Lei Li
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The sun was brutal. My clients were sweating before we even reached the ticket gate. That's when I realized: the cable car isn't just a ride — it's a survival tool. I've been guiding tours to Badaling for over a decade, and I've seen too many tourists skip the cable car and regret it. Here's what you need to know.
After booking the Badaling Great Wall cable car tickets myself countless times, I can tell you it's the only way to save energy for the actual wall walking. If you're short on time or not in Olympic-athlete shape, the cable car is your best friend. So let me break down everything: prices, how to book, the best time to go, and all the little tricks I've learned the hard way.
My honest take: unless you're here specifically for a brutal hike, take the cable car up. Spend your energy on the wall itself, not on the steep stairs leading to it. Now, here's your ultimate guide.
Why Take the Badaling Great Wall Cable Car?
Badaling is the most visited section of the Great Wall — and for good reason. It's well-restored, accessible, and iconic. But the path from the entrance to the actual wall is a killer. There are two main ways up: walking the stairs (about 1,000 steps, steep) or taking the cable car.
Here's why I always recommend the cable car:
- You save physical energy — the real wall walk itself is already demanding.
- You skip the most boring part: the long queue at the stair entrance and the crowded path.
- You get a bird's-eye view of the wall snaking over the mountains — a photo op you can't get from the ground.
- More time on the actual historic structure, less time on approach.
Badaling Great Wall Cable Car Price & Ticket Options
Prices change occasionally, but here are the current standard rates (verified on site):
| Ticket Type | Price (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (one-way) | 100 | Valid for single trip up or down |
| Adult (round-trip) | 140 | Best value if you plan to take it both ways |
| Child (1.2–1.5m, one-way) | 50 | Must be accompanied by adult |
| Child (1.2–1.5m, round-trip) | 70 | Same condition |
| Senior (60+ with ID) | Discounted at window | Bring passport; discount varies |
Important: The cable car ticket is separate from the Great Wall entrance fee (40 CNY for adults). You need both. Many first-timers make this mistake — they buy the entrance ticket but forget the cable car pass, then have to queue again. Save time by getting them together.
Payment is mostly via WeChat or Alipay. International credit cards? Not a chance at the ticket booth. Bring cash (CNY) as a backup, or ask a Chinese friend to pay with their phone.
How to Book Badaling Great Wall Cable Car Tickets
You have two options: online or at the window. Online is safer during peak seasons (May–October, Chinese holidays). Here's how I do it for my groups:
Official WeChat Mini-Program: Search for "Badaling Great Wall" (八达岭长城) on WeChat. The mini-program lets you book the entrance ticket and cable car together. Problem? It's entirely in Chinese. Even I struggle with the interface. If you can't read Chinese, here's your plan: ask your hotel concierge to help you book, or use a third-party app like Trip.com or Klook.
Third-party apps: Trip.com has an English interface. You can buy the "Badaling Great Wall + Cable Car Combo" ticket. The price is slightly higher (about 150–180 CNY for the combo) but it saves a lot of headache. I often use this for my international clients. Just make sure you download the voucher — you'll need to show the QR code at the gate.
At the window: If you arrive early (before 8:30 AM) or on a weekday, you can buy tickets on-site. The queue moves fast in the morning. But if you show up at 10 AM during a holiday, expect to wait 30–60 minutes. I've been stuck there, and it's not fun.
Best Time to Ride the Badaling Great Wall Cable Car
Timing is everything. Here's what I tell my groups:
- Early morning (7:30–8:30 AM): Best for photos, minimal crowds, cool temperature. The cable car starts running at 7:30 (summer) or 8:00 (winter).
- Late afternoon (3:30–4:30 PM): Golden light, fewer tour groups, and you can watch the sunset from the wall. The cable car stops at 4:30–5:00 PM (depending on season), so plan accordingly.
- Avoid 10 AM–2 PM: This is when all the tour buses arrive. The queue for the cable car can reach 40 minutes. The wall itself is packed. I once saw a line snaking all the way back to the parking lot — not exaggerating.
How to Get to the Badaling Great Wall Cable Car Station
The cable car station is located near the main entrance of the Badaling scenic area. But getting to that entrance is a journey itself.
From Beijing City Center
Train (S2 line): From Beijing North Station to Badaling Station. Cost: 6 CNY. Duration: about 1.5 hours. The train only runs a few times a day (check schedule at 12306.cn). Once you exit Badaling Station, walk 10 minutes to the ticket gate. This is my preferred method — cheap and scenic.
Bus 877: From Deshengmen Bus Station to Badaling. Cost: 12 CNY. Duration: 1–1.5 hours (if no traffic). The bus drops you at the parking lot; follow signs to the cable car station (about 5-minute walk).
Private car/taxi: About 500–600 CNY from Beijing. Takes 1.5 hours on a good day, 2.5 during holidays. I don't recommend this unless you're a group of 4+ — the cost adds up.
Klook/Trip.com tour: Many tours include cable car tickets and hotel pickup. If you're not confident navigating on your own, this is a solid choice.
What to Expect on the Badaling Great Wall Cable Car Ride
The cable car is a 5-minute ride up the mountain. Each car holds 4–6 people. The view is breathtaking — you'll see the wall snaking across the ridge, and in autumn, the foliage is spectacular. Sit on the left side for the best view of the wall.
One thing that surprised me: The ride can be a bit bumpy on windy days. I've had clients who were terrified. If you're afraid of heights, maybe close your eyes for the first minute. But most people love it.
At the top, you exit right onto the wall at the North 4th watchtower. From there, you can walk north to the less crowded sections or go south toward the main tourist area. I always recommend going north — it's steeper but way more peaceful.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Bring cash: You'll need it for water, snacks, and the cable car if your phone dies.
- Use the bathroom before you ride: The toilets at the top are awful. The ones near the ticket office are cleaner.
- Wear sturdy shoes: The wall itself has uneven steps. I've seen women in heels — don't be that person.
- Check the weather: The cable car stops in high winds or thunderstorms. Have a backup plan (like the nearby China Great Wall Museum).
- Bring sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the UV at this altitude is strong. I've gotten sunburned in March.
- Download offline map: Signal is patchy on the wall. Google Maps doesn't work well in China anyway; use Baidu Maps or a captured screenshot.
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