Yanqing Beijing: Badaling Great Wall, Longqing Gorge & Winter Olympics Venues – A Complete Travel Guide

Why Yanqing Should Be on Your Beijing Itinerary

I've been living in China since 2019, and if there's one district that surprises every traveler I take there, it's Yanqing Beijing. Most people think Beijing is just the Forbidden City and hutongs—but Yanqing is where the city flexes its natural muscle. It's home to the Badaling Great Wall, the stunning Longqing Gorge, and the venues from the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. I've personally guided dozens of friends and clients through this area, and I can tell you: it's a full day (or two) of adventure that feels a world away from central Beijing's chaos.

In this guide, I'll break down exactly how to visit each spot, what it costs in ¥, when to go, and what to avoid. I'll also share my honest opinion—because not everything is a "hidden gem." Let's get into it.

Badaling Great Wall: The Crowded Icon You Can't Skip

Let's be real: Badaling Great Wall is the most visited section of the Great Wall, and it gets packed—especially on weekends and holidays. But here's the thing: it's also the most accessible and well-maintained section. If you're short on time or traveling with family, Badaling is your best bet.

Cost: Entrance is ¥40 (peak season April–October) or ¥35 (off-season). The cable car round trip is ¥140. I always recommend taking the cable car up and walking down—you save energy for the views and avoid the steep climb.

Timings: Open 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (peak) or 4:30 PM (off-peak). Go as early as possible—I mean, aim to be at the gate by 7:30 AM. By 10 AM, it's a sea of selfie sticks.

How to get there: From Beijing North Railway Station, take the S2 train to Badaling (¥6, about 80 minutes). Or, if you're with me, I can drive you directly—it's about 1.5 hours from central Beijing, traffic permitting.

My tip: Skip the Great Wall slide on the way down—it's fun but overpriced at ¥80 and the line is long. Instead, walk the restored section and take photos from the watchtowers. The view north toward the mountains is spectacular on a clear day.

For more on the Great Wall, check out my guide on Badaling Great Wall Tips.

Longqing Gorge: The Ice Festival That Will Blow Your Mind

Now, Longqing Gorge is a different beast. In summer, it's a peaceful boat ride through limestone cliffs—pretty, but not mind-blowing. But in winter (January to February), it transforms into the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival, and that's where the magic happens.

Imagine walking through a canyon filled with massive ice sculptures—pagodas, dragons, even a full-scale ice castle—all lit up with colored lights at night. I took a group there last January, and even the skeptics were speechless. The ice is harvested from the nearby river and carved by artists from Harbin. It's cold (temperatures drop to -15°C), but the experience is worth bundling up.

Cost: Entrance is ¥40 (summer) or ¥100 (winter ice festival). Boat rides are ¥100 extra. I recommend the boat ride in winter—it takes you right through the ice canyon.

Timings: Open 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (summer) and 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (winter ice festival). Go after 4 PM in winter to see the lights come on.

How to get there: From central Beijing, take the S2 train to Yanqing Station, then a taxi (¥30–40) to the gorge. Or, hire a driver—starting from ¥999 for a full day trip including Badaling and Longqing Gorge, which is cheaper than two separate taxis.

My warning: The ice festival is only worth it if you go during the peak of winter (mid-January to mid-February). Late February, the ice starts melting and the sculptures look sad. Trust me, I made that mistake once.

For more on winter activities, see my post on Winter Beijing Activities.

Beijing 2022 Olympic Venues in Yanqing: The Legacy You Can Visit

Yanqing was the main mountain cluster for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, hosting alpine skiing, bobsleigh, and luge events. The venues are now open to the public, and they're surprisingly affordable.

The Yanqing Olympic Village is a cluster of sleek, modern buildings that housed athletes. You can walk through the village, see the flags, and even take a photo with the Olympic rings. The National Alpine Ski Centre (also called "Snow Ruyi") is open for skiing in winter—lift tickets start at ¥200 for a half-day.

Cost: Free to walk around the village. Skiing: ¥200–400 depending on the season. The bobsleigh track offers a public ride experience (¥150) in winter—it's a 30-second adrenaline rush at 100 km/h.

Timings: The village is open 9 AM to 5 PM daily. Skiing is seasonal (December to March).

How to get there: It's a 20-minute drive from Badaling. If you're doing a Yanqing day trip, I usually combine Badaling in the morning, the Olympic venues at lunch, and Longqing Gorge in the afternoon.

My take: The Olympic venues are cool, but don't expect a theme park. It's more of a quiet, scenic stop. The real thrill is the skiing—if you're a skier, this is the best option near Beijing.

World Expo Garden: The Forgotten Marvel

Most tourists don't know about the World Expo Garden in Yanqing—the site of the 2019 International Horticultural Exhibition. It's a massive park (over 500 hectares) with pavilions from dozens of countries, themed gardens, and a giant digital flower dome.

Cost: Entrance is ¥40 (weekdays) or ¥60 (weekends). The park is so big that you can easily spend 3–4 hours there.

Timings: Open 8 AM to 6 PM (closed on Mondays). Go on a weekday to avoid crowds—weekends can get busy with local families.

My honest opinion: The Expo Garden is beautiful but feels a bit abandoned. Some pavilions are closed, and the maintenance is spotty. I'd only recommend it if you have an extra day in Yanqing or if you're a garden enthusiast. Otherwise, focus on Badaling and Longqing Gorge.

How to get there: It's a 10-minute drive from Yanqing city center. Taxi from Yanqing Station costs ¥20.

Practical Tips for Your Yanqing Trip

Here's the stuff I wish someone told me before my first Yanqing trip:

• Transportation: The S2 train is cheap (¥6) but runs only 4–5 times a day. Check the schedule on the 12306 app. If you miss it, a taxi from central Beijing to Yanqing costs ¥300–400.
• Food: Yanqing is famous for its lamb hotpot (羊肉火锅) and corn pancakes (玉米饼). I always stop at a farm restaurant near Longqing Gorge—look for one with a red lantern outside. A meal for two costs about ¥80–120.
• Weather: Yanqing is 10°C colder than central Beijing. In winter, wear thermal layers, a windproof jacket, and gloves. In summer, it's pleasant but can rain suddenly—carry a light jacket.
• Language: English is not widely spoken in Yanqing. I recommend having a translation app (like Pleco) or hiring a guide. I offer private driver services with English-speaking assistance—just WhatsApp me.

For business travelers, Yanqing is also a growing hub for green technology and agriculture. If you're interested in sourcing Chinese products or exploring business opportunities in the region, I can help with translation and factory visits.

Final Verdict: Is Yanqing Worth It?

Absolutely. Yanqing offers a side of Beijing that most tourists miss—natural beauty, Olympic history, and a quieter pace. The Badaling Great Wall is a must-see (despite the crowds), the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival is a winter wonderland, and the Beijing 2022 Olympic venues give you a taste of the Games without the ticket prices.

My advice: Plan a full day trip from Beijing, start early, and hire a driver if you want to hit all three spots comfortably. If you're visiting in winter, prioritize the ice festival. In summer, focus on Badaling and the Olympic village.

And if you need any help—whether it's a private driver, travel consulting, or business sourcing in China—I'm here. I've been living in China since 2019, and I know these roads like the back of my hand.

📲 Contact me on WhatsApp: +86 18519104211 — I'll help you plan your Yanqing trip or any other China adventure.