Badaling upgrades nighttime Great Wall tours

The Badaling Night Great Wall, a landmark nighttime tourist destination in Beijing, will reopen on April 30 with a major upgrade, offering visitors an immersive blend of interactive performances, light shows and cultural experiences.

Running until Oct 6, the 2026 edition of the night tour features enhanced on-wall interactions and themed dance performances, transforming the UNESCO World Heritage site into a vibrant nighttime destination.

During a full rehearsal on April 20, the sections from North Tower 4 to South Tower 4 were illuminated, with the ancient structure resembling a giant dragon coiled across the mountains under the dark sky.

The deepened immersive experience is the centerpiece of the upgrade. Costumed performers bring history to life through a reenactment of Meng Jiangnyu Searches for Her Husband.

The legend dates back more than 2,000 years and tells of a woman whose husband died while building the Great Wall during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Her grief-stricken weeping was said to have caused a section of the wall to crumble. Through this reenactment, visitors can engage with the characters and hear stories of ancient garrison soldiers.

At the "post station", guests can write their wishes, which are then delivered to the wall by a "messenger soldier". Strolling along the wall, visitors may also encounter actors portraying Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) generals and frontier guards, turning a simple walk into a historical journey.

The Badaling cultural block has also been revitalized with a re-creation of the ancient "tea and horse trade" fair, complete with character-driven games that bring frontier life to the present.

The highlight performance, Bonfire by the Frontier, blends traditional Mongolian dance with contemporary elements. Powerful choreography and dramatic staging evoke the grandeur of the Great Wall and the spirit of the nation.

At the climax, performers use bonfire-style props to invite visitors to join hands and dance, creating a lively fusion of tradition and modernity. Other nightly offerings include a grand entry ceremony and interactions with patrol guards along the wall.

Zhai Yanwei, general manager of the Badaling Culture and Tourism Group, says the night tour integrates culture, performance and interactions while also partnering with local accommodation providers.

"Our goal is to enrich Beijing's nighttime cultural tourism offerings and provide visitors with a premium choice to experience the charm of the Great Wall and enjoy nighttime leisure," Zhai says.