Visiting the Badaling Great Wall is a must when you’re in Beijing. Taking the high-speed train to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station (八达岭长城站） is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to get there. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced traveler, this guide will help you navigate everything you need to know about the station and how to reach the iconic Great Wall by train.
Introduction to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station
The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is your gateway to one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Located just 70 kilometers north of Beijing, it offers a quick and convenient route to the famous Badaling section of the Great Wall.
Construction of the station began in March 2016. It was completed and opened to the public on December 30, 2019, when the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway began operations.
As of 2019, the station covers 49,500 square meters. Of this, 9,000 square meters are above ground, while the remaining 40,500 square meters are underground. Designed to handle up to 1,500 passengers at a time, it features two platforms and four tracks. This layout ensures smooth and efficient operations, even during busy tourist seasons.
The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is one of China’s deepest underground high-speed railway stations. It is situated 102 meters beneath the scenic mountain area surrounding the Great Wall. The underground space spans 36,000 square meters, forming an expansive, multi-level structure.
The station’s unique design includes a complex network of tunnels and chambers. At both ends, the excavation span reaches 32.7 meters, making it the largest single-arch underground railway tunnel in China. This innovative design helps the station maintain high capacity and efficiency, while minimizing the environmental impact on the surrounding landscape.
Badaling Great Wall Railway Station Location
The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is a stone’ throw away from the Badaling Scenic Area, Badaling Town, Yanqing District, Beijing. It is near the Guntian Gou Tunnel and the Cable Car Station. After exiting the station, passengers will find the ticket office right next to them.
To reach the Cable Car Station, simply exit the station, turn right, and walk for just a few minutes. From there, you can take the cable car to the area between Tower 7 and Tower 8 ( in the northern secton of the Wall). You can either walk down to Tower 12 or continue walking down to Tower 1.
If you prefer to hike, exit the station, turn left, and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the entrance at Tower 1. From there, you can hike both the north and south sections of the Great Wall.
The station is also well-connected. It is next to the Beijing-Tibet Expressway (Jingzang Highway) and National Highway G110. This makes it very accessible and convenient for tourists traveling to the Great Wall.
How to Reach Badaling Great Wall by Train
Now that you know a little about the station, let’s get into the practical details of how to reach the Badaling Great Wall Railway Station and visit the Great Wall.
Train Options: Beijing to Badaling
Several high-speed trains depart from Beijing’s main railway stations, mostly from Beijing Qinghe Railway Station （清河站）. The journey from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station takes around 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers.
High-Speed Train Timetable from Beijing Qinghe Station to Badaling Great Wall Station
| Train Number | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1023 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 06:38 | 07:00 | 0.37 hours |
| D6703 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 08:33 | 09:05 | 0.53 hours |
| D1103 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 08:19 | 08:41 | 0.37 hours |
| D1107 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 09:52 | 10:14 | 0.37 hours |
| D1091 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 10:25 | 10:47 | 0.37 hours |
| D6705 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 10:58 | 11:20 | 0.37 hours |
| D1009 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 12:06 | 12:28 | 0.37 hours |
| D6725 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 12:44 | 13:06 | 0.37 hours |
| D1113 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 14:19 | 14:41 | 0.37 hours |
| D1131 | Qinghe Station | Badaling Great Wall | 14:57 | 15:19 | 0.37 hours |
These train options provide detailed information for travel from Qinghe Station to Badaling Great
High-Speed Train Timetable from Badaling Great Wall Station to Qinghe Railway Station
| Train Number | Departure Station | Arrival Station | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1024 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 09:02 | 09:21 | 25 min |
| D1002 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 09:28 | 09:48 | 25 min |
| D6704 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 10:12 | 10:32 | 22 min |
| D1004 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 10:31 | 10:51 | 22 min |
| D1072 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 12:38 | 12:58 | 33 min |
| D6720 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 13:24 | 13:44 | 27 min |
| G2526 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 14:27 | 14:46 | 21 min |
| G7834 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 14:44 | 15:04 | 22 min |
| D6706 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 15:43 | 16:03 | 26 min |
| G9396 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 17:07 | 17:26 | 21 min |
| D6708 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 17:27 | 17:47 | 22 min |
| G7836 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 18:15 | 18:35 | 22 min |
| D1018 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 18:47 | 19:07 | 23 min |
| G2488 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 19:22 | 19:42 | 23 min |
| D6710 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 19:42 | 20:02 | 22 min |
| D1028 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 20:43 | 21:03 | 22 min |
This table provides the key information for trains from Badaling Great Wall Station to Qinghe Station, including the different travel durations and ticket prices for second and first classes, as well as business class where available.
