Why You Shouldn't Miss the Hiking Experience at Badaling Great Wall

A Day on the North Slope

The first time I stood at the North 1st Floor of Badaling, I had just walked out of the high-speed train station less than half an hour ago, and all I could hear was the wind in the valley. The stones under my feet echoed with a crisp sound, and I could feel the slope getting steeper. North 2nd Floor, North 3rd Floor... Each time I climbed a level, I had to turn around for a quick look: the city wall lay stretched out like a gray dragon along the ridge, framed by distant hills and a vast blue sky.

When I made it to the North 8th Floor—the highest point—I felt almost pushed by the wind to stand still. The sight of the “Great Wall as far as the eye can see” made everything quiet in an instant. I poured myself a cup of hot water and took a picture, only to realize I couldn't capture its grandeur. I continued to the North 9th Floor, starting to head downhill; my feet felt lighter, but I still stopped every few meters to take in the textures of the stones, the distant railway, the sea of trees, and the sky. Finally, I turned down the mountain at the North 11th Floor, looking back at the North Slope, truly experiencing that sense of satisfaction in the saying “You’re not a hero until you’ve been to the Great Wall.”

“I realized that history isn't just those lines in books; every brick I've stepped on is far older than I am.”

Recommended Itinerary Overview

1. North Slope Hike: A Blend of Challenge and Beauty

From the entrance to North 8th Floor: Entirely uphill, with the steepest sections close to 45°

• The path from North 1st to North 4th Floors is gradual, perfect for warming up.
• From North 5th to North 8th Floors, the incline becomes steep quickly, and the steps on the wall are narrow—take it slow.
• The valleys on both sides are wide open, and you can see the high-speed train cutting through the mountains anytime.

From North 8th Floor to North 12th Floor: Stunning views and a break for your body

• North 8th Floor is the best spot for panoramic pictures.
• After that, it’s mostly downhill, so you can just enjoy the mountain breeze and observe the details of the wall.
• There are fewer tourists near North 12th Floor, allowing for cleaner photos.

My Tips

• Bring a trekking pole, it helps protect your knees when going downhill.
• Get to the park before 8:30 AM, there are fewer people and the sunlight is softer.
• Bring a light jacket; it can be windy at North 8th Floor, feeling a few degrees cooler.

2. Easy Experience: Take the Cable Car Straight to North 7th Floor

If you want to save energy or if you have kids or older folks with you, you can simply turn right after leaving Badaling High-Speed Train Station to find the entrance to the “North Line Cable Car.”

• The cable car ride takes about 6 minutes, with stunning views of the ridge and the wall outside. Photographers can press their cameras against the glass to avoid glare.
• The cable car ends right next to North 7th Floor, and from there, you only need to climb one more flight to reach North 8th Floor.
• Views from North 8th Floor: The cable car saves you the hardest uphill trek but won’t miss the most breathtaking views.
• You’ll still go down from North 8th Floor to North 12th Floor, then to North 11th Floor; it’s all downhill, putting very little strain on your legs.

3. Transportation: Just an Hour from Beijing North Station

After getting off the train, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the ticket office or the cable car entrance, and the route is straightforward. There are luggage racks in the high-speed train, so backpacks and photography bags fit just fine.

4. Practical Information Checklist

• Tickets: Can be purchased on-site, through the official website, or mini-programs; reserve in advance during peak season.
• Opening Hours: 7:30 AM—5:30 PM (subject to official announcements), it’s best to set aside about 4 hours for your visit.
• Best Seasons: From September to November, the weather is just right; in spring (March to April), the mountain flowers are beautiful too. In summer, remember to apply sunscreen and hydrate; winter requires crampons due to icy conditions.
• Gear:
  • Shoes with good traction or lightweight hiking shoes
  • A water bottle of at least 1L, as there aren’t many supply points on the North Slope
  • Long-sleeved quick-dry shirts, sun hats, sunglasses
  • A power bank; the signal on the wall is good, but taking photos drains the battery quickly
• Restrooms: Available near North 3rd Floor, North 8th Floor, and North 11th Floor; bring your own tissues.
• Supplies: There are snacks and hot drinks available at the small shop near North 8th Floor, prices are slightly high but acceptable.

5. The Great Wall’s History and On-Site Experience

Badaling is one of the best-preserved sections of the “Ming Great Wall,” built during the Ming Dynasty’s Hongzhi and Jiajing periods. From the North Slope, you can see quite a few “Horse Faces” (square protruding defensive structures) and arrow walls, many bricks still have inscriptions and numbers from back then. Touching those carvings is way more authentic than looking at exhibits through glass in a museum.

I found a brick on North 4th Floor with the characters “Wu Zi” engraved on it, instantly imagining the craftsmen from over 400 years ago. That moment of “shaking hands with history through stone” was the biggest motivation for my hike.

This route has a difficulty level directly proportional to the satisfaction it brings. Whether you're measuring the mountain step by step or enjoying the aerial view from a cable car, you’ll find your own rhythm and perspective to understand this stretch of the wall.