Badaling Night Great Wall Private Transfer: An Honest Review

Visiting the Great Wall is basically something you simply have to do when you’re in China, right? I mean, it’s kind of the ultimate bucket-list experience. And, that said, I recently took a trip to the Badaling section, but did something a little different, very special; I went at night! To get there, I used a private transfer service, and, to be honest, I figured I would share my thoughts on the whole experience. Was it worthwhile? Are there any catches? Is it a practical choice? Let’s find out.

Why Choose a Night Visit to the Great Wall?

The usual daytime trips to the Great Wall can get very busy. Very, very busy. You end up sharing the path with loads of people, and it can sort of take away from the solemn grandeur, you know? Going at night has several potential upsides. For starters, fewer crowds, so, too, there’s the cooler air – a definite plus, arguably, especially during the summer. Also, you get to see the Wall under the moonlight, which is apparently quite something else. I wanted something unique, a memorable way to see this truly special place, and apparently a night visit seemed like just the thing.

Less Crowded Experience

Oh my gosh, crowds! During the day, especially during holidays, the Great Wall is positively heaving with visitors. It can actually make it difficult to move, let alone actually take photographs or just soak it all in. That’s very irritating, right? With a night tour, the crowds basically thin out dramatically. It’s almost like having a chunk of history all to yourself. This more intimate atmosphere really lets you connect with the setting and appreciate its deep historical significance.

Beat the Summer Heat

Beijing summers can be really brutal, frankly. Hot and humid, apparently. Hiking the Great Wall during the day basically turns into a test of endurance. So, a nighttime visit allows you to do this in a comfortable climate. The cooler air makes the hike much more comfortable, so, too, it basically means you can focus on taking in the views and appreciating the experience instead of constantly trying to cool off. That’s something you should value highly.

The Awe-Inspiring Scenery

Seeing the Great Wall during the day is definitely breathtaking. Yet, experiencing it at night basically kicks it up another notch. Bathed in moonlight and with the lights from the surrounding landscape twinkling in the distance, the Great Wall transforms into a magical sight, seemingly. The already impressive stonework takes on a different sort of depth, and that vastness just feels, arguably, even more expansive in the dark. The photos just simply don’t do it justice!

Booking My Private Transfer

Alright, very practically, getting to Badaling is obviously something to think about. It’s not exactly a hop, skip, and jump from downtown Beijing. While public transport is basically an option, I just wasn’t up for that at night. That said, I started researching private transfer services. There were so many options, seemingly! After reading a bunch of reviews and comparing prices, I settled on a company that had pretty reasonable rates and pretty good feedback.

The Booking Process

The booking part was pretty straightforward. The company’s site was pretty easy to use. So, I picked my date, that said, the time, and that pickup location, and then I chose the type of vehicle I wanted (just a regular car for me). After popping in my contact details and making the payment, I had my confirmation right away, you see? They also sent a reminder a day before, which was kind of good. That’s what I’m talking about.

What to Look For in a Private Transfer Service

If you’re thinking of doing this, very practically, here are a few pointers on what to look for when picking a private transfer. Firstly, it’s worth checking reviews to get a feel for reliability. So, too, think about price, of course, but don’t simply go for the cheapest, arguably; you probably want to factor in things like the condition of the vehicles and how friendly the drivers seem to be in the feedback. I believe you get what you pay for.

Reliability: The service should show up on time and get you there, basically, in a safe manner.
Comfort: Comfy vehicles basically make the ride a lot more fun, particularly for longer journeys.
Driver Quality: A helpful, courteous driver can add a whole load to the experience.
Clear Communication: You probably want to pick a company that answers quickly and gives you all the info you need, really.
Price: Get a good price which shows excellent value.

The Private Transfer Experience

Okay, so here’s how the whole transfer went. From getting picked up right through to arriving back at my hotel, it’s, arguably, worth sharing how it all unfolded. Let’s begin!

Pickup and the Drive

The driver showed up on time. That’s always a good start, seemingly. He was holding a sign with my name on it. He helped with my bag and led me to the car, which was a well looked after saloon. The ride itself was quite comfortable. So, the driver was great, polite and professional. That said, he wasn’t overly chatty. Just right, very really. The route to Badaling was straightforward, mainly on highways, I think, and the drive went quite quickly.

Comfort and Safety

The comfort factor was definitely up there. The car had good air conditioning, which was great as the weather was rather muggy, so, too, the seats were comfortable, and that ride was smooth. Safety-wise, I thought that the driver was responsible, sticking to the speed limits and driving carefully. Very responsible indeed. I actually felt very safe during the journey.

The Return Trip

The return trip was very well organized, similarly to the pickup. The driver waited for me at the agreed-upon spot and got me back to my hotel without any problems at all. Very handy, indeed. Being able to simply relax after walking on the Great Wall, really, without having to bother about hailing a taxi or jumping on a crowded bus, actually made a big difference.

Badaling Great Wall at Night: The Actual Experience

OK, all of this is just prep, so to speak. What was it actually like walking the Badaling Great Wall at night? Was it all it’s cracked up to be?

What to Expect

Expect to do something special. The Badaling section is lit up at night, but not all the way, admittedly. That basically creates an awesome combination of shadow and light. Certain areas are lit well, seemingly highlighting the Wall’s shape, while other parts are very much darker, which adds to the mystery and wonder. You really should wear comfortable footwear as the stones can be uneven. Also, it may be good to bring a torch as some parts aren’t lit too well, arguably.

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere is seriously different than during the daytime. The quietness, very nearly, apart from the wind, I think, and that occasional shout of another tourist, that just adds to the feeling that you’re exploring something truly historic and grand. The views from the Wall at night are something else, definitely. The distant landscape twinkling under the dark sky is an absolutely lovely thing to see. It might be a bit stunning.

Is it Worth It?

Honestly, yes, it really is. If you want something a little out of the ordinary, a way to dodge the daytime crowds, then a night visit is certainly something I could advise. Paying extra for the private transfer probably added a great deal to the experience, really. It made the whole thing easier, more comfortable, and basically allowed me to totally relax and enjoy it all.

Tips for Visiting the Great Wall at Night

So, here are my top tips for going to see the Great Wall at night.

Wear comfy shoes: You’ll very likely be walking a fair bit, so comfortable footwear is vital, admittedly.
Take a torch: Very nearly some sections are pretty dark.
Layer up: Temps can drop once the sun has gone down, I think, so bring extra layers.
Snacks and water: It’s always wise to take some refreshments, as shops on the Wall could be closed.
Book your transfer in advance: Ensure you nail down a reliable transfer service, in fact, especially if you’re going during the busy months.

Any Drawbacks?

Okay, so no experience is totally perfect, to be honest. Here are a few things you might have to think about.

Limited Visibility

Night trips simply aren’t the best for sightseeing from very far. The views are wonderful in their own way, yet you miss out on the far-reaching daytime views, obviously.

Higher Cost

Private transfers cost more than the bus, or hailing a cab, or just getting a shared taxi. Consider whether the comfort and convenience makes it worthwhile.

Availability

Night trips might not happen every night, so, too, weather conditions can also affect it. Verify it is actually running before you set your heart on it.

Final Thoughts

All in all, my trip to the Badaling Great Wall by night by private transfer actually became a truly special adventure. Yeah, it cost a bit extra, yet the comfort, not forgetting the convenience, so, too, the fact it created a less-crowded experience, basically made it really worthwhile for me. If you’re after something different and very memorable, then, yeah, go for it. Just don’t forget your torch!