Night Tours of the Great Wall (Badaling vs. Juyongguan)
- AnywhereChina
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
Want to beat the summer heat and the massive daytime crowds? We highly recommend a Great Wall Night Tour. Here is our fast-track guide to Beijing's top two options.
1. The 2026 Badaling Night Great Wall: An Immersive & Brilliant Experience
If you are looking for magnificent views and immersive cultural performances, the Badaling Night Great Wall will not disappoint.
Dates: April 30 to October 6, 2026.
Tickets: 298 RMB/person (includes a one-way cable car ticket).
Open Areas: Cultural Block, North 4th Tower to South 4th Tower.
Schedule:
Entry & Check-in: 18:30–21:00
Performances: 18:30–21:00 (subject to the daily schedule)
Illumination: 19:20–22:00 (subject to the daily schedule)
🚠 Cable Car & Route Strategy The South Line ground cable car operates one-way going up (from 17:30 to 19:30). Our team suggests taking the cable car directly up to the South Great Wall and then slowly walking down. You will encounter a few steep vertical drops on the way down, which makes for a thrilling experience without exhausting your legs!
📸 Best Photography Moments
When the sun hasn't fully set, the golden hour light makes the Great Wall look absolutely stunning and radiant.
The "blue hour"—right after the lights turn on but before the sky gets completely dark—is what we think is the most beautiful time for photos. Be sure to find your spot early!
2. Juyongguan Night Great Wall: Weekend Magic & Beginner Friendly
If you want to skip the Badaling crowds altogether, we suggest heading straight to the Juyongguan Night Great Wall! This is an absolute top-tier weekend night tour in Beijing. The incline is incredibly friendly for beginners and kids, making it a breeze for your legs.
Location: Juyongguan Great Wall, Changping District.
Hours: Fridays and Saturdays only, 18:30–22:00 (Entry strictly stops at 21:00).
Tickets: Only 19.9 RMB/person (No long queues and amazing value!).
Illumination Time: Around 19:30.
📝 The Perfect Timeline (Copy this for a flawless trip!) To get the best possible experience, we advise following this timeline:
18:30: Enter the park. While there is still daylight, snap some stunning photos of the Great Wall at sunset.
19:30: Wait for the lights! The sky turns a deep blue during this "blue hour," making it the absolute best moment for photogenic shots.
20:00: The night vibe reaches its peak! The sky is fully dark, which is perfect for capturing panoramic night views and the illuminated watchtowers under the stars.
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