Magnificent Scenery on Perilous Peaks: Four-Season Splendor of Badaling Great Wall

📍 Beijing · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 128 likes

He who hasn’t climbed the Great Wall is no true man; missing Badaling Great Wall would be a real pity! When in Beijing, an unmissable attraction is the Great Wall, and Badaling, the outstanding representative of the majestic Wall, is a world-renowned tourist destination and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Its imposing and precipitous beauty surpasses all other Great Wall scenic spots in Beijing. Badaling Great Wall lies like a giant dragon coiling over the mountains, a testament to the blood and sweat of ancient Chinese laborers, and a symbol of ancient Chinese culture and the pride of the Chinese nation.

The Badaling Great Wall is divided by the gate tower into north and south sections. The northern section is the highlight, stretching about 3,000 meters from the gate tower to the North 12th Tower. The North 7th and North 8th Towers are the most crowded spots. The North 8th Tower is the highest point on the northern end; beyond it, the wall turns southeast toward Qinglongqiao, and the steep cliffs near North 9th Tower make for a challenging walk. The North 12th Tower marks the boundary of the scenic area, and it’s the least-visited spot at Badaling. For those with elderly relatives or children, taking the cable car up and down is recommended. The cable car drops you right at North 7th Tower, and a short climb leads to the highest North 8th Tower, where the famous 'Hero Slope' is located.

The southern section is shorter, about 1,300 meters, with the South 4th Tower as its highest point. Walking to the South 7th Tower, the watchtower is closed, marking the end of the scenic route. However, you can see that the wall beyond the tower is also well restored, winding southward into the unknown.

North 8th Tower – Hero Slope, at an elevation of 888 meters, is the highest watchtower on Badaling Great Wall and the best spot for a panoramic view of the wall, hence also called Sunrise Viewing Platform.

North 4th Tower – Hero Stone

Fantasy 9D Cinema – offers an immersive experience 'visiting' the magnificent scenes of the Great Wall’s construction and beacon-fire communications.

China Great Wall Museum – a thematic museum dedicated to the Great Wall, comprehensively presenting its history, military aspects, architecture, economy, and current status.

There are plenty of transport options to Badaling Great Wall. First-time visitors to Beijing can join a day tour, which are now well-organized with pure sightseeing and no shopping stops. The Busda Badaling Great Wall Day Tour picks up at Exit C of Beitucheng Subway Station, with an early bus at 8am and a mid-morning bus at 10am. A guide on board provides commentary and can help purchase cable car and dome cinema tickets, saving you time and hassle. The return trip can drop you off near the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, so you can tick off two attractions in one day.

Badaling Great Wall offers four distinct seasonal scenes, each with its own charm. You can choose your visit based on your preferences. Let’s enjoy a few beautiful photos:

Spring – While April sees flowers fading elsewhere, Badaling is ablaze with blossoms. Apricot, peach, and winter jasmine burst into bloom, adorning the green ravines and ridges like a vivid floral carpet—truly spectacular.

Summer – The peaks are layered in verdant green, with gentle breezes; mist and clouds coil around the dragon-like wall. The mountains become a solid green ocean, white clouds drift among them, and standing atop the grand pass, you can see the Great Wall leaping across lofty ranges. The cool mountain breeze refreshes the spirit.

Autumn – A master painter’s hand sketches a red tide; the multicolored forests frame the grand pass. Autumn is the best season to visit the Wall, with crisp skies, clear air, and refreshing breezes. At Badaling, the forested hills are dyed in brilliant reds, and the red leaves ablaze like fire against the battlements and watchtowers.

Winter – The northern landscape is covered with a thousand miles of snow; inside and outside the Great Wall, everything is cloaked in silver. As the first frost arrives, every tree is adorned with sparkling rime, transforming the hills into a fairyland of white. Silver wraps the scene—a quintessential northern winter spectacle.

1. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes or sneakers.

2. Dress according to the season. For spring and autumn, it’s wise to wear an extra layer, such as a jacket or windbreaker. In summer, apply sunscreen and wear sun-protective clothing; the wind on the wall keeps it from feeling too hot, but the sun can be intense. In winter, you’ll need a down jacket, a warm hat, and gloves—don’t forget the gloves!

3. Arrive early to beat the crowds and get the best photos. The 8am Busda departure is perfect.