Most tourists begin their exploration of the Badaling northern line with a cable car ride. It takes visitors directly to Northern Tower No. 7, located at a considerable height. This method saves energy and time, allowing you to immediately find yourself in the upper part of the wall, bypassing the steep initial ascent. This is exactly what the vast majority of travellers do, which is why the cable car itself and the area around Tower No. 7 are almost always crowded.
Ascending to Northern Tower No. 8
From Northern Tower No. 7 to Northern Tower No. 8 is only about a 10-minute walk. This short stretch is one of the most spectacular on the entire line. The ascent becomes steeper, the steps higher, but it is here that the very view opens up for which thousands of tourists overcome this path every day.
Northern Tower No. 8 is the highest point of the Badaling northern line. Its height reaches approximately 888 metres above sea level. It is from here that the famous panorama opens up, which can be seen on all postcards and promotional photographs of the Great Wall. Here stands the stone with the characters "True Hero" — a reference to the well-known Chinese saying: "He who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true hero." Tourists queue up to have their photo taken by this stone, and at peak season this spot resembles more of a city square than an ancient fortress.
The view from Tower No. 8 takes your breath away: the wall, like a stone dragon, winds along the mountain ridges, disappearing beyond the horizon. On one side, endless green hills open up, on the other — you can make out the distant outlines of Beijing.
Descent Along the Main Line: From Tower No. 8 to Tower No. 12
After you have enjoyed the view and taken photos at the "True Hero" stone, the most interesting stage begins — the descent along the northern line to towers No. 9, No. 10, No. 11 and No. 12.
This path goes mostly downhill, so it is significantly less tiring than the ascent. But the main thing is that here there are significantly fewer people. Most tourists, having reached Tower No. 8, turn around and descend back to the cable car. Those who continue further find themselves on quieter and more picturesque sections.
Northern Tower No. 9 — from this point a steeper descent begins. The wall here is no longer as restored and "ceremonial" as on the main section, giving a feeling of authenticity and antiquity.
Northern Tower No. 10 — from here a view opens up of the wall stretching into the distance along the mountain ridge. Here you can take photos without random passers-by in the frame.
Northern Tower No. 11 — this is the last tower from which there is a convenient descent down to the foot of the mountain.
Northern Tower No. 12 — the actual end of the open part of the northern line. Beyond this point, the wall goes into a "wild" zone not intended for tourists. Beyond Tower No. 12 begins a steep descent, and people with a fear of heights should be careful.
The descent from Tower No. 8 to Tower No. 12 takes about 30–40 minutes at a leisurely pace. The entire walk along the northern line (from No. 7 to No. 12) can take about 1.5–2 hours depending on pace and the number of stops for photos.
How the Northern Line Connects to the Southern Line
There is no direct passage between the Northern and Southern lines of Badaling along the wall itself, but it is not necessary to descend to the central square at the foot. According to the current site maps, both lines of the wall originate from the central fortress gates — Guancheng (Pass City), which serve as the main entry point and route divider. It is here, not at the square below, that the key junction is located.
If, for example, you have ascended the northern line and descended to its end (towers No. 11 or No. 12), and then want to get to the southern line, you need to go to the Guancheng fortress. From this point, the ascent to the southern line already begins. This means that you remain within the tourist zone and do not leave its territory, so you will not need a new entrance ticket.
The southern line is shorter than the northern one (only 7 towers compared to 12) and significantly less crowded. However, for those who have already traversed the 12 towers of the northern line and are tired, the ascent to the southern line may seem exhausting. Therefore, many tourists limit themselves to the northern line only, leaving the southern one for a separate visit, especially if they want a peaceful walk.
Caution: The Second Descent from Tower No. 8 to the Zoo
Tower No. 8 also has another descent. Near the tower, a parallel line of the wall begins, which leads not to towers No. 9–12, but down to the zoo (Bear Park) at the foot of the mountain.
It is important to know about this route so as not to accidentally turn the wrong way. This path is shorter and faster, but it is not as picturesque as the descent along the main line through towers No. 9–12. It passes along a less expressive part of the wall, and the views from it are not as impressive.
The main warning: if you decide to descend this road to the zoo, returning to the main line of the wall will be very difficult. This path leads to the exit from the territory, and to get back onto the wall you would have to go around the entire complex from outside, waste time and buy a new ticket. Therefore, this route is only suitable for those who have already finished exploring the wall and want to descend quickly. Those who want to fully enjoy the walk and see the best views are recommended to continue along the main line to towers No. 9–12 and descend through Tower No. 11.
The northern line of Badaling is the classic route chosen by most tourists. It has everything: steep ascents, breathtaking panoramas, the famous "True Hero" stone, and the opportunity to walk along less crowded sections beyond the 8th tower. The main thing is to plan your route in advance and not accidentally turn onto the descent to the zoo if you plan to continue your walk along the wall. If you have the energy, you can descend from the northern line and ascend to the southern line through the central square — there you will be greeted by silence and views without crowds of tourists.
