Ancient City Wall, Xi'an

Xi'an City is an ancient stop on the Silk Road. Several important Chinese dynasties, such as the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Jin, have left their marks on it, but it was the Ming Dynasty whose contributions visitors are most able to appreciate today.

The Ming Dynasty strengthened the outer and inner walls and added protective features such as moats, making the City Wall in Xi'an an excellent example of both military might and construction.

Visitors to Xi'an City Wall can certainly step into the past and appreciate the scope of what the Ming Dynasty and earlier dynasties were trying to achieve, but the modern wall's purpose is very different and centered around culture and events.

The City Wall Lantern Fair sets the night sky aglow every year between late January and mid-March, and the Xi'an City Wall International Marathon hosts athletes worldwide. There's also a fantastic park surrounding the wall, where visitors can enjoy various activities, performances, and fun.

The Ming Dynasty's first emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, began construction in 1370, and the wall was completed eight years later. It stretches 13.7 kilometers and is twelve meters high and fourteen meters across. The wall features four original gates and various defense structures, such as watchtowers and corner towers with moats to deter enemies.

A tower on the Ancient City Wall

Each of the four gates has three towers that performed specific defense functions during their military use. Zhalou was in control of the suspension bridge over the moat, Zhenglou acted as an entrance to the interior of the city wall, and Jianlou was a defensive 7 area that would be used to protect the city. While all of the gates are great examples of Ming artistry, Yong Ning, the South Gate stands out with its enormous celebration square and stately square entrance.

In addition to the Jianlou towers, there are 5,984 small openings in the outer walls, known as 'crenellations,' used for firing arrows on foes, and 98 towers where Xi'an City defenders could fire directly down onto intruders.

While these towers were deadly and practical, they are also beautiful, with stone carvings and images that evoke Chinese history and mythology. Although most people know this destination as the "Xi'an City Wall," you may also hear it referred to as the "Fortification of Xi'an," a nickname that will make complete sense once you see how battle-ready it is.

Although the Ming Dynasty created the modern version of this impressive city wall, its roots are in the Tang Dynasty, which ruled ancient China between 618 and 907. The wall itself was built around an old Tang wall. It has been restored several times, the latest in 1983.

Surrounding view of the City Wall

The Xi'an City Wall is 54 RMB for adults and free for children under 1.2 meters, and the South Gate hosts regular performances of the Tang Dynasty Grand Welcoming Ceremony, which is 80 RMB for adults and free for young children.

Since much of this area is exposed to the outdoors, visiting in the morning or late afternoon is advisable, especially during summer. Plus, you'll find fewer crowds in the morning. The Xi'an City Wall is also an excellent place to get pictures of the sunset or sweeping views of Xi'an City and is open at night for superb stargazing.

Ride a bike on the City Wall

One of the best ways to experience the Xi'an City Wall is by bicycle. You can rent bikes at the East and South Gates and enjoy them for 45 RMB for three hours. Be aware that you'll be charged for the extra time you keep the bike out, so it pays to keep an eye on your watch. Xi'an City Wall is also a phenomenal place to take photos at sunset.

Xi'an City Wall tends to get busy during festivals, especially at the South Gate. While it is certainly an experience to see the South Gate decorated for festivals and events, you'll have to weigh your options regarding contending with the crowds.

General Map of the Ancient City Wall

As the South Gate is one of the most magnificent areas of the Xi'an City Wall, we recommend starting your journey there and heading east towards the Chang Le Gate. You'll pass Jian Guo Gate, Wen Chang Gate, and the Southeast Corner Tower and finish your journey at Zhong Shan Gate. You can also head west to An Ding Gate to prolong the journey and see more of the wall.

You can get to the South Gate by Metro Line 2. Get off at Yongningmen Station and walk north towards Xi'an City Wall. While you can visit Xi'an City Wall any time of year, it's particularly lovely during shoulder season, from March to June or September to November. The South Gate is generally open between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., but other gates may vary.

Drum Tower in Xi'an

Plan to spend your day at and near the Xi'an City Wall, as plenty of fabulous attractions are nearby. The Xi'an Muslim Quarter, a bustling commercial street in Xi'an, is an excellent place to get soup dumplings or wooden cages mirror cakes, a Xi'an specialty. Plus, this area is home to several mosques, giving you a