He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.

Preliminary preparations - Check opening hours: Peak season (Apr 1–Oct 31): 6:30am–7:00pm (last entry 6:30pm); Off-season (Nov 1–Mar 31): 7:00am–6:00pm (last entry 5:30pm). - Book tickets: You can book tickets through the official WeChat accounts "Great Wall Inside and Outside Tourism" or "Badaling Great Wall". Tickets cost CNY 40 for adults. Admission is free for visitors under 18 and over 60, but reservations are required. University students with a valid student ID get a 50% discount. - Choose the best time to visit: Spring (Mar–May) offers mild weather and blooming flowers around the Great Wall. Autumn (Sep–Oct) boasts clear skies and colorful foliage, making it ideal for taking photos. Avoid holidays to prevent overcrowding. - Pack accordingly: Wear comfortable sneakers and bring sun protection (hat and sunscreen), plenty of water (at least 1–2 bottles per person), some snacks, and a lightweight backpack. If the weather is unpredictable, bring a raincoat or warm jacket. Getting there - High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train from Beijing North Railway Station or Qinghe Railway Station. The journey takes 20–30 mins to Badaling Great Wall Station. Beijing North Railway Station is near Xizhimen Transportation Hub, and Qinghe Railway Station is also easily accessible by subway. - Bus: Take bus route 877 from Deshengmen. It goes directly to Badaling Great Wall. The fare is CNY 12 (CNY 6 with a transportation card). The journey takes approx. 1.5 hrs. The first bus departs at 6:00am and the last bus at 5:00pm. - S2 Line train: Take the S2 Line train from Huangtudian Railway Station. The fare is CNY 7, and the journey takes approx. 1 hr. However, trains are infrequent, so check the timetable. - Car: Navigate to "Badaling Great Wall Scenic Area". Take Exit 58 of the Jingzang Expressway (G6). Parking is available at the scenic area for approx. CNY 20–30 per day. Traffic jams are common during holidays, so plan ahead. Suggested routes - Hiking: - South Route: This route is relatively flat, approx. 1,300m long, and culminates at the South Fourth Watchtower. Suitable for seniors, children, or visitors who prefer a less strenuous hike. The round trip takes 1.5–2.5 hrs, offering stunning views and a taste of history. - North Route: This route is the highlight of Badaling Great Wall, approx. 3,000m long, and reaches its highest point at the North Eighth Watchtower (Haohanpo, or "Hero Slope"). The "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man" stele is located at the North Fourth Watchtower. This challenging climb takes 3–4 hrs and rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views. - Cable car: - North Cable Car: Located near the North Seventh Watchtower. One-way tickets cost CNY 100, and round-trip tickets cost CNY 140. The cable car takes you directly to the North Seventh Watchtower, a short climb from Hero Slope. Suitable for seniors, children, or visitors who prefer a less strenuous experience. - South Cable Car: This is a ground cable car. One-way tickets cost CNY 80, and round-trip tickets cost CNY 120. The cable car takes you to the South Fourth Watchtower, offering picturesque views of the South Route. Highlights - Guancheng (Pass City): The iconic structure of Badaling Great Wall and a must-see for visitors. Take photos of the entire Great Wall and the Guancheng architecture. - Beacon towers: These ancient military communication facilities are scattered along the Great Wall. Photos taken from the beacon towers, with the mountains and the Great Wall as backdrops, are stunning. - North Eighth Watchtower (Hero Slope): The highest point of Badaling Great Wall, at an altitude of 888m. Enjoy magnificent views and take photos with the "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man" stele. Amenities - Food and drinks: Snack stalls inside the scenic area offer sausages, corn, instant noodles, etc., at slightly higher prices. Restaurants near the entrance offer fast food (e.g., KFC) and local specialties, such as Great Wall Bolo Cakes. These cakes are made with a starch-based dough, filled with three fresh ingredients, wrapped in bolo tree leaves, and steamed. The translucent skin and fragrant aroma are delightful. - Accommodation: For a more in-depth experience, consider staying nearby. Resort hotels offer comprehensive facilities and comfortable environments. Alternatively, experience local culture at guesthouses. Prices vary depending on the standard.