Stay at Beijing Badaling Hot Spring Resort, offering rooms with direct views of the sun rising over the eastern ridge of the Great Wall. The resort provides complimentary shuttles to Yan Gu Great Wall and features outdoor hot springs, blending warm thermal waters with ancient wall echoes. Nearby organic farms serve local corn and wild greens, letting guests immerse in authentic northern Beijing countryside life.

Take Subway Line 2 to Xizhimen Station, then transfer to Bus 919 to Badaling Great Wall Stop—a journey of about 1.5 hours. Many tour companies offer private car transfers directly to Yan Gu Great Wall’s entrance for greater flexibility. On-site electric shuttle buses connect key viewing points, ensuring smooth access. Overall, the transport network is well-developed and highly accessible for tourists.

Try the nighttime hiking tour every Saturday, led by expert guides through unrestored sections of ancient stone walls, creating a quiet, time-traveling atmosphere. Participate in handmade brick-making workshops using traditional molds, crafting your own keepsake. Some guesthouses also host star photography workshops with professional gear and mentors, capturing the Milky Way intertwined with weathered ramparts under dark skies.

Badaling Kids Discovery Hotel is ideal for families, featuring a dedicated kids’ play zone, Great Wall-themed art studios, and a family farm experience. Rooms include safety rails, cribs, and free breakfast for children. On-site activities like mini-sledding and archery allow kids to burn energy safely. Parents can relax with spa treatments or tea sessions, making it a truly educational and enjoyable family getaway.

Discover Yun Yinju: At the Foot of the Great Wall, nestled in a historic village south of Yan Gu. Built with rammed earth and wooden beams, each room has a private courtyard and stargazing deck. The hosts, local heritage enthusiasts, host monthly ‘Great Wall Memory Nights’, sharing unearthed battle manuscripts and folk tales. Meals use homegrown vegetables and slow-cooked clay-pot soups, delivering a deeply authentic, rustic retreat.

Visit the Eastern Watchtower Section, where gentle slopes and wide paths offer safe, scenic viewpoints. Multiple platforms provide panoramic shots of the Great Wall snaking into the clouds. Designated photo spots include the "First Glimpse of the Ten-Thousand-Li Wall" stone tablet and the "Sentinel Statue," set against autumn foliage and layered mountains. Visit during golden hour or twilight to achieve soft lighting and dramatic silhouettes, perfect for social media content.