The Great Wall at Badaling is approximately 70km north of the modern city of Beijing. Badaling Great Wall is the site of the most visited section of the Great Wall of China. Since 1957, Badaling has received an estimated 130 million tourists.
 
Badaling Great Wall was constructed during the Ming Dynasty around 1505, together with a military outpost reflecting the
 
location's strategic importance. It is an ancient military defense post with many interesting historical sites in its vicinity. The wall of Badaling is approximately 3,741m long at an average of 8m high. It is 6.5m wide at the base and 5.8m wide at the top - wide enough for five horses or ten soldiers side by side. The top of the wall offers panoramic views of the region.
 
Historical records reflect that Badaling was an important military strategic post that was active as early as the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring State Periods. The Ming Dynasty was a period of great activity in wall-building and wall-stengthening, and the Badaling sector was rebuilt in around 1582, using an inner core of stone blocks and mud and an outer facing of dressed stone, while the top was paved with bricks.
Although popular, Badaling is a good introduction to the Great Wall. Authentically reconstructed, Badaling shows the Great Wall as it would have looked originally, and it does not look too new. Badaling Great Wall offers an interesting climb and great views, although it can also be the most crowded (near the start). However, everyone is in good spirits and there is a sense of comraderie and fun involved in being with others.

Today, this section of the wall has many modern attractions including a Great Wall Museum and a Great Wall Cinema. Historians, and history buffs interested in the extensive history of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site can learn about the Wall's history, and view photos and artifacts. A cable car offers an alternative to the steep climb.