Badaling Great Wall was constructed during the Ming Dynasty around 1505, together with a military outpost reflecting the location's strategic importance.

The Badaling Great Wall averages 7.5 meters in height. It is 6.5m wide at the base and 5.8m wide at the top - wide enough for five horses or ten soldiers side by side.

Badaling Great Wall is situated about 10km further north of JuYongGuan Great Wall. They are both sited on the same natural pass through the mountains to the north of Beijing and hence a critical point of defence.

Although popular, Badaling is a good introduction to the Great Wall. Authentically reconstructed, Badaling shows the Great Wall as it would have looked originally, and it does not look too new. Badaling Great Wall stretches for 4.8 km along rolling mountains and has 19 strategically located watchtowers.

Badaling Great Wall has been carefully restored, and in 1957 it was the first section of the Great Wall to open officially to tourists. The immediate area has seen some useful development, including hotels, restaurants and a cable car. A Great Wall Museum has been established near to the wall.

Different sections of Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall    Mutianyu Great Wall    Huangyaguan Great Wall    Jinshanling Great Wall    Simatai Great Wall    Juyongguan Great Wall    Jiayuguan Great Wall    Overhanging Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall offers an interesting climb and great views, although it can also be the most crowded (near the start). However, everyone is in good spirits and there is a sense of comraderie and fun involved in being with others. On a hot day, it can be quite exhausting to reach the top - but you will all be in the same boat! Nevertheless, if possible, try to avoid going on a national holiday or at the weekend.

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Over 100 million visitors have climbed Badaling Great Wall in the past 30 years.