Xi'an City Wall

西安城墙

The largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, encircling the old city for 13.7 kilometers. Cycling along the top of the wall is Xi’an’s classic experience.

The Xi’an City Wall was first built during the Hongwu era of the Ming dynasty (1370–1378), expanded on the foundations of the Tang-dynasty imperial city of Chang’an. It measures 13.74 kilometers around, stands 12 meters high, and is 12–14 meters wide at the top. Its four main gates are Yongning Gate in the south, Anyuan Gate in the north, Changle Gate in the east, and Anding Gate in the west. Each has a gate tower, an arrow tower, and a barbican, and the wall also has 98 bastions and corner towers. A moat surrounds it. It is the most complete ancient city wall that survives in China.

From the top of the wall, you can look down over the gray tiled roofs of the old city and the distant Bell Tower, while the green park at the base of the wall creates a contrast between old and new.

There are three ways to explore. Cycling is most popular: bicycles can be rented at access points such as the South Gate, costing 45 yuan per person for 2 hours or 90 yuan for two people, and a full loop takes about 1.5–2 hours. You can also walk the section from South Gate to East Gate or the Hanguang Gate section. Finally, you can watch the traditional-style “entering the city” ceremony at Yongning Gate (irregular, around 9:30 am), or see the lights at night.

Admission is 54 yuan and can be bought through the official WeChat account or on site. The South Gate is the main entrance, with a barbican plaza and souvenir shops. You can also enter from Hanguang Gate, which houses the Tang Hanguang Gate Ruins Museum, or from Zhongshan Gate. During the Spring Festival, the city wall lantern festival (about 30–90 yuan) is the symbol of the Xi’an New Year.

Getting there: take Metro Line 2 to Yongning Gate station, which is right by the South Gate. From Bell Tower station on Lines 1 and 2, walk 10 minutes. Hanguang Gate station is on Line 4.

Tips: it is best to go up in the late afternoon and see the sunset followed by the lights coming on. The wind can be strong, so dress warmly. In summer there is no shade on the wall during the day, so bring sunscreen and water. When cycling, watch out for the gaps between the paving bricks.

Xi'an City Wall

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