The Southern Line of Badaling is a much more peaceful and quiet section of the Great Wall compared to the crowded northern side. Nevertheless, the views from here are no less picturesque, and from some angles even more impressive than in the north. The main advantage of the southern route is that from here you can see a panorama of all the towers of the northern line, climbing up the mountain ridge. This allows you to appreciate the scale of the structure as a whole, seeing it as if from the outside.
Length and Number of Towers
The Southern Line has 7 watchtowers, numbered from Southern Tower No. 1 to Southern Tower No. 7. The length of the open section is 1,176 metres. In 2023, the section was expanded: tourists can now walk beyond Tower No. 7 for another 1,245 metres — to the midpoint between Southern Tower No. 16 and Southern Tower No. 17, however this part is less equipped and suitable for prepared travellers.
The Southern Line is shorter than the Northern Line (which has 12 towers and a length of 2,565 metres) and has a gentler terrain, making it suitable for a leisurely stroll.
Funicular on the Southern Section
Previously, the southern section could only be accessed on foot, which required good physical fitness. However, recently a ground funicular was built here — the only one of its kind in Northern China. Unlike a regular cable car, this funicular moves along rails through the forest, and its carriages have panoramic windows, making the ride comfortable and scenic.
The funicular departs from the entrance near the Zhan Tianyou Memorial Hall and takes passengers directly to Southern Tower No. 4 — the highest point of the southern section. The journey takes about 6 minutes. The fare is 100 yuan one way and 140 yuan round trip.
An important nuance: tickets for the northern cable car and the southern funicular are interchangeable, so you can go up one line and descend the other.
From Southern Tower No. 4 to the End of the Renovated Section
Southern Tower No. 4 is not just a transport hub, but an excellent viewing platform. From here, a breathtaking panorama opens up of the winding wall stretching beyond the horizon. Particularly impressive is the view of the northern line: all 12 towers climbing the steep slopes are visible as if in the palm of your hand.
If you have taken the funicular to Tower No. 4, you have two options:
A walk up to Tower No. 7 and beyond. From Tower No. 4 to Tower No. 7, the path goes upwards, but the slope is not as steep as on the northern line. Along the way, new views open up: the wall either rises to the ridge or dips down, creating a feeling of endless movement. Between Southern Tower No. 5 and Southern Tower No. 7, the widest view opens up — on a clear day you can even make out the silhouette of the China Zun skyscraper in central Beijing.
Descent down to Tower No. 1. From Tower No. 4, you can go in the opposite direction, towards the beginning of the southern line. This path goes downhill and takes about 20–30 minutes. On the descent, you can see the wall from the other side and exit to the central entrance.
Covered Tower on the Southern Section
On the Southern Line there is one of the most beautiful covered towers — Southern Tower No. 5. This is a two-storey structure with a preserved wooden roof, characteristic of Ming Dynasty architecture. Inside the tower, you can see remnants of old paintings and wooden ceilings. It is here, unlike the northern towers, that you feel genuine antiquity and the atmosphere of an ancient fortress. The covered tower serves as a natural shelter from the sun and wind, and is an excellent spot for a short rest and photo session.
What Else is Interesting on the Southern Section
Fewer people. This is the main advantage of the Southern Line. The queues for the funicular here are significantly shorter than for the northern one, and on the wall itself you can take photos without random passers-by in the frame.
View of the Northern Line. It is from the south that the best panoramic view of the northern section opens up — you see it in its entirety, from the first to the last tower.
The "True Hero" monument. At the entrance to the Southern Line (near Tower No. 1), there is also a stone with the characters "True Hero" — the very one by which many tourists have their photos taken without even climbing the wall.
A peaceful walk. Thanks to the gentler terrain, the Southern Line is suitable for families with children, elderly people, and those who are not ready for extreme physical exertion.
How to Descend from the Southern Section
If you have taken the funicular to Tower No. 4, there are two ways to descend:
Descent by funicular. The simplest and fastest option. The funicular operates until 16:00, so it is important to make it in time.
Walking down the wall to Tower No. 1. This is a more picturesque but also more tiring route. From Tower No. 4 to Tower No. 1 takes about 20–30 minutes. The descent is steep, the steps uneven. But you will see the wall from the other side and exit directly to the central entrance.
The Southern Line of Badaling is the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy the views of the Great Wall without crowds of tourists. Here you will see the very panorama that is usually shown on postcards: the wall, winding, stretches into infinity, and on the horizon you can see the towers of the northern line climbing up the slope. The funicular makes this route accessible to everyone, and the covered tower adds a special charm to the walk. Come here if you want a calm, leisurely walk with the most beautiful views.
