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It Was A MISTAKE Coming To This Part of China...
China Travel: Badaling Great Wall - Crowds & First Impressions
China trip: Badaling Great Wall visit. Overcrowding made it a less-than-ideal experience. Still, a memorable part of their China adventure!
The one thing everyone needs and wants to see when visiting China is the Great Wall, and we are no different! We decided to visit the Badaling sections of the Great Wall as this is the most accessible section of the wall to get to from Beijing, however, because it's so easily accessed this means it is by far the most popular and crowded part of the wall to visit, and in our opinion, it was a mistake coming to this section...
Eoin and Aisling's China adventure takes an unexpected turn at the Badaling section of the Great Wall. While it's the most accessible part, its popularity leads to overwhelming crowds. Their initial excitement about visiting this modern wonder turns into a less-than-ideal experience due to the sheer number of tourists. This unexpected challenge highlights the importance of planning and considering less-visited alternatives when exploring popular attractions.
The one thing everyone needs and wants to see when visiting China is the Great Wall, and we are no different! We decided to visit the Badaling sections of the Great Wall as this is the most accessible section of the wall to get to from Beijing, however, because it's so easily accessed this means it is by far the most popular and crowded part of the wall to visit, and in our opinion, it was a mistake coming to this section...
This vlog documents Eoin And Aisling's visit to the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, the most accessible but also the most crowded part. They arrived in the afternoon, securing tickets for 40 yuan each. The initial experience was overwhelming, with a constant stream of people along the wall. The sky was hazy, obscuring distant views, a contrast to the clear skies they'd enjoyed elsewhere in China.
Despite the crowds, Eoin And Aisling found moments of joy. They interacted with friendly locals, taking photos and making new friends. Eoin became a local celebrity for a while, with numerous people taking his picture. The walk itself was challenging, with many steep steps, but they persevered, even enjoying a light jog down some of the ramps.
The journey wasn't without its humorous moments. Aisling's temporary lapse in remembering the wall's name added to the lighthearted atmosphere. Their lack of sleep from an overnight train journey from Xi'an added another layer to their experience. They initially felt the massive crowds detracted from the experience, but they found that the further they walked from the entrance, the fewer the crowds became.
They discovered a hidden loop in the wall, allowing for a less crowded walk. The views, even in the hazy conditions, were impressive, and the presence of cherry blossoms added to the beauty of the surroundings. They also noted that a significant portion of the wall had been reconstructed and preserved, mostly for tourism. The vastness and historical significance of the structure left a lasting impression on them.
Their drone was confiscated at the entrance, a minor setback. The exit was lined with souvenir shops, a common sight at tourist attractions in China. They even encountered a cage of bears near the exit. Overall, despite the initial concerns about the crowds, Eoin And Aisling found the experience worthwhile, recommending it as easily accessible but suggesting other less crowded sections for a more tranquil visit.
Eoin and Aisling's China adventure takes an unexpected turn at the Badaling section of the Great Wall. While expecting an awe-inspiring experience, they encounter overwhelming crowds. Despite the initial disappointment, they share heartwarming interactions with locals, capturing candid moments of laughter and connection. The journey reveals unexpected beauty amidst the throngs, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring wonder of the Great Wall.
Eoin and Aisling's Great Wall trek: initially crowded, it turned into an unexpectedly fun adventure filled with local interactions and stunning views. A memorable China experience!
Great Wall of China: Badaling Section – Crowds, Views & Unique Experiences
0:26 Purchase tickets before entering the wall to avoid queues. The ticket price is reasonable.
1:09 The wall closes at 5:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly to allow ample time to explore.
6:46 Consider using the cable car if you prefer a less strenuous experience. It's a convenient option.
7:29 The Badaling section offers easy access via the high-speed train, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
14:54 Drones are not permitted at the Badaling section of the Great Wall, so don't bring one.
17:28 If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting a different section of the Great Wall. Many less-visited sections are available.
0:26 Purchase tickets before entering the wall to avoid queues. The ticket price is reasonable.
1:09 The wall closes at 5:30 pm, so plan your visit accordingly to allow ample time to explore.
6:46 Consider using the cable car if you prefer a less strenuous experience. It's a convenient option.
7:29 The Badaling section offers easy access via the high-speed train, making it a convenient choice for visitors.
14:54 Drones are not permitted at the Badaling section of the Great Wall, so don't bring one.
17:28 If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting a different section of the Great Wall. Many less-visited sections are available.
0:00 Great Wall visit begins
0:18 First archway and ticket purchase
1:18 First steps on the wall
2:00 Smoggy sky and crowds
2:56 Meeting and photos with locals
3:46 Steep steps begin
5:19 Photo-taking frenzy ends
6:10 Steep climb continues
7:19 Different sections of the wall
9:18 Steepness of the wall
10:40 Aisling's exhaustion
12:06 Wall's impressiveness
12:20 Cherry blossoms along the wall
13:05 Loop in the wall
13:34 Less crowded section
14:15 Daily visitors to the wall
14:42 Drone confiscation
15:32 Souvenir shops and beer
16:24 Unexpected bear encounter
0:00 Great Wall visit begins
0:18 First archway and ticket purchase
1:18 First steps on the wall
2:00 Smoggy sky and crowds
2:56 Meeting and photos with locals
3:46 Steep steps begin
5:19 Photo-taking frenzy ends
6:10 Steep climb continues
7:19 Different sections of the wall
9:18 Steepness of the wall
10:40 Aisling's exhaustion
12:06 Wall's impressiveness
12:20 Cherry blossoms along the wall
13:05 Loop in the wall
13:34 Less crowded section
14:15 Daily visitors to the wall
14:42 Drone confiscation
15:32 Souvenir shops and beer
16:24 Unexpected bear encounter
What was the most crowded part of the Great Wall?
Definitely the Badaling section; it was absolutely packed with people!
How much did the tickets cost?
40 yuan each for an adult standard ticket, which wasn't too bad.
What was the weather like?
The sky was super white and smoggy; you couldn't see too far. It was a bit different from other places we've been in China.
Did you have any interesting interactions with locals?
Loads! People kept taking photos of Eoin, and we made friends with some tourists along the way.
What was the most surprising thing you found?
Probably the fact that there was a whole loop you could walk and a bunch of bears at the end!
