Badaling Great Wall

Sight 1

North Eighth Tower

北八楼

North Eighth Tower. As the highest point of the Badaling section of the Great Wall, North Eighth Tower is also the destination most visitors reach. This imposing watchtower commands a sweeping view: the Great Wall winds gracefully across rugged mountains in a magnificent panorama. With its wide-open vistas, it is an ideal spot for photography and for experiencing the grandeur of the Great Wall. As an important pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, the Badaling section is exceptionally well preserved, and North Eighth Tower is especially renowned for its steep terrain and strategic significance.

Sight 2

Hero Slope

好汉坡

Sight 3

South Fourth Tower

南四楼

South Tower 4. Located on the southern section of the Badaling Great Wall, South Tower 4 is one of the watchtowers that offers relatively fewer crowds and expansive views. From here, visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Great Wall undulating with the contours of the mountains, making it especially popular among photography enthusiasts. The climb along the southern section is relatively gentle, with well-preserved walls and beacon towers along the way, offering a glimpse into the rigorous design of the ancient military defense system. Compared to the bustling northern section, South Tower 4 is far more tranquil, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical vicissitudes and architectural ingenuity of the Great Wall during a leisurely stroll.

Sight 4

Wangjing Stone

望京石

Wangjing Stone. Located outside the east gate of the Pass City of the Badaling Great Wall, Wangjing Stone is a natural boulder that earned its name because Beijing city can be seen from afar on clear days. According to legend, Empress Dowager Cixi once looked back toward the capital from this very spot while fleeing westward, adding a layer of historical intrigue to the site. The flat surface of the boulder offers visitors a vantage point to climb atop and survey the magnificent scenery of rolling mountains and the winding Great Wall stretching into the distance. As a popular spot for capturing memorable photos, it also serves as an excellent viewing platform to appreciate the harmony between the Great Wall and nature. Visitors are invited to pause here, soak in the view, and experience the grandeur and resilience of this ancient pass.

Sight 5

Hero Stele

好汉碑

Hero Monument. Standing near North Tower 8 of the Badaling Great Wall, the Hero Monument is renowned for Mao Zedong's verse, "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man," and has become an iconic photo spot where visitors flock to have their pictures taken. The stone tablet bears the inscription of the famous lines, and the surrounding area offers expansive views, with rolling mountain ranges and the winding Great Wall stretching into the distance. Ascending to this spot, visitors can not only feel the heroic spirit of history but also experience the majesty of the Great Wall and the beauty of nature. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or at dusk, when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner, allowing for a more leisurely appreciation and photography.