east and broad edge is on the west. And east gate and west gate have been erected, with tablets engraved by “fortress for Juyong” and “Barrier for Northern Border” above them respectively. To the north of gate tower, there are 12 watchtowers. To the south, there are 7 watchtowers. And entrances are remained in the gate tower, the 4th watchtower to the south, and the 4th, 8th, and 11th watchtowers to the south. Among those, the 4th watchtower to the south is the perfect lookout point and the 8th watchtower to the north is the tallest one, which echoes with its reputation of “Sun Observation Point”. It runs over 1500 meters from the gate tower. And to be a “hero” in that old saying, one should visit this watchtower.
At the 4th watchtower to the south and the 8th one to the north, cable cars are available for tourists. You can take cable cars on round trips, saving efforts while having a good time.
Tips: The most favorable time for visiting the Great Wall ranges from March to May and September to November. Because those months are in spring and autumn in China. In spring, the weather is most habitable and tourist flow here is relatively low, making your journey very enjoyable. In autumn, the weather is very cool and leaves turn red, you will relish a very unique scene. In comparison, winter and summer are less recommendable. But, the snow-covered Great Wall in the winter will offer a scene that is more solemn and lofty.
Address: North Exit of Guanguangu Road, Jundu Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing municipality, 102112
Entrance Fee: CNY 40 ( Apr. 1st to Oct.31st); CNY 35 ( Nov.1st to Mar.31st)
Opening Hours: 06:30 am to 7:00 pm(Apr. 1st to Oct.31st); 6:00 am to 7:30 pm (Nov.1st to Mar.31st)
Tel: 69121383 69121226
