Plan your Great Wall Tour? Visiting the iconic Badaling Great Wall from downtown Beijing is a must for every traveler exploring China’s rich history and majestic landmarks.
And this “How to Get to Badaling Great Wall” guide will navigate you through the various transportation options, travel tips for hiking Badaling Great Wall, ensuring a seamless journey to one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall.
1. Bus Options for Badaling Great Wall
1) Public Bus 877 at Deshengmen Bus Station
（德胜门箭楼北面）北京公交877路
One of the most convenient and economical ways to reach Badaling from Beijing is by taking Public Bus 877. This route is specifically tailored for tourists heading to the Badaling Great Wall and offers a direct connection from Deshengmen.
Although it is a direct tourist route, it uses a regular bus number and fare. Because of this, it is known as the “cheap tourist bus.”
The Deshengmen Bus Station (德胜门站）is located just north of Deshengmen Tower （德胜门城楼）.
Here’s the Bus 877 Timetable and Bus Fare information:
| Time Period | Deshengmen to Badaling (First and Last Bus) | Badaling to Deshengmen (First and Last Bus) | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 1 to November 15 | 06:00 – 12:30 | 10:30 – 17:00 | 12 RMB |
| November 16 to March 31 | 06:30 – 12:30 | 11:00 – 16:30 | 12 RMB |
Bus Fare: 12 yuan ( Transportation card and Beijing Pass are accepted ); bus ride: 90 minutes
Deshengmen Bus Station Location: The compound in the the north of Deshengmen Arrow Tower
Badaling Bus 877 Terminal Location: in the parking lot ( Bear Park), about 700 meters southeast of Tower No.01 of Badaling Great Wall.
How to get to Deshengmen Bus Station ( 德胜门站）
Take the Beijing Subway Line 2 to Jishuitan Station （积水潭站）, exit at Northeast Exit at the subway station and walk about 10 minutes to Deshengmen Bus Station.
A kind reminder: The bus station is located just north of the Deshengmen archery tower. Please ignore any other fake stations or any persons who try to push you to their fake Bus 877.
2) Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Qianmen
北京旅游集散中心（前门）
Departure Point: Beijing Hub of Tour Dispatch at Qianmen Street. Here is the route for taking the subway to the Qianmen Tourist Distribution Center:
Take Subway Line 2: From various directions in Beijing, you can get off at Qianmen Station. Exit from Exit C and walk about 200 meters to reach the Qianmen Tourist Distribution Center (Roadside Shuttle Bus Parking Area).
The buses depart from Qianmen Station between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM, with multiple departures. Buses leave as soon as they are full (during peak season, buses depart every 15 minutes; during off-peak season, departures are about every 40 minutes).
Driving Time: 90 minutes ( Non-stop )
Bus Fare: 50 yuan ( Transportation card is not accepted )
The return bus departs between 12:00 and 16:00. The return bus has two stops: the first stop is at Deshengmen, and the second stop is back at Qianmen Station.
Qianmen Bus Terminal Location: southwest of Archery Tower of Zhengyangmen Gate ( South of Tiananmen Square )
Badaling Public Tourism Bus Terminal Location: in Guntiangou Park Lot, near the cable station of Badaling GreatWall.
It is worth getting up earlier to catch an early morning bus for Badaling, avoiding a possible snake of people on the wall.
3. High-Speed Train to Badaling Great Wall
You may take the high-speed train from Qinghe Train Station to Badaling Great Wall Station and vice versa.
Qinghe Railway Station in Beijing is located between Anningzhuang West Road and Xiaoying West Road in Haidian District, Beijing. Specifically, it is situated between the south side service road of Anningzhuang North Road and the north side service road of Xiaoying West Road.
How to get to Qinghe Railway Station
Transportation to and from Qinghe Railway 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 entrance to Qinghe Railway Station. Note: Line 13 operates from 5:35 AM to 10:42 PM.