How to Buy Train Tickets to Badaling Great Wall
Buying train tickets to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is simple. You can purchase tickets at the station, or online through the official China Railway website or various third-party platforms. If you are not familiar with the language, it is advisable to book your tickets in advance. Many online platforms also offer English-language options for foreign travelers.
Tickets can also be bought via the Badaling station ticket purchase counters or self-service machines at the station itself. Be sure to have your passport ready when purchasing tickets, as they are required for identification.
Ticket Prices
The cost of a ticket from Beijing to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station varies, but it is generally affordable, especially considering the speed and comfort of the high-speed train. The price can range from around 30 to 60 RMB depending on the class of service and time of day.
How to Navigate Badaling Great Wall Railway Station
The Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is not only a transportation hub but also a significant feat of modern engineering. As mentioned earlier, it holds several national records, such as the deepest underground high-speed railway station in China and the largest single-arch span for an underground railway tunnel.
Additionally, the station’s layout, which separates incoming and outgoing passengers, sets a new standard for high-speed railway stations. This design ensures a smooth flow of people, minimizing crowding and improving the overall visitor experience.
Navigating Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is straightforward. Upon arrival, you’ll enter the station hall, where you’ll be able to find escalators or inclined elevators to help you go up to the scenic area.
For those interested in walking, the station also provides clear pedestrian paths leading directly to the Great Wall, though it’s recommended to take the shuttle bus for Tower 1. But for taking cable car, you just walk from the railway station to the Cable car station.
Don’t Miss Badaling Great Wall Railway Station with Badaling Railway Station
Important Reminder: Badaling Great Wall Station and Badaling Railway Station are not the same. They are two different stations with distinct locations.
Badaling Great Wall Station is a high-speed rail station, conveniently located just a short distance from the Badaling Great Wall. It offers quick access for tourists traveling by train, making it an ideal choice for visitors planning to explore the Great Wall.
On the other hand, Badaling Railway Station is a smaller, suburban station. It is situated at the intersection of Provincial Road 216 and National Highway G6 in Badaling Town. This station is about 1.5 kilometers away from the Badaling Great Wall ticketing offices. While it provides train services to the area, it is not as close to the Great Wall as the Badaling Great Wall Station.
The high-speed trains (G or D Trains) to Badaling Great Wall Railway Station are mainly from Qinghe Railway Station in Beijing; while the suburban trains ( S2 Trains ) to Badaling Railway Station are mainly from Beijing North Railway Station ( Suburban Railway ).
So, when planning your visit, make sure you know which station you are heading to for easier access to the Great Wall.
How to Get to Qinghe Railway Station
Most of the highspeed trains gong to Badaling Great Wall depart from Qinghe Railwway Station. Transportation to and from Qinghe Station in Beijing is very convenient, with multiple options including subway, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing services. The best way is taking subway.
Subway
Qinghe Station serves as an interchange hub both for the Railway Station and Subway Line 13. Passengers can easily transfer between Subway Line 13 and the train station.
First you take the subway line 2 and get off at the station of Xizhimen Station, then interchange for Subway Line 13, get off at Qinghe Railway Station.
After exiting the Qinghe Railway Station (清河站) of Subway Line 13, follow the guiding signs to the security screening area, and then proceed to the entrance to Qinghe Raiway Station. Line 13 operates from 5:35 AM to 10:42 PM. So take the Subway line 13, you can easily get into Qinghe Railway Station.
In conclusion, the Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is a modern, efficient, and well-designed gateway to one of China’s most iconic landmarks. By taking the train to Badaling, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, quick journey to one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a tour group, this station offers everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
With its seamless integration into the landscape, state-of-the-art facilities, and strategic location, the Badaling Great Wall Railway Station is an essential part of the visitor experience. So, next time you plan a trip to Beijing, make sure to take advantage of this easy and convenient way to visit the Badaling Great Wall!
More Great Wall of China Travel Guide
Explore the Great Wall of China Travel Guide for tips on the best sections to visit, essential hiking routes, seasonal highlights, and travel insights for a memorable experience. Discover iconic spots like Mutianyu, Badaling, and Juyongguan, along with hidden gems, nearby attractions, and practical advice for making the most of your journey along this world wonder.
