Great Wall Badaling Question

[roothy123]

I will have about an hour and a half to walk, shop, go to the museum or whatever on the Great Wall. This is in mid October. I'm not interested in shopping or browsing the museum - just taking pictures. I know that the southern section from Badaling is the easiest and levelest, with the northern section (left) harder. I was wondering if anyone can comment on which section to walk, and about how far I might be able to get in an hour or so, assuming the crowds aren't too terrible. In your experience, was one section more crowded? Does anyone know if there are better photo opps on one versus the other? I'm 60 and in fairly good health for my age, but I know I'm not going to be able to gallop up the northern part, and with limited time, I probably won't be able to make it up to the highest point (watchtower 8, I've heard) and back in 60-90 minutes. However, I'm not afraid to try the northern part if it will be more rewarding than the southern part.

[tommui987]

Originally Posted by roothy123

I I was wondering if anyone can comment on which section to walk, and about how far I might be able to get in an hour or so, assuming the crowds aren't too terrible. In your experience, was one section more crowded? Does anyone know if there are better photo opps on one versus the other?

Our guide told us that the right side was really hard - but the left was worse!

I took the right - got up to perhaps the second or third watch tower. Steps are uneven and the walk angle is steep. It was crowded but I understand the day we went was a public holiday.

Depending on your camera, either side would be a photographer's dream. The dependency would depend if your camera had wide angle/telephoto capability. Of course if your lens was only, say 20mm, it would depend on your capability as a photographer!

[roothy123]

I have a zoom from 24 to 200, so I should be ok for photos. Can I assume it is less smoggy on the wall than it is in Beijing?

[tommui987]

Originally Posted by roothy123

Can I assume it is less smoggy on the wall than it is in Beijing?

No - depends on the wind etc.

Can try cleaning it (smog) up with Photoshop!

[greatam]

Originally Posted by roothy123

I have a zoom from 24 to 200, so I should be ok for photos. Can I assume it is less smoggy on the wall than it is in Beijing?

NO

China uses soft coal for power (actually outlawed for power use in the USA unless the power plants spends at least $1M for scrubbers) and there is a power plant just about every open space in China. Between the factories and the power plants, smog in China is a never ending sight until it rains.

[roothy123]

Would anybody have a good map of the Wall at Badaling? I've read in a rather outdated National Geo book that there is a little known place called the "International Friendship Forest," with a path to an old guard tower and views of the wall above. Does anyone have any idea where this might be? It says, "At the top of the small hill leading from the parking lot toward the steps to the wall, look for the opening to the walkway on the left, just where the souvenir stands begin. Follow the path to a deserted guard tower and nice views of the wall from below."

I found a map that is more detailed than most, located at the address below, but can't quite figure out where this Friendship Forest might be. It also shows two parking lots, which makes it even more confusing.

[eveline44]

If you want better photo opportunities try the less crowded sections of the wall. Mutianyu is a great place to visit. It's more beautiful and greener than Badaling and far less crowded. If you want to walk a big section of the wall Badaling is probably a bit easier, but if you go for better pictures and a nicer view, take Mutianyu.

[roothy123]

Originally Posted by eveline44

If you want better photo opportunities try the less crowded sections of the wall. Mutianyu is a great place to visit. It's more beautiful and greener than Badaling and far less crowded. If you want to walk a big section of the wall Badaling is probably a bit easier, but if you go for better pictures and a nicer view, take Mutianyu.

I would love to go to Mutianyu, but I'm with a group, and the group goes to Badaling, so Badaling is what it will have to be!

[eveline44]

Originally Posted by roothy123

I would love to go to Mutianyu, but I'm with a group, and the group goes to Badaling, so Badaling is what it will have to be!

Ah! I am sure you will like that too. It a choice between very good and better

[ilovhywd]

I actually got better shots from the surrounding roads than I did from up on the wall.

You'll be jostling other people while trying to get a good angle. It was very crowded the day we visited. Also, I was trying hard not to break any bones by not watching where I was stepping. Some sections are pretty steep without level parts to break it up.

[bonsai3s]

Originally Posted by roothy123

I will have about an hour and a half to walk, shop, go to the museum or whatever on the Great Wall. This is in mid October. I'm not interested in shopping or browsing the museum - just taking pictures. I know that the southern section from Badaling is the easiest and levelest, with the northern section (left) harder. I was wondering if anyone can comment on which section to walk, and about how far I might be able to get in an hour or so, assuming the crowds aren't too terrible. In your experience, was one section more crowded? Does anyone know if there are better photo opps on one versus the other? I'm 60 and in fairly good health for my age, but I know I'm not going to be able to gallop up the northern part, and with limited time, I probably won't be able to make it up to the highest point (watchtower 8, I've heard) and back in 60-90 minutes. However, I'm not afraid to try the northern part if it will be more rewarding than the southern part.

We were in Badaling in December, freezing cold...but was still crowded. Hopefully you'll be able to see blue skies when you visit. As one said, smog is a big problem. We look at our photos and still can't believe how smoggy it was. As you walk towards the entrance, you will see hundreds of souvenir stores on both sides of the street...shop later. You'll be fine walking up either side. Just be careful and go slow. My mother was 72 at the time and she made it to the second tower. She did find walking down much more difficult than walking up. As for photo ops...you will have plenty. Our photos there were truly memorable...only wished we had taken more.

[Essiesmom]

Check the direction of the sun...You might get better pictures depending on the sun. EM