Kinder Reminder: Badaling Great Wall Station and Badaling Station are not the same railway station. Badaling Great Wall Station is a high-speed rail station located at the Guntiangou Tunnel in Yanqing District, Beijing. In contrast, Badaling Station is a regular suburban train station located at the intersection of Provincial Road 216 and National Highway G6 in Badaling Town, Yanqing District, Beijing.
Badaling Great Wall Station is just next to the Badaling Great Wall.
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 | Second-Class Ticket | First-Class Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1024 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 09:02 | 09:21 | 25 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| D1002 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 09:28 | 09:48 | 25 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| D6704 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 10:12 | 10:32 | 22 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| D1004 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 10:31 | 10:51 | 22 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| D1072 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 12:38 | 12:58 | 33 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| D6720 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 13:24 | 13:44 | 27 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| G2526 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 14:27 | 14:46 | 21 min | 25 RMB | 40 RMB (Business Class: 76 RMB) |
| G7834 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 14:44 | 15:04 | 22 min | 25 RMB | 40 RMB (Business Class: 76 RMB) |
| D6706 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 15:43 | 16:03 | 26 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| G9396 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 17:07 | 17:26 | 21 min | 25 RMB | 40 RMB (Business Class: 76 RMB) |
| D6708 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 17:27 | 17:47 | 22 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| G7836 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 18:15 | 18:35 | 22 min | 25 RMB | 40 RMB (Business Class: 76 RMB) |
| D1018 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 18:47 | 19:07 | 23 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| G2488 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 19:22 | 19:42 | 23 min | 25 RMB | 40 RMB (Business Class: 76 RMB) |
| D6710 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 19:42 | 20:02 | 22 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
| D1028 | Badaling Great Wall | Qinghe | 20:43 | 21:03 | 22 min | 20 RMB | 32 RMB |
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.
Getting from Badaling Great Wall Train Station to the Ticketing Offices, Cable Car Station and Tower 1
After exiting Badaling Great Wall Train Station, you will enter an open compound where you’ll find:
A ticket office to purchase your Great Wall entry tickets.
A shop offering food, snacks, and practical items such as hats, gloves (for winter), and sunglasses (for summer).
Directions to the Cable Car Station (Up to Tower 7):
Turn right and walk approximately 200 meters to reach the Cable Car Station.
From here, take the cable car up to Tower 7. Once at Tower 7, you can: Hike downward toward Tower 1, or
Continue exploring upward and downward to Tower 12.
Typically, there is no need for a return trip on the cable car, as most visitors descend the Wall by foot.
Directions to Tower 1 (Accessible Area):
Turn left and walk about 1.5 kilometers to reach Tower 1.
This route is ideal for those who prefer hiking or require wheelchair-accessible paths.
Shuttle Buses: Intermittent free shuttle buses are available, connecting the train station and the parking lot near Tower 1. However, many visitors enjoy walking to Tower 1 instead.
Near Tower 1 of the Badaling Great Wall, visitors will find a variety of dining and accommodation options to enhance their experience. For quick refreshments or a familiar taste, there are popular international chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks and Subway. If you’re looking for more substantial meals, the area also features several local restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine, including traditional northern-style dishes such as dumplings, noodles, and hearty stews.
For accommodations, the Badaling Hotel is a convenient option for those wishing to stay close to this iconic landmark. It provides easy access to the Great Wall while offering a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploration. Additionally, some nearby guesthouses and boutique hotels may provide a more traditional or rustic experience for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
The area is well-equipped to cater to tourists, so whether you’re in search of a quick snack, a satisfying meal, or a place to unwind, you’ll find suitable options near Tower 1 of the Badaling Great Wall.
Additional Tips:
Crowded Sections: Expect congestion in the area between Towers 8 and 9, which is particularly popular.
Alternative Descent: Slides are available for a fun and unique way to descend.
Quiet Starting Point: For a more peaceful experience, consider starting your visit at Tower 1, which is less crowded and perfect for those who enjoy a quieter hike.
By choosing the route and starting point that suit your preferences, you can fully enjoy your visit to the iconic Badaling Great Wall.
