Blossoms at the Great Wall

Compared with previous years, fewer tourists are seen on the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing
Apricot flowers bloom in the area surrounding the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing
A one-way circular tour route has been designed to prevent crowding on the Great Wall
April is the time for apricot blossom in area surrounding the Badaling section of the Great Wall
Apricot flowers are in full blossom in the area surrounding the Badaling section of the Great Wall

Apricot flowers are in full blossom along the Badaling section of the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 60 km northwest of downtown Beijing, on April 12. The Badaling section partly opened on March 24, after being closed for almost two months due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) outbreak. It is the most popular segment of the Great Wall among tourists.

Starting from April, other sections of the Great Wall have also reopened, and many residents have visited these scenic sites to enjoy spring flowers. At present, however, visitors must book tickets online in advance and register with their personal information to get a health code, while having their temperatures taken upon entry. These sites also cap the number of daily visitors for epidemic prevention and control.

(Photos by Wei Yao)