Top 8 Things to Do on the Badaling Great Wall

Summit at No. 8 North Tower of Badaling

For most visitors, reaching the highest No. 8 North Tower of the Great Wall is the quintessential highlight of their trip. This tower serves as an extraordinary vantage point, affording a sweeping view of the entire Great Wall unfurling in all its glory. As it winds gracefully through the mountains, the watchtowers and battlements along its expanse are clearly visible. Against the backdrop of the distant, interlocking mountains and valleys, a scene of peerless beauty emerges. It thus presents an ideal opportunity to snap stunning photos and to deeply savor the majestic splendor of this age-old wonder.

Slideway on Badaling Great Wall

The slideway at the Badaling Great Wall, which is built leaning on the hillside, offers an exciting experience. As you descend, you can vividly sense the rapid speed and the refreshing breeze caressing your face. Typically, the slide down lasts for a few minutes, during which the Great Wall and the surrounding mountains swiftly pass by your field of vision. With reliable safety features such as handrails and brakes installed on the slide cars, there is minimal cause for concern regarding safety. This makes it an excellent means to conclude your hiking tour and infuse an element of enjoyment and excitement.
 

 Read more: Badaling Great Wall Cable Car vs. Slideway
 

Hero Monument

On the south section of the Badaling Great Wall, there stands a Hero Monument engraved with the renowned phrase “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” It is highly recommended that you strike an impressive pose and take a photograph with it, as this act symbolizes your conquest of this magnificent Great Wall and certifies you as a genuine adventurer.

Each year, from April 30th to October 6th, the Badaling Great Wall offers night tour opportunities. During this period, the Great Wall is bathed in artificial illumination, presenting a magnificent spectacle as it resembles a resplendent golden dragon under the night lights. Unlike daytime visits, night tours allow tourists to avoid the crowds and relish a more serene exploration. One can meander along the ancient wall in tranquility, gazing at the twinkling stars above and the distant, luminously lit watchtowers, thereby savoring a truly unique and alternative perspective of this iconic wonder.

Cycling around the Great Wall

Cycling around the Badaling Great Wall endows you with enhanced freedom to discover the surrounding area. Annually, regular cycling competitions are held in the vicinity of the Badaling Great Wall. You can pedal along the route which is the same as that of the cycling competitions, feasting your eyes on the magnificent beauty of the Great Wall. The entire cycling journey typically spans approximately one to two hours. During the ride, you have the liberty to halt at diverse viewpoints and capture the alluring images of the Great Wall. Moreover, as the path traverses through several small villages and idyllic fields, you are also afforded a fleeting yet charming insight into the local rural way of life.

Visit the Great Wall by helicopter

Embarking on a helicopter flight over the Badaling Great Wall offers an astonishing bird's-eye view. Typically, such a flight endures for around 15 minutes, during which time the entire layout of the Great Wall becomes visible, with its sinuous path winding through the mountains and valleys laid bare. The helicopter soars at varying altitudes, affording a clear view of the diverse sections of the Great Wall, the watchtowers, and the passes. Simultaneously, one can also take in the surrounding mountains and forests from an aerial vantage point.

Badaling Remnant Great Wall

The Badaling Remnant Great Wall is located 5 kilometers southwest of the Badaling Great Wall and is the extension of the Badaling Great Wall. Having not undergone major renovation and restoration, it still retains its ancient appearance, accompanied by traces of decay. Unlike those parts that have been restored and are popular with tourists, you can see dilapidated walls, overgrown weeds, and ancient stones that have been eroded by time here. This scene can give you a more direct sense of the passage of time.

Picnic on the Badaling Great Wall

After hiking up the Great Wall, choosing a comfortable and flat area for a picnic would be a delightful experience. Laying out a blanket on this magnificent structure and enjoying your favorite food and drinks while taking in the peaceful view of the winding Great Wall in the distance would be very therapeutic. The southern section of the Badaling Great Wall is a good option with fewer tourists and beautiful scenery. But please don't forget to take away your trash, ensuring the preservation of this historical site's pristine beauty!