Tip for Visitors with Limited Mobility: This stop ( Tower 1) is ideal for slow walkers or wheelchair users. Tower 1 is accessible, with ramps and a gentler incline for an easier climb.
3. Driving to Badaling
For travelers preferring flexibility, renting a car or hiring a taxi provides direct access to Badaling Great Wall. The journey typically takes about 1.5 hours from downtown Beijing via the G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway.
Parking facilities are available near the entrance of Badaling, making it a convenient option for those with specific time constraints or looking to explore nearby attractions at their own pace.
4. How to Visit Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall is divided into two sections—the north and south sections—which both begin at the Badaling Pass and Gate. Most visitors prefer to climb the north section, where the highest watchtower (Tower No. 08) is located.
The north section also offers a cable car, and many people choose to hike up the Great Wall and take the cable car down, or vice versa. The upper cable car station is located just below Tower No. 08 and Tower No. 09, which can attract large crowds.
For a more serene experience, we recommend hiking from Tower No. 01 and returning the same way instead of taking the cable car.
The South Section VS the North Section
Length:
South Section: 1.3 km long, with 7 watchtowers.
North Section: 2.565 km long, with 12 watchtowers.
Slope:
South Section: The incline is relatively gentle, making it suitable for hiking, especially for visitors with elderly or young family members.
North Section: The incline is steeper, particularly between Watchtowers 8 and 12, which requires a good level of physical fitness.
Facilities:
South Section: Fewer facilities, though there is a ground cable car that goes directly to Watchtower 4.
North Section: More developed facilities, including an aerial cable car and ropeway, allowing visitors to enjoy high vantage points.
Scenery:
South Section: Offers beautiful, open views with fewer tourists, making it ideal for photography.
North Section: The scenery is even more impressive, especially at the “Hero Slope” and Watchtower 8, though this section tends to be more crowded.
Visitor Numbers:
South Section: Fewer visitors, suitable for those seeking a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
North Section: Busier, especially around the Hero Slope and Watchtower 8, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more challenging hike and vibrant atmosphere.
Beijing Bus Free Shuttle for Badaling Scenic Area:
Operating Hours
- Departure Station First/Last Bus: 06:00–16:00
- Final Station First/Last Bus: 06:15–16:15
Stops Along the Route
- Badaling Heilongtan Parking Lot (Wildlife Park Entrance)
- Badaling Rear Mountain Hiking Entrance (passing stop)
- Badaling Rear Mountain Cable Car Entrance
5. Badaling Great Wall: Accessibility at Its Best
The Badaling Great Wall stands out as the most wheelchair-friendly segment of the Great Wall. This part has undergone significant renovations to cater to the needs of visitors with mobility challenges.
Certain area around Tower 1 of the Badaling Great Wall is accessible for wheelchair users, though there are some limitations.
Some sections of the Badaling Great Wall have relatively flat surfaces that allow wheelchair access. However, due to the unique architectural structure of the Wall, certain areas may have steep steps or narrow pathways, which may require folding or carrying the wheelchair.
Additionally, the Badaling Great Wall provides wheelchair rentals. Visitors can register and pay a deposit at the Visitor Service Center to use wheelchairs free of charge.
To facilitate access, the site also offers vertical lifts and accessible ramps, allowing wheelchair users to reach the East Platform of the Great Wall. The area is equipped with information service stations, clean restrooms, and accessible facilities.
In summary, while small parts of the Badaling Great Wall are wheelchair-friendly, visitors should be mindful of the terrain and plan their routes accordingly.
6. Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Badaling Great Wall Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and ticket type.
Peak Season (April 1 to October 31):
- Adult Ticket: 40 RMB per person
- Student Ticket: 20 RMB per person (valid student ID required)
- Night Ticket: 198 RMB on weekdays, 298 RMB on weekends and holidays
Off-Peak Season (November 1 to March 31):
- Adult Ticket: 35 RMB per person
- Student Ticket: 17.5 RMB per person (valid student ID required)
In addition, Badaling Great Wall offers other services, such as round-trip aerial cable cars or ground cable cars, with prices ranging from 100 RMB to 140 RMB depending on the specific service chosen.
