Badaling, Fortress section of the Great Wall in Yanqing District, China.
Badaling is a fortress section of the defensive wall near Beijing that rises across mountain ridges with sturdy stone construction. Watch towers dot the structure, while patrol pathways and soldier barracks occupy regular intervals along its length.
Construction began in 1504 during the Ming Dynasty to defend a key mountain pass and secure Beijing's border to the north. This defensive structure became part of the broader system protecting the capital from invasion.
This section marks a significant crossing point in the ancient trade routes that connected northern and southern China. The wide pathways and robust structure reflect how central this pass was to commerce and military control across the centuries.
The site is reachable by high-speed rail from Beijing North Station or by bus from the city. Wear sturdy shoes because the paths are steep and uneven, especially when wet.
The wall here is wide enough for five horses to travel side by side or troops to march in full formation. This generous width shows how crucial rapid movement of soldiers and supplies was for the defense strategy.
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