Yanqing District

The most famous section of the Great Wall and the first section opened to tourists (1957). It's the Great Wall image most foreigners know — wide, well-restored, with handrails and cable cars. Located at a strategic mountain pass 70 km north of Beijing, Badaling stretches across steep ridges with commanding views. The North Pass section (North 8th Tower) offers the most dramatic views; the South Pass section is slightly less crowded. Cable cars, pulleys, and even an elevator help visitors reach the wall. Badaling receives massive crowds, especially on weekends and holidays — expect to share the wall with thousands. It's the best choice for first-time visitors, accessibility needs, or those wanting the classic Great Wall photo. Visit early morning (before 9:00) or late afternoon for fewer crowds.

Hours: 6:30–19:00 (summer) / 7:30–18:00 (winter). Opening times vary; check official website.
Admission: ¥40 (Nov–Mar) / ¥45 (Apr–Oct). Cable car ¥140 round-trip.

A scenic canyon combining dramatic cliffs, a reservoir, boat rides, and Beijing's most famous ice lantern festival. In summer, visitors take dragon-themed boats through the canyon's sheer rock walls, with occasional waterfall displays. A 258-meter elevator rises directly through a tunnel to an observation deck. The surrounding mountains provide hiking trails. In winter (mid-January to mid-February), the canyon transforms into an ice lantern festival — ice sculptures, illuminated ice caves, and frozen waterfall displays draw visitors from across China. It's Beijing's longest-running winter festival (since 1987). The contrast between summer boat rides and winter ice art makes Longqing Gorge worth visiting in any season.

Hours: Summer: 8:00–18:00. Winter Ice Festival: 16:00–22:00 (mid-Jan to mid-Feb).
Admission: Summer ¥100 (includes boat). Winter Ice Festival ¥100.

The venue for alpine skiing events during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, built on Xiaohaituo Mountain at 2,198 meters elevation. While professional Olympic-level runs are restricted, public skiing is available at the resort's lower slopes during winter season (December–March). The facility includes beginner slopes, ski lifts, and rental equipment. In summer, the area offers mountain hiking with spectacular views of the Olympic courses. It's Beijing's newest and highest-standard skiing facility, though less accessible than established ski resorts. International-standard infrastructure makes it worth visiting for skiing enthusiasts. The cable car ride alone provides incredible mountain panoramas.

Hours: Winter season: 9:00–16:00 (Dec–Mar, varies with snow). Summer hiking: 8:00–17:00.
Admission: Skiing ¥200–400 (lift pass). Equipment rental ¥100–150. Summer hiking ¥50.

A drive-through wildlife park located near the Great Wall, featuring over 100 species including tigers, lions, bears, wolves, giraffes, and zebras. Visitors can drive their own cars through predator zones or take the park's caged bus for a safer experience. The park also includes a walking area with smaller animals, bird aviaries, and a children's petting zoo. Animal performances and feeding shows run throughout the day. It's a popular family attraction combined with a Great Wall visit. Warning: follow all safety rules strictly — several incidents have occurred when visitors violated park regulations.

Hours: 8:00–17:00 (summer) / 8:30–16:30 (winter)
Admission: ¥80. Caged bus ¥40 additional. Self-driving free (must follow safety rules).