How to See the Great Wall of China if You Only Have 24 Hours to Spend in Beijing, China

If you enter Beijing, China through the 72-hour VISA free transit method, chances are, you don’t have much time to explore this beautiful city. You’ll probably only have enough time to check in your accommodation and get some rest on your first day in this city. Most likely, you don’t want to risk missing your flight on the last day as well which leaves you with one full day to explore Beijing to your hearts content. If you have so little time, then you definitely cannot miss the Great Wall of China!

 

 

Badaling Great Wall of China in Beijing

One of the most famous monuments around the world, the Great Wall of China cannot be missed. Visible in outer space and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this is truly one of those places you must see before you die.

One of the easiest way to see the Badaling Great Wall of China is to take the 877 direct bus from the Deshengmen Bus Station.

You can reach the Deshenmen bus station through the following methods:

• Take a taxi
• Take uber
• Walking (if your accommodation is nearby)
• Take the train

If you take the train route, your stop will be at Jishuitan station and take exit A. Examine the map below and look for #2, that’s where the Jishuitan station will be. (click to enlarge)

 

 

You’ll then walk about 450 meters east to reach the Deshenmen bus station. Once you reach the bus station, you will pay 12 Yuan to take a one way direct bus to the Badaling Great Wall of China. The ride takes about one hour long.

Exploring the Badaling Great Wall of China in Beijing

After you reach the Badaling Great Wall of China and paid for your ticket (40 Yuan during low season), it’s time to explore!

 

 

Walking the Great Wall of China isn’t for the feint of heart (okay maybe it is, I saw a lot of seniors hiking it). The hike can be quite exhausting because of the many sections with high inclines. Some parts can also be quite dangerous because of the steep decline; I actually saw some people slide down (thankfully, no one got hurt)!

Regardless of the challenge, you will be stunned at the beautiful architecture that is the Great Wall of China.

 

 

The Great Wall of China was originally built to fend off potential invaders. Nowadays, it’s doing a terrible job fending off people as massive amounts of tourist visit this place. Many complain that the Badaling Great Wall of China has way too many people, even if you come early in the morning. I say, it’s because you didn’t walk far enough.

 

 

If you walk far enough, you will actually reach some sections where you will be the only person there! Once you reach those sections, you can take amazing pictures without any other tourist getting in the way of your photos.

 

 

What else can you see in Beijing, China?

If you still have sometime to explore Beijing, China, here are some places that you can check out:

• Tiananmen Square
• Forbidden Palace
• Summer Palace
• Ming Tombs

I got a chance to see Tiananmen Square but wasn’t allowed in the Forbidden Palace because it was closed that day. Bummer.

 

 

Regardless, Beijing, China was definitely awesome and I look forward to returning to this country to explore other cities, regions and destinations. Who knows, maybe I’ll live here for a year so I can learn how to speak Mandarin.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Great Wall of China should you visit Beijing! You won’t regret it.

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