The Great Wall at Badaling sits in Yanqing District, on the northern edge of Beijing. It is the section of the Great Wall of China most visitors reach first, and it is among the most accessible parts of the wall, with a well-preserved stretch that rises and falls across the mountain ridges.
What the visit is like
Badaling is less a remote trek than a chance to walk on a landmark that stretches across northern China. The wall here is broad enough for a steady pace, and from the higher points the view opens out over the surrounding mountains. For many visitors, the mountain views and the chance to photograph the wall against the green or wintry hills are the heart of the experience.
The description of the site gives its length as more than 13,000 miles across northern China, a reminder that this stretch is only one small part of a much longer structure. Standing on it, you are looking at a fragment of something that runs far beyond the horizon.
Planning your trip
- Getting there: Badaling lies within Yanqing District, so plan for a journey out of the city centre and allow time for travel both ways.
- Footwear: The wall involves climbing and uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes with good grip are sensible.
- Pace: Take your time on the slopes and stairs, and rest at the viewpoints.
- Weather: Mountain conditions can change, so check the forecast and dress in layers.
Around the wall
Because Badaling is in Yanqing District, it pairs naturally with a wider day in the Beijing area. The surrounding countryside of mountains and valleys gives the outing a sense of landscape as well as history, and the site suits anyone who wants to see the Great Wall without travelling far into remote terrain.