Why Trip.com (not WeChat)
Badaling is Beijing’s busiest Great Wall section. Foreigners get stuck when they only see Chinese WeChat booking — the official site already has a dedicated foreigner button that hands off to Trip.com.
Trip.com takes passport details in English and is the path we recommend whenever stock is available. Use the ticket window on site as backup, especially on quieter weekdays.
Official sources disagree on whether advance booking is mandatory: Visit Beijing’s English ticketing page says no reservation / on-site sales; Badaling scenic notices (including the 13 Aug 2026 reopening notice) push real-name booking ahead. We recommend Trip.com for busy days and honesty about walk-up on quieter days.
How to buy
- Open Trip.com’s Badaling listing (or badaling.cn → click 外籍人购票). Skip 预约购票.
- Choose admission (or admission + cable car if you want the lift). Pick a date and morning/afternoon session when offered.
- Add each traveler’s name and passport number exactly as printed. One ticket per passport per date; Trip.com also notes booking limits per mobile number — follow the live form.
- Pay on Trip.com (foreign cards usually work). Save the confirmation / e-ticket.
- On the day: bring the same passport used for booking. Hours peak 06:30–16:30 / off-season 07:30–16:00. If you need the southern cable car, avoid Tuesday mornings (closed for maintenance since 19 May 2026).
We may earn a commission if you buy via Trip.com - same price to you.
Pitfalls
- Scanning the 「预约购票」 WeChat QR — that is the domestic path, not the foreigner path.
- Assuming the cable car is included in the basic adult ticket — it is not; buy a combo or pay separately.
- Southern cable car Tuesday-morning closure since 19 May 2026.
- Leaving your passport at the hotel — entry is passport-checked against the booking.
- Holiday weekend with no ticket — sources disagree on walk-up; book Trip.com ahead for weekends and holidays.
Verified 16 Oct 2026 CST against our live Badaling page, Visit Beijing prices/hours/reservation note, badaling.cn 「外籍人购票」→ Trip.com listing 75596 (HTTP 200), and scenic Tuesday cable-car / reopening notices cited on that page. Confirm live stock and any USD total on Trip.com.
FAQ
Can foreigners buy Badaling tickets without WeChat?
Yes. Use Trip.com (via badaling.cn 「外籍人购票」) with your passport. Skip the domestic WeChat QR.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
Not for the Trip.com foreigner path. You need a working phone for the order SMS/email Trip.com sends — your home number is fine.
Is a reservation required?
Not strictly per Visit Beijing (on-site OK). Scenic notices suggest real-name advance. Book Trip.com for weekends/holidays; weekday walk-up often works.
How much is admission?
Adult CNY 40 peak (Apr–Oct) / CNY 35 off season per Visit Beijing. Under-18 and 60+ free with valid ID. Cable car extra. Confirm live totals on Trip.com — we do not quote a single live USD here.
What about Mutianyu instead?
Badaling is closer and busier; Mutianyu is usually quieter and has its own English booking site. See our Badaling vs Mutianyu guide.
What do I bring on the day?
The same passport used to book, plus your Trip.com confirmation. Check cable-car notices if you plan to ride.