Sophia
July 20, 2025
Visiting the Beijing Great Wall—specifically the famous Badaling section—has been on my travel list for ages. When I finally set out for a one-day trip, the excitement was tangible, but as with any popular tourist destination, reality brought some surprises. I quickly learned that this iconic site demands not just enthusiasm, but careful planning, especially when it comes to transport and ticket buying. Along my route, I picked up some invaluable Beijing Badaling Great Wall travel tips that I want to share with you, to help your own journey feel smoother and more enjoyable.
The sheer scale of the Great Wall as you approach is breathtaking, but the crowds quickly become obvious. This part of the Wall is extremely popular, especially on weekends and holidays, which leads to queues and crowded cable cars. But before we dive deep into these details, let me share how I got there without breaking the bank.
One of the biggest expenses and hassles for travelers heading to the Great Wall is transport. I found out early that buying a bus ticket directly from the Beijing Tourism Centre is not the most economical choice. They charge around 80 yuan for a round trip but their departure point is quite far from the actual parking area near Badaling, leading to unnecessary additional transfers and time wasted.
Instead, I took the famous 877 bus, which is much cheaper—about 6 to 12 yuan depending if you pay by cash or card. The bus stops conveniently close to the Great Wall entrance and runs frequently during the day. Plus, children under one meter ride free, which is a nice bonus for families.
Knowing this, my Great Wall bus tips focus on this route for anyone mindful of budget and time. Arriving early in the morning at Deshengmen even saves you from a crowded commute. Just make sure to bring your ID because tickets are strict.
For more on economic travel around Beijing’s top spots, check out our Beijing Public Transport Guide to plan your transit efficiently.
One of the most talked-about issues around the Badaling Great Wall is the infamous cable car queue. When I reached the base, the line for the cable car to ascend was staggering—around 90 minutes at peak times. The cramped cable cars only accommodate so many people, which means patience is definitely a must.
This is where the advice from local Xiaohongshu users was invaluable: do not buy the round-trip cable car ticket. Instead, getting a one-way cable car ticket to the top saves time and avoids hiking back up after descending on foot, which can be exhausting. Sadly, the crowds make the return cable car experience a nightmare and many visitors end up walking down the wall’s steep sections instead.
My own experience confirmed this—after riding up in the cable car, I chose to walk down, which gave me a much better pace and more time to enjoy the views without being stuck in queues again.
For context and official details on facilities, the Great Wall of China Wikipedia page provides comprehensive information on the Badaling Section’s layout and services.
Keeping the Badaling cable car queue in mind for your itinerary can really make a difference when planning your visit time!
If you want detailed ticket advice and strategies for different sections of the Great Wall, our article Badaling Great Wall Ticket Guide has you covered.
Here are some practical observations based on my one-day trip that made a real impact on how comfortable and efficient my visit was:
Following these simple but effective pointers helped me maximize my time and avoid frustrations that many travelers seem to face.
Those interested in detailed route planning may find our Great Wall Itinerary Tips article useful for combining stops and timing.
My experience of the Beijing Great Wall travel was ultimately rewarding despite some minor setbacks, largely because I had these insider tips to rely on. It’s a magical place that deserves at least a full day for exploration.
The 877 public bus is the most affordable and direct option, costing between 6 and 12 yuan. It stops near the entrance. Avoid expensive private shuttles or tourism center buses if you want to save money.
I recommend buying a one-way cable car ticket up instead of round trip to avoid long queues and tiring climbs on the way back down.
No, the Badaling Great Wall section is closed every Monday, so plan your trip accordingly.
Yes, all visitors must carry a valid ID or passport when buying tickets.
Disposable rain ponchos are very handy as the Wall is exposed, and weather can change quickly.
Reflecting on my adventure, the Great Wall bus tips truly saved me money and stress, while awareness of the long Badaling cable car queue helped me plan a better route by buying a one-way cable car ticket. Remember also that the Great Wall Monday closed rule means you should pick other days wisely. If you’re preparing for a trip, these details can elevate your Beijing Great Wall travel from frustrating to fulfilling.
Don’t forget to pack light, bring your ID, and set aside enough time for the hike and sightseeing. Whether you prefer hiking up from the bottom or catching the cable car one way, the experience of standing atop this UNESCO World Heritage site is truly unforgettable.
For additional practical advice, read our full Beijing Badaling Great Wall travel tips to cover every aspect of your day trip.
Happy travels and enjoy the resilient beauty of one of the world’s most legendary landmarks!
Explore the Real China.
Top Destination
Information
