BusDa:Ancient Great Wall &Badaling Great Wall Full-day Bus Tour

Visiting the Great Wall is often at the top of any traveler’s Beijing bucket list, and BusDa’s Ancient Great Wall & Badaling Great Wall Full-day Bus Tour promises an engaging experience that balances popularity with authenticity. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What we love about this tour is the access to both the bustling Badaling section and the more untouched ancient wall, offering varied perspectives on this iconic monument. The VIP parking and skip-the-crowds options are definite bonuses, especially for those who dislike long queues. Plus, the professional guides seem to make all the difference, with travelers praising their knowledge and friendliness.

A possible consideration is the crowd factor at Badaling, especially if you’re expecting a peaceful walk. While the VIP passage helps mitigate this, some sections might still feel busy. This tour suits those eager to see the Great Wall efficiently, with a mix of famous sites and quieter corners, making it ideal for first-timers or travelers with limited time.

This tour works well for anyone wanting good value, reliable transport, and insightful guides—perfect if you want to tick the Great Wall off your list without the fuss of planning every detail yourself.

Good To Know

• Balanced itinerary: Combines popular and less-crowded Great Wall sections for a well-rounded experience.
• Inclusive pricing: Tickets, transport, and guide services are bundled, making it straightforward and budget-friendly.
• VIP perks: Special parking and skip-the-line options add comfort and efficiency.
• Professional guides: Known for knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful staff who enhance the visit.
• Time management: Allocates enough time at each site, allowing for quality exploration without rushing.
• Practical tips: Cash might be needed at the site, and optional cable cars can be purchased on the day.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Meet and Travel to Badaling

The tour starts early, with a meeting point in Chaoyang at 10:00 am. You’ll show your reservation to staff wearing a green vest with the BusDa logo. The air-conditioned bus then takes about 1.5 hours to reach Badaling, giving you a comfortable ride while the guide shares interesting facts about the Great Wall’s history and the layout of the site.

Reviewers appreciate the smooth logistics here, with one mentioning how the staff, like Amy, kept things well-organized. As you travel, the guide will help with ticket reservations—this includes options like the cable car, which is a nice add-on if you want a quick ascent or descent.

Exploring the Badaling Great Wall

Once at Badaling, you have two touring options: the North-line or South-line tour, each offering their own scenic views and structural features. Expect around two hours here, enough to take in the sweeping vistas, snap photos at the famous Hero Slab, and marvel at the ancient craftsmanship. The site is popular but well-maintained, meaning you’ll get a good balance of crowds and space to breathe.

One of the standout perks is the VIP passage, which allows visitors to avoid the crowds—an aspect praised by guests like Valentina, who appreciated the caring and knowledgeable guides. This premium access is complimentary from BusDa, normally costing around 208 yuan, so it offers excellent value.

Visiting the Ancient Great Wall at Yanqing

Next, the tour moves to the Ancient Great Wall in Yanqing, often called the “Ruined Great Wall.” This section is striking because it’s untouched—weathered, with visible structural imperfections, giving it a raw, authentic feel. With 2.5 hours allocated here, you’ll get a sense of the Wall’s original state, far from the polished tourist spots.

Travelers like Christian found visiting this segment valuable despite some disappointment about the initial promise of two different sites. The experience of walking along a less restored section offers a unique perspective on the Wall’s history and resilience. The guide helps with parking and logistics, making the visit seamless.

Return and Practical Details

After exploring both sites, the bus returns to Beijing, with the entire trip lasting about 8 hours. The tour’s focus on efficient transport and guided service ensures you’re not left to navigate complicated logistics. The tour also includes a flexible approach—additional options like cable cars can be purchased, and guide explanations add context to your visit.

The Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

Reviews highlight several consistent themes:

Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Betty and Ding receive praise for their friendliness, clear communication, and deep knowledge. Owen G mentions how Betty made the day easier and more enjoyable, while Peter R appreciated Ding’s efficient guidance and constant communication.

