Lost in the Majesty of Badaling: An Ode to the Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall🌇 I. Essential Guide to Visiting the Great Wall 1. Opening Hours • Peak Season (Apr–Oct): 6:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) • Off-Season (Nov–Mar): 7:30–16:00 (last entry 15:30) • Night Tours: Fri–Sun 18:30–21:30 (South Fourth Tower section only; separate ticket required) 2. Ticket Reservations • Price: Peak season CNY 40/person, off-season CNY 35/person, half price for students, free for seniors over 60. • Reservations: Book online with real-name registration 7 days in advance via the official Badaling Great Wall WeChat official account or website. Entry with ID card. 3. Route Selection • North Section (Classic Must-Climb): North Tower 1 to North Tower 8 (Hǎohàn Slope), steep incline, check in at the "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man" stele. Cable car one-way CNY 100/person (access at North Tower 4). • South Section (Less Crowded, Scenic Views): South Tower 1 to South Tower 7, ideal for photos, panoramic views of the North Section. • Effort-Saving Route: Cable car up to North Tower 7 → walk to North Tower 8 → descend on foot (approx. 2 hrs total). 4. Hidden Gems • North Tower 4: Filming location for the movie *The Great Wall*, capture silhouette photos from the watchtower windows. • South Tower 4: Best viewing spot for the night light show, where the starry sky meets the Great Wall. II. Food Recommendations 1. Must-Tries at the Foot of the Great Wall • Chadao Ancient Town Farmhouse Cuisine: Recommended dishes: Braised Chicken with Mushrooms, Fried Pepper Sprouts (CNY 50/person). • Badaling Food Court: Fast food hub, beef noodles, Rou Jia Mo (approx. CNY 25). • Self-Heating Hot Pot: Convenient to bring, enjoy a hot meal in the cold wind on the Wall for ultimate comfort! 2. Time-Honored Beijing Cuisine on the Way Back • Changping Yangfang Shengli Shuanrou (on the way back): Clear broth hot pot + freshly sliced lamb, CNY 80/person. • Qing Feng Steamed Dumpling Shop (Desheng Branch): Pork and spring onion dumplings + Chao Gan (stir-fried liver), a classic Beijing breakfast. 3. Places to Avoid • Overpriced sausages and corn on the cob within the scenic area (CNY 10–15/each), bring your own snacks. • Beware of roadside touts offering "free shuttle + discounted tickets," often shopping tour scams! III. Nearby Attractions 1. Badaling Wildlife World • Discounted combined ticket with the Great Wall (CNY 110), self-drive through the wild animal zone (CNY 60/vehicle). 2. Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall • Next to Qinglongqiao Railway Station, learn about the history of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway, free admission. 3. Juyongguan Great Wall • 30 mins by car, one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing," enjoy the peach blossoms in spring (late Mar–early Apr). 4. Guyaju Caves • Mysterious ancient cave dwellings, perfect for adventure seekers (CNY 55/person). IV. Accommodation 1. Guesthouses near the Scenic Area • Commune by the Great Wall: Designer villas, terraces overlooking the Great Wall, from CNY 1500/night in the off-season. • Shixia Ancient Castle Inn: Stone courtyard + heated Kang bed-stoves, experience rural nights, CNY 300/night including breakfast. 2. Budget-Friendly Options • Home Inn (Badaling Branch): 10 mins walk to the shuttle bus station, CNY 200/night. 3. City Return Options • Hotels near Beijing North Railway Station: e.g., Qiu Guo Hotel (Xizhimen Branch), convenient for high-speed rail/subway travel the next day. V. Traffic Tips 1. Getting There • High-Speed Rail (Fastest): Beijing North/Qinghe Railway Station → Badaling Great Wall Station (30 mins, CNY 25), 10 mins walk from the station to the entrance. • Bus: No. 877 from Deshengmen (6:30–12:30), 1.5 hrs direct, CNY 6 (half price with travel card). • Car: Jingzang Expressway (G6) → Badaling Exit, parking CNY 10/day, arrive before 9:00 on weekends for the closest parking lot. 2. Return Trip Tips • Expect queues of over 1 hr for bus No. 877 after 15:00, consider high-speed rail or ride-sharing (CNY 50/person to Qinghe). • Buy high-speed rail tickets in advance! Last train Badaling → Qinghe 18:00, Beijing North 19:58. VI. Essential Tips 1. Clothing • Spring/Autumn: Windbreaker + sneakers (windy on the Wall, drones prohibited!). • Winter: Ice cleats essential! Some steps are icy and slippery (CNY 20/pair at the entrance). 2. What to Bring • Essential: ID card, power bank (batteries drain quickly in low temperatures), sunscreen (high altitude, strong UV rays). • Optional: Trekking poles (for steep slopes on the North Section), folding seat cushion (for resting on steps). 3. Avoiding Crowds • Arrive at opening time (6:30) or enter after lunch (13:00) to avoid tour groups (peak hours 9:30–11:00). • The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, resulting in increased crowds at the Great Wall, avoid if possible! 4. Hidden Services • Free engraved souvenir plaques at North Tower 4 (small size CNY 20, engrave "Hero Certificate"). • Send Great Wall postcards from the post office at the exit (CNY 10/postcard with stamp). VII. Sample Itineraries • One-Day Trip: Early high-speed rail → hike the North Section to North Tower 8 → cable car down → lunch at Chadao Ancient Town → return. • With Seniors/Children: Cable car up and down North Tower 4 → gentle slopes of the South Section for photos → Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall → return by high-speed rail. 🚩 Final Reminder: There are no restrooms on the Great Wall! Use the facilities at the entrance before ascending. No supply points between North Tower 4 and North Tower 8, bring enough water!