Dragon Boat Festival Travel Guide: Exploring Beijing's Badaling Great Wall

📍Transportation Tips (Two Recommended Options) ✅ High-Speed Train (Fastest Option!) Depart from Beijing North Station or Qinghe Station → Arrive at Badaling Great Wall Station (20–30 minutes travel time) Walk about 10 minutes from the station to the entrance. ⚠️ During peak season, book tickets 3 days in advance and buy return tickets together to save hassle! ✅ Direct Shuttle Bus (Best for Convenience) Depart from Qianmen or Shaoyaoju Metro Station, approximately 1.5 hours direct to the site. Includes entrance ticket and guided tour, ideal for traveling with seniors and children. 🎫 Ticket Reservation Info ✔ Peak Season Ticket: RMB 40/person ✔ Off-Season Ticket: RMB 35/person ✔ Cable Car (One-Way): RMB 100 (Recommended for seniors and children) ✔ Search "Badaling Great Wall" on WeChat to reserve tickets up to 7 days in advance. 🚶 Recommended Routes 👉🏻 Easy Route (Approx. 3 Hours) Take the ground cable car → South Fourth Tower → Return the same way → Snap a photo at the "Hero Slope" monument. 👉🏻 In-Depth Route (Approx. 5 Hours) Start at North First Tower → Hike to North Eighth Tower (highest point) → Descend at North Eleventh Tower → Exit via Bear Paradise (no backtracking). ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ❌ Don’t carry heavy bags! The Great Wall has steep slopes; wear non-slip athletic shoes. ❌ On Mondays, the Forbidden City is closed, leading to increased crowds at the Great Wall. ❌ Food prices at the site are high; bring your own water and snacks. ❌ Carving on the wall is strictly prohibited! Fines start at RMB 200 if caught. 🍜 Nearby Food Recommendations ✔ Great Wall-themed Ice Cream: RMB 20/piece, strawberry flavor is highly photogenic. ✔ Spring Pancake Feast at "Shixia Village" in Chadao Ancient Town: Average RMB 50/person. ✔ On your way back, stop by "Badaling Outlets" for shopping. 👗 Outfit Suggestions April–October: Sun hat + sunglasses + light jacket (temperature drops in mornings and evenings on the mountain). November–March: Down jacket + scarf + non-slip boots. ✅ Bright scarves or traditional Hanfu make for stunning photos; avoid green tones! 📌 Hidden Gems ✔ Night Tour of the Great Wall (Summer Exclusive, magical lighting rivaling international sites). ✔ Great Wall Museum (Free entry, includes 4D cinema, family-friendly). ✔ Free Stamp Collection Spots: Great Wall Post Office and Cultural Shops—don’t forget to bring a notebook!