Great Wall of China

Badaling is the most famous section of the Great Wall, made famous outside China during President Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in February 1972.  It has been visited by over 370 international celebrities and dignitaries, as well as by over 120 million tourists over the years. The Badaling section of the wall was originally constructed to protect Juyongguan, though has bee in use since the Warring States Period (770-476 BC).

The portion of the Great Wall at Badaling has undergone heavy restoration, and in 1957 it was the first section of the wall to open to tourists. In 1961, Badaling Great Wall was listed as a “cultural relic site under state-level protection".

Badaling Great Wall winds its way among the undulating high peaks north of Beijing City. The Wall consists of two pass cities: Ju Yong Wai Zheng (Juyong Outer Town) in the east and Bei Men Suo Yao (the Lock and Key of the Northern Gate) in the west. The pass was built in 1505.
Juyongguan Great Wall is located around 20 km south of Badaling Great Wall. Badaling Great Wall is in the same valley (Guan Valley) with Juyongguan Great Wall. Badaling Great Wall is on the upper end of the valley; while Juyongguan is on the other lower end. In the past, Badaling was the gateway to Juyongguan Great Wall. Badaling commands the highest point of the valley.
This Great Wall was attached with great military importance. An old Chinese saying tells the crucial position of Badaling: if one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot get through.
The highest point of Badaling Great Wall is Beibalou, approximately 1,015 m above sea level.