Daily Badaling Great Wall Coach Tour(With Options)

Discover the Badaling Great Wall on an Easy Coach Tour from Beijing

If you’re visiting Beijing and eager to see one of the world’s most famous landmarks, the Badaling Great Wall is a must. This daily coach tour, priced at just $22 per person, offers a straightforward and budget-friendly way to visit this historic marvel. The tour lasts about 6 to 8 hours, making it perfect for a day trip that fits into your sightseeing schedule.

We particularly like how this tour simplifies logistics—your group leaves from a central subway station, and the transportation is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable. The 3-hour walk along the wall allows plenty of time to enjoy the views, explore watchtowers, and get a feel for the rugged terrain that earned it the nickname “golden lock of the Great Wall.”

One thing to note is that the tour’s organization can be a bit hit or miss, especially if you book last minute. The guide’s explanations might be brief, and some travelers have reported challenges with timing or crowded buses. Still, for the price, this tour provides a solid introduction to this iconic site, especially suited for those who want an affordable, no-fuss experience. If you’re comfortable with group tours and eager for a straightforward visit, this is a good pick.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $22, it offers great value for a full day of sightseeing.
• Convenient Pickup: Meet at Beitucheng subway station with easy access via Lines 8 and 10.
• Authentic Experience: Walk along the rugged terrain of the Ming Dynasty pass with scenic watchtowers.
• Guided Tour: Includes a group guide, with optional English guidance if booked a day in advance.
• Tour Duration: 6-8 hours, including transportation and wall exploration.
• Some organizational challenges: Last-minute bookings might result in less detailed guidance or crowded buses.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins early in the morning, with your guide meeting at exit C of Beitucheng Station around 7:45 AM, with departure scheduled for 8:00 AM. This central location makes it easy to join without fuss. After boarding the air-conditioned coach, you’ll embark on the approximately one-hour drive to Badaling, one of the most visited sections of the Great Wall.

Why choose Badaling? Because it’s among the best-preserved and most accessible parts. Built on a steep mountain ridge, Badaling is famous for its dramatic landscape and historical significance. Its strategic position made it a key defensive site during the Ming Dynasty, and today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that draws millions.

Once at the site, you’ll have around 3 hours to explore. The terrain is rugged, so comfortable shoes are a must. The wall here stretches across the mountain ridges, featuring watchtowers that offer fantastic photo opportunities. We loved the chance to walk along the wall, feeling the stones beneath our feet and imagining the soldiers who once guarded this formidable structure.

The guide will provide some insights, especially if you booked at least a day in advance, when English-speaking guidance is guaranteed. If not, the explanations might be brief, but the views and atmosphere compensate. Keep in mind, some reviews mention that after arriving at the ticket station, guides may leave you to find your way down, which can be challenging due to limited English-speaking security personnel.

After your walk, the bus will return to downtown Beijing, with the tour concluding at the original meeting point. The entire experience offers a taste of China’s ancient defense system without the hassle of navigating transportation alone.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

• Group tour guide (if booked a day ahead for English guidance)
• Air-conditioned coach bus
• Booking service charge

Not Included

• Entrance ticket to the Great Wall (tickets need to be purchased separately)
• Souvenir photos (available for purchase)
• Cable car at Mutianyu (if you opt for other sections)
• Lunch or hotel transfers

This means you’ll need to bring your passport for entrance tickets, and be prepared to purchase the tickets upon arrival. It’s a straightforward process, but remember to send your passport details to the local provider after booking — a step crucial for securing your entry.

Meeting Points and Timing

The tour starts bright and early at 7:45 AM at exit C of Beitucheng Station, with departure at 8:00 AM. This central location makes it easy for most travelers to join. The return will be to the same spot, usually by late afternoon or early evening, depending on traffic and the pace of your walk.

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Authenticity and Practicality

While the tour offers a budget-friendly way to visit the Great Wall, expect some practical realities. Some travelers, including one reviewer, noted that the organization could improve. For instance, the meeting point maps can be confusing, and the guides may not always be fluent in English unless you book early. The crowded buses and limited space can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to large group travel.

However, the views are spectacular—the rugged terrain, the watchtowers, and the sweeping mountain vistas are truly unforgettable. The experience of walking on such a historic structure, even briefly, is worth the minor inconveniences.

We loved the value for money and the way the tour makes a visit to the Great Wall accessible and straightforward. It’s especially suited for travelers on a budget or those who prefer a hassle-free, guided day trip without the need for extensive planning.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see the Great Wall without breaking the bank and are comfortable with group travel. It offers a good balance of convenience and value, especially if you’re okay with a somewhat basic guide experience. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the stunning scenery and historic architecture without organizing transportation or tickets themselves.

However, if you’re seeking a highly detailed guided experience or want to avoid crowds and organization issues, you might want to consider other options or book well in advance.

The Sum Up

The Daily Badaling Great Wall Coach Tour balances affordability with a memorable visit to one of China’s most iconic sites. While some organizational hiccups can occur, the spectacular views, historic watchtowers, and rugged landscape make it worthwhile. It’s a suitable choice for budget-conscious travelers, those who prefer a guided group experience, or anyone looking for an easy day trip from Beijing.

If you’re prepared for some crowds and minimal guidance, this tour offers a straightforward way to tick the Great Wall off your bucket list. For travelers seeking hassle-free logistics at a reasonable price, it delivers on both fronts.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, your passport is required to purchase entrance tickets at the site. Be sure to bring it with you on the day of the tour.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $22 per person, which generally includes transportation and guide services (if booked a day in advance).

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 6 to 8 hours from start to finish, including travel time and the walk along the wall.

Where do I meet the guide?
At exit C of Beitucheng Station, Lines 8 and 10. The guide will meet you there at 7:45 AM before departure.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with mobility issues due to the rugged terrain of the wall and the walking involved.

Are English guides guaranteed?
Yes, if you book your tour at least one full day in advance. Same-day bookings might be led by Chinese-speaking guides with limited English.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or buy food at the site.

Will I be able to take photos?
Absolutely. The views from Badaling are stunning, and you’ll want plenty of photos of the watchtowers and mountain scenery.

What about crowds?
Badaling can be busy, especially during peak tourist season. Visiting early or avoiding public holidays can help you enjoy a more relaxed experience.

This detailed review highlights what makes the Daily Badaling Great Wall Coach Tour a practical, value-packed choice for many travelers. Make sure to plan ahead, bring your passport, and prepare for an unforgettable day on one of the world’s most legendary structures.

You can check availability for your dates here: