If you only had one day in Beijing, where would you go?
That was the question I asked Elaine as we stood in our Beijing hotel room, looking out over the early autumn skyline. Without hesitation, she replied, “The Great Wall.”
And she was absolutely right.
For any first-time visitor planning a Beijing China tour, the Great Wall of China is simply unmissable. More specifically, the Badaling Section (八达岭 Bādálǐng) is the most iconic, accessible, and well-preserved stretch of the Wall near Beijing—about 70km northwest of the city center. It’s no wonder this section is often at the top of every list of top 10 places to visit in Beijing China.
A Family Travel Day on the Wall
We woke up early to a clear blue sky, packed water, snacks, and a light jacket for Elaine, who always gets a little cold in the mornings. As a self-learning homeschooler with special needs, Elaine thrives on experiential learning. And nothing beats seeing history unfold right in front of your eyes.
The drive to Badaling took us through the city outskirts into scenic mountain roads. Once we arrived, the sight was beyond breathtaking. The Wall snaked endlessly across the ridges like a giant dragon stretching over golden hills brushed with autumn red.
Elaine stood silently for a long moment, taking it in. Her penguin plushie in hand, she said, “It’s real.” And that, I think, is the magic of travel in China.
Why the Badaling Section Matters
Historically, the Wall at Badaling was built during the Ming Dynasty (明朝 Míng Cháo, 1368–1644) under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (Ming Taizu 明太祖) to defend against northern invasions. This section became militarily strategic due to its natural topography.
Walking these very stones made me think of the countless soldiers who once patrolled these walls, and the emperors back in Beijing who depended on this line of defense.
Today, Badaling has been restored for tourism, complete with cable cars and handrails, but it still retains that ancient solemnity. The plaques, towers, and even uneven stairs speak of another age—one you can almost feel through your shoes.
A Tip for First-Time Travelers to Beijing
Before visiting places like the Great Wall, we found it immensely helpful to understand a bit of Chinese history. Elaine had prepared a timeline of all the dynasties, and it helped her (and me) appreciate which dynasty built what, and why.
If you’re planning your first trip to Beijing or China in general, we recommend brushing up on:
- The Qin Dynasty (秦朝 Qín Cháo, 221–206 BCE), which started the Wall
- The Han Dynasty (汉朝 Hàn Cháo), which expanded it
- The Ming Dynasty, which reinforced it into what we mostly see today
This knowledge turns what might be “just a wall” into a full immersive experience.
Photos and Memories
We took plenty of photos—not just of the sweeping views, but of each other. Elaine and I stood under one of the arched brick windows, our penguin mascot in tow. One of my favorites is of the plaque declaring this section a national heritage site. It felt right to be there together, bridging history, family, and learning.
Planning Your Trip to the Great Wall of China from Beijing
- How to get there: Private car, bus tours, or train from Beijing North Railway Station.
- Travel time: ~1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic.
- Best time to visit: Spring (Apr-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) for cool weather and great views.
- Entrance fee: Around ¥15-40 RMB depending on the season and access (wall, cable car, etc.)
- Website: Official Badaling Great Wall Site (Chinese)
- More info on the Wall’s history: Great Wall of China – Wikipedia
Final Thoughts
Our day at the Great Wall reminded me why Beijing is the capital of China, and why it’s such a powerful destination. Beyond the traffic and busy boulevards lies a city deeply rooted in centuries of history.
For us, it wasn’t just about ticking off one of the famous places in Beijing.
It was about standing still on ancient stones, watching the wind ripple across the mountains, and knowing that history had found its way into our hearts.
Elaine, holding her plushie, whispered, “Can we come back in winter? I want to see it covered in snow.”
Yes, we will. And next time, we’ll bring more stories home.