Spectacular Views: Many reviewers are struck by the scenery, with Hilmi_J noting the “breathtaking” views and the overall well-organized nature of the trip. The blend of crowded and quieter sections allows for diverse photo opportunities.

Well-Organized Logistics: From pickup to return, travelers like Chun_Y and Valentina_G appreciated the smooth flow, especially the VIP parking and ticketing arrangements. The inclusion of entry tickets in the package simplifies the experience.

Authentic and Peaceful: The ancient section in Yanqing offers a more authentic feel, which some found more memorable than the busy Badaling. It’s a chance to connect with the Wall’s history without the overwhelming crowds.

Practical Tips: Travelers recommend comfortable shoes since walking can be extensive. Cash is advised at the site due to limited credit card acceptance. The optional cable car is a popular add-on for those wanting a quick and scenic ascent.

Potential Drawbacks: The main concern is the crowd at Badaling, though the VIP options help. Some felt the cancellation of the ancient Wall section they expected was disappointing, but the guide’s explanations helped clarify the situation.

Deep Dive: What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Convenience and Value

At just $20 per person, including tickets and transport, this tour offers astonishing value. The complimentary VIP passes and parking mean you save both money and time, especially in a popular site like Badaling where queues are common.

Guided Expertise

The guides are a highlight, with reviews praising their professionalism and friendliness. Their knowledge enhances the experience, helping travelers understand the Wall’s history and structure while providing tips for photos and navigating the site.

Multiple Sections for a Rich Experience

Seeing both the famous, heavily restored Badaling segment and the more weathered, ancient Yanqing section gives travelers a layered appreciation of the Wall’s vast history. The ancient section’s weathered state offers an authentic feel, contrasting with the bustling main site.

Timing and Group Size

With around 8 hours, the tour balances sightseeing with comfort. The group size, capping at 47 travelers, keeps the experience manageable, avoiding overwhelming crowds and making it easier to get attention from guides.

Challenges and Considerations

While the VIP pass can significantly reduce crowd-related frustrations, some visitors might still find certain parts crowded—this is typical of popular tourist spots in China. Also, the cancellation of the section originally promised can lead to disappointment if expectations were different.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a hassle-free experience that covers the iconic Great Wall and offers a taste of its more preserved and ancient parts. If you’re looking for good value, professional guides, and flexible options, it will suit you well.

Travelers who prefer organized logistics and want to avoid the complications of self-guided trips** will find this option reliable. However, if your main goal is complete tranquility or untouched wilderness, some quieter, less-visited sections might be better suited.

FAQs About the BusDa Great Wall Tour

Is transportation included in the price?
Yes, the tour covers roundtrip transportation from downtown Beijing in an air-conditioned bus, making the journey comfortable and straightforward.

What are the meeting and end points?
It starts in Chaoyang at 10:00 am and finishes at Beijing Olympic Park, with clear Google Maps directions provided for both.

Do I need to buy extra tickets?
All entry tickets to the Badaling Great Wall and the Ancient Badaling Great Wall are included; optional extras like cable cars can be purchased on site.

How long do I have at each site?
You’ll have approximately 2 hours at Badaling and 2.5 hours at the ancient section, giving ample time for sightseeing and photos.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
While generally accessible, be prepared for some walking and uneven surfaces, especially at the ancient, weathered sections. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I pay with credit cards at the site?
No, it’s advised to bring cash as credit cards are often not accepted at the Great Wall scenic areas.

Final Thoughts

The BusDa full-day tour strikes a fine balance between convenience, value, and authentic experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, organized visit to the Great Wall without the hassle of planning every detail. The combination of popular and quieter sections provides a layered perspective, making the experience memorable and meaningful.

If you value knowledgeable guides, thoughtful logistics, and a chance to see both the iconic and the ancient Wall, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially suited for those new to Beijing or visitors with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing with minimal fuss.

While some may find the crowds inevitable, the VIP options and well-paced itinerary help mitigate this, ensuring you leave with plenty of great photos and stories. Overall, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking to tick the Great Wall off their travel list comfortably and affordably.