As the saying goes, he who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man, he who has not reached Badaling Great Wall has not reached the true Great Wall. Situated approximately 50 miles (80 km) northwest of urban Beijing, Badaling Great Wall is the most well-preserved and the most visited section of the Great Wall. It was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), commanding a strategic position for transportation and defense in ancient times. Badaling Great Wall is 3,741 meters long (2.3 miles) with an average height of 8 meters (26 feet). The highest point of it is about 1,015 meters (3,330 ft) above sea level. It was the first section of the Great Wall to open for tourism in 1957.

Though a cable car is available, it is recommended only when exhausted. As an ancient military stronghold, a tiring trek helps understand the Badaling Great Wall better. Moreover, the awesome and breathtaking horizon from Badaling Great Wall makes your sweat worth it. The Badaling Great Wall is well developed with hotels, restaurants, and improved transportation. It is convenient to take a train or bus from central Beijing：
•Badaling Expressway, from central Beijing to Badaling.
•Line S2, Beijing Suburban Railway, from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling
•Bus, runs frequently from Deshengmen to Badaling.


The opening time of Badaling Great Wall is 6:00 am-10:00 pm summer, 7:00 am-6:00 pm winter. The most popular section of the Great Wall also means the great throng. Thus, choose a weekday excursion. Remember to bring umbrella, sunblock and enough water if you want to do the hiking in summer.