If you’re traveling in Beijing and craving a truly unique adventure, don’t miss the Badaling Great Wall Night Tour. By night, the crowds vanish. The ancient stones whisper under starlight. The cool breeze brushes your face. Standing atop a watchtower, I felt a quiet power the daytime can’t match.
On my visit, it rained—but that only made the experience more surreal. As mist curled around the glowing wall, it felt like I’d stepped into a dream. In this guide, I’ll share every detail from my journey to help you plan your own night under the stars.
1. How I Got to the Badaling Great Wall Night Tour from Downtown Beijing
Getting to the Badaling Great Wall Night Tour was easier than I expected—even during the evening rush.
The wall is about 60 kilometers from downtown Beijing. Since the night tour runs from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM (April 30 to October 7), I left around 5:00 PM. This helped me avoid the worst traffic and arrive with time to spare.
First, I considered driving. It’s the most flexible option. I simply set my GPS to “Guntian Valley Parking Lot” (滚天沟停车场). From there, it was just a three-minute walk to the ticket gate—super convenient! The drive took about 1.5 hours from Tiananmen, using the G6 Expressway. Between gas and tolls, it cost around 100–150 RMB. If you’re with family or friends, it’s worth it. However, traffic near sunset can be tricky, so plan ahead.
Next, I looked into the high-speed train. Fast and smooth! I recommend the 5:27 PM train from Beijing Qinghe Railway Station or Beijing North Station. It reached Badaling Great Wall Railway Station by 6:05 PM. From there, it was a five-minute walk straight into the scenic area. Just perfect. The last return train is at 8:31 PM, though. If you stay for the full night tour, a taxi back to the city costs about 300–400 RMB. It’s safer than catching an unlicensed ride.
For budget travelers, the night shuttle bus is only 80 RMB round-trip. It leaves from several downtown spots. There’s also Bus 919, but evening schedules are limited, so check ahead.
Pro tip: bring a bottle of water and a small snack. Also, use a navigation app like Baidu Maps (or Google Maps with a VPN). It’ll save you from getting lost in the dark!
2. Badaling Great Wall Night Tour Ticket Prices
When I planned my Badaling Great Wall Night Tour, I found the ticket prices varied by date. Here’s what I learned.
First, the pricing follows a dynamic system. Weekdays (Monday to Thursday, excluding holidays) are cheaper. From April 30 to July 6 and again from September 1 to October 7, tickets cost ¥198 per person.
However, during the summer peak—July 7 to August 31—or on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays, tickets jump to ¥298. So if you’re flexible, weekdays offer better value.
One lovely detail: kids under 1.2 meters (about 3’11”) get in free with valid ID. That makes it great for families.
Each ticket includes full access to the illuminated Great Wall, a vibrant light show, and a live performance called Dream of the Great Wall: Cranes from All Corners. Parking is free too, which is a nice bonus if you’re driving.
Pro tip: You can book online using your passport. It is quick and easy.Then you simply scan the QR code at the gate—no lines, no stress. You can still buy tickets on-site, but you will expect a long queue on weekends or holidays.
3. Badaling Night Tour Opening Hours & Areas
The Badaling Great Wall Night Tour runs from April 30 to October 7. I visited in early September, and trust me—it was magical.
The night tour officially starts at 6:30 PM and ends at 10:00 PM. I arrived right when the gates opened, it started raining lightly! But it still gave me enough time to explore without rushing. Ticket checks happen between 6:30 and 9:30 PM, so don’t arrive too late.
Lights come on around 7:20 PM and stay on until 10:00 PM. However, this depends on the weather. Heavy rain or heavy fog might affect the schedule. On my night, it drizzled—but the misty glow made everything more dreamlike.
Live performances run from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Make sure to check the board at the entrance for updated showtimes.
One tip: take the funicular (地缆) between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. It brings you straight up to South Tower 4. Then, walk your way across the wall. That’s what I did, and it saved my legs for the real adventure.
The open section for Badaling Night Tour stretches from North Tower 4 to South Tower 4, including the lively light show street and shopping lane.
I spent a full three hours and loved every minute of it.
4. The Light Show and Live Performances at the Badaling
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the Badaling Great Wall Night Tour truly came alive. At exactly 7:20 PM, the lights turned on—warm yellow and soft white tracing the ancient wall like glowing silk.
From North Tower 4 to South Tower 4, the light flowed gently, not flashing or loud, but poetic. I stood on North Tower 4, breathless. The towers cast long, dramatic shadows. With each step, it felt like walking through a dream. Bring your camera—every corner is pure magic.
One of my favorite parts of the Badaling Great Wall Night Tour was the upgraded cultural experience in 2025. It wasn’t just a walk—it was a show under the stars.
Next, I headed to the live cultural performances. These took place on the road south of the Fortress Gate ( 关城) between the South Tower 1 and North Tower 1, in open-air. Actors in flowing hanfu danced, fought, and performed scenes that felt straight out of a historical drama.
I recommend climbing the wall first to catch the lights, then coming down for the show. The timing works perfectly that way.
Best of all? Visitors were invited to take photos and join in. Even if you don’t speak Chinese, you’ll feel the emotion.
5. Practical Tips for Your Badaling Great Wall Night Tour
Before you head off on the Badaling Great Wall Night Tour, here are a few tips that made my visit smoother—and more comfortable.
First, dress smart. The mountain air cools quickly after sunset, especially from late August onward. Temperatures can dip to 15–20°C at night. I wore a light long-sleeve jacket, which kept me warm without overheating. It also helped with leftover sun from the late afternoon.
Next, shoes! Trust me, wear proper walking shoes. The steps are steep and uneven, but the views are absolutely worth the climb.
For language, you can download Google Translate and practiced a few key phrases. “Where is the toilet?” and “Help” came in handy. Most signs have English, but staff speak limited English—so a translation app saved the day.
Also, be respectful. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please don’t litter or climb restricted areas.
To save energy, you can use the funicular between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. It gives you more time—and energy—for exploring and enjoying the light show.
Finally, when heading back, avoid unlicensed taxis. I used the DiDi app to call a safe, reliable ride. It was easy and stress-free.
The Badaling Great Wall Night Tour felt like stepping into a timeless dream. Standing on those ancient stones, I watched the lights flow like history itself—soft, steady, unforgettable. It wasn’t just sightseeing. It was soul-stirring.
This guide comes from my latest firsthand experience in 2025, and I hope it helps you create your own perfect night.
If you have any questions or want to share your journey, feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to connect!
🌟 Further Reading
How to Get to Badaling Great Wall: Buses, Trains, Maps & Tips
Best Hiking Trails at Badaling Great Wall: Maps and Hiking Tips
Badaling Great Wall Accessible Guide: Wheelchair-Friendly Routes
Badaling Great Wall Restroom Guide: Map, Locations & Tips
Badaling Great Wall Autumn Photography: Best Photo Spots & Tips
Badaling Great Wall Spring Flowers: Map, Tips & Best Photo Spots
Best Time to Visit Badaling Great Wall: Weather, Crowds & Tips
Badaling Great Wall Railway Station: Maps, Tickets, Times & Tips
Qinghe Railway Station: Maps, Tickets, Timetable & Travel Tips
Mutianyu Great Wall vs Badaling Great Wall – Your Ultimate Guide
