Viral: Tourists crawl, slip, and slide down the Great Wall of China as snow storm hits Beijing

The Great Wall of China is a massive and lengthy fortification that was built to outlast nomadic attacks. Ever since then it was rebuilt, maintained and taken care of over dynasties. Today it stands as a place among the 'Seven Wonders of the World' and is also one of the most popular tourist destinations.


Recently, a video has gone viral, showing the Great Wall of China covered with snow and tourists struggling to move. Heavy snowfall hit Beijing on January 17, 2026, turning the Badaling section of China's Great Wall into a stunning yet treacherous ice rink.

Tourists crawl on hand and knees to maintain grip

Viral videos show tourists crawling on hands and knees, clinging to railings, and even sliding down steps like a giant playground slide. The footage, shared widely on social media, shows the mix of awe and peril as visitors walk across glossy stone paths despite the hazards.

Slippery spectacle goes viral

Northern China's cold winters bring heavy snowfalls, especially around Beijing, changing landmarks like Badaling into picturesque but risky zones. "This is a video about the Great Wall after snowfall, filmed in Beijing on January 17, 2026. In the video, heavy snow has made the surface of the Badaling, or the most visited part of the Great Wall, slippery like a slide," as described by the original clip, according to CGTN reports. Thrill-seekers kept coming, crawling forward or sliding down, turning danger into a memorable adventure.

Tourists kept barging in despite warnings

Despite warnings, crowds embraced the chaos. Some inched up painstakingly, others slid back with laughs, all while soaking in rare snowy shows.

Authorities kept sites open but called for caution and non-slip shoes. Beijing's meteorological service confirmed light snow continued into January 18, worsening slips.

What is the reason behind the consistent snowfall in the area?

This "return-flow snowfall pattern" from moist Bohai Bay air over western terrain created fluffy, heavy flakes, up to 9.9 mm in spots like Qianlingshan. The National Meteorological Center issued yellow alerts for cold waves, with temperatures dropping 6-12°C across central and eastern China. The Wall's fame draws crowds year-round, even in January's chill, making such events common yet captivating.