Published on Aug, 2016
Worth it.
Instead of being packed onto a bus full of 49 other tourists to be schlepped off to the jade factory for 2 hours and the Great Wall for 30 minutes, I chose to go the private tour route. I'm glad I did. I've been to Badaling before, but I think Juyongguan is nicer. The Wall here is a loop, and encircles the road that comes through the pass. There was no separate stop for shopping, which was as advertised, but we did request a stop at the gift shop for a cold beverage and so we could pick up a few souvenirs.
Our guide called in sick, but the company owner showed up only about 2 minutes after the appointed pick-up time to lead the tour himself. Everything was as expected. Lunch was at a decent place. Our guide joined us for lunch, so we were able to continue or education as we dined. For the two of us we were provided with a driver, guide, and minivan. This was a trouble-free tour.