Badaling Great Wall Opening Hours
The opening hours of the Badaling Great Wall vary by season.
Peak Season (April 1 to October 31):
- Daytime Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Nighttime Hours: 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Off-Peak Season (November 1 to March 31):
- Daytime Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
During holidays, the Great Wall also offers nighttime visits with hours from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM each evening.
7. More Transfer Options Going to or from Badaling Great Wall
1) Traveling from Badaling to the Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs, located about 30 kilometers from Badaling, are a remarkable site housing the mausoleums of emperors from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD). Visiting both Badaling and the Ming Tombs in one trip is convenient and highly recommended. After you finish exploring Badaling, you can easily reach the Ming Tombs by taking bus 879 directly from the Badaling area. Bus 879 is just next to Bus 877, easy to find.
2) Getting to Badaling from Beijing South Railway Station
Subway and Bus Option: Take subway line 4 to Xuanwumen, switch to line 2, and travel to Jishuitan Station. From there, take bus 877.
Subway and High-Speed Train via Qinghe: Take line 4 to Xizhimen Station, transfer to line 13, and disembark at Qinghe for a high-speed train to Badaling.
Direct Train from Beijing North: Ride line 4 to Xizhimen, then walk to Beijing North Railway Station to board a high-speed train.
3）Traveling from Beijing West Railway Station to Badaling
Bus Route: Take bus line 143 to Deshengmen and transfer to bus 877.
Subway and High-Speed Train via Qinghe: Take subway line 9 to National Library, transfer to line 4 to Xizhimen, then switch to line 13 to Qinghe and take a high-speed train to Badaling.
Direct Train from Beijing North: Take subway line 9 to National Library, transfer to line 4 to Xizhimen Station, and walk to Beijing North Railway Station to board a high-speed train to Badaling.
4) Traveling from Beijing Daxing Airport to Badaling Great Wall
Subway and Bus Route: Take the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao Station, then transfer to subway line 10 and ride to Beitucheng Station. Transfer again to line 8 and continue to National Art Museum Station. From here, switch to line 6 and go to Jishuitan Station. Exit and walk to Deshengmen to catch bus 877 to Badaling.
Subway and High-Speed Train via Qinghe: Take the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao Station, transfer to line 10, and ride to Zhichunlu Station. From Zhichunlu, transfer to line 13 and go to Qinghe Railway Station, where you can take a high-speed train directly to Badaling.
5) How to Reach Badaling from Capital International Airport
By Subway and Bus: Take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station. Transfer to subway line 2 and ride to Jishuitan Station. Exit from B2 and walk about 500 meters (550 yards) east to Deshengmen to catch bus 877 to Badaling.
Via Qinghe Railway Station: Take the Airport Express to Dongzhimen, transfer to line 13, and get off at Qinghe Railway Station. From there, take a high-speed train directly to Badaling.
8. Essential Tips for Your Visit
For wheelchair users, please check out Great Wall Wheelchair Accessible Travel Guide.
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid large crowds, especially during Chinese holidays and weekends.
- Weather Considerations: Check the weather forecast beforehand, as conditions can vary significantly on the Great Wall. Dress comfortably and wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
- Tickets and Entry: Purchase your tickets in advance to skip long queues at the entrance. Foreign tourists can buy tickets online or at designated ticket counters.
- Exploring Badaling: Take your time to explore both the north and south sections of Badaling Great Wall, each offering unique views and historical insights. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the watchtowers for panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
- Returning to Beijing: Plan your return journey in advance. Buses and trains operate until late afternoon, ensuring you have ample time to explore and return to Beijing comfortably.
Visiting Badaling from Beijing is a memorable experience that showcases the engineering marvels of ancient China. Whether you choose to travel by bus, train, or car, each option offers its own advantages to suit your travel preferences. Follow these “How to get to Badaling Great Wall” guidelines to maximize your trip and create lasting memories exploring one of the world’s most remarkable cultural landmarks.
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.
