Getting to Badaling Great Wall from downtown Beijing is surprisingly hassle-free—whether by bus, subway connection, or tour shuttle, the journey is well-connected and easy to navigate. Once you step into the scenic area, you’ll notice a range of traveler-friendly facilities designed to make your visit smoother, especially if you’re traveling with kids, seniors, or simply want to save energy for soaking in the views rather than strenuous climbing. Two popular options here are the cable car and the pulley ride, each offering a unique way to reach the wall’s upper sections.
The cable car is hands down the most reliable choice for those prioritizing comfort and stability. It’s been engineered with safety as a top priority, gliding along the cableway smoothly without sudden jolts—perfect for nervous travelers or families with young children. You’ll find the cable car station nestled at the back hill area, right where buses 919, 877, and 879 terminate, so it’s easy to spot after getting off public transport.
Each cable car cabin can accommodate up to five people, and the ride itself is remarkably quick—just five minutes to reach the upper watchtowers. For the best experience, we recommend taking the cable car up to the 7th Watchtower. From there, it’s a gentle, enjoyable walk to the 8th Watchtower, which stands as the highest point on the Badaling section. This short stretch is one of the most scenic parts of the wall, with unobstructed views of the rolling mountains and snaking fortifications, so you won’t want to miss it by heading straight to the top.
When it comes to tickets, it’s helpful to plan ahead based on the season. The Great Wall entry fee alone is 40 CNY during peak season (April 1 to October 31) and 35 CNY in low season (November 1 to March 31). If you’re opting for the cable car, a combined ticket for both the Great Wall entry and round-trip cable car costs 175 CNY. Ticket offices open early, especially in summer: 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM during July and August, 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM for the rest of peak season, and 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM in low season.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, the pulley ride is a great alternative—though it’s less stable than the cable car, it adds a fun, breezy element to the ascent. The pulley station is located at the front mountain parking lot, convenient if you’re arriving via bus 877. A round-trip ticket for adults is 100 CNY, and like the cable car, it gets you to the top in under 10 minutes. That said, it’s important to note that seniors and anyone with heart conditions should avoid the pulley due to its slightly bumpier ride.
A few final tips: if you encounter any issues during your visit, the Badaling Scenic Area’s complaint hotlines are 69121235 and 12358. Also, keep in mind that the ticket prices listed here were updated in 2020 and serve as a reference—for the most accurate, up-to-date information, checking the official Badaling Great Wall website is always a smart move.
Whether you choose the steady cable car or the lively pulley, both options let you skip the tiring uphill climb and focus on what matters most: marveling at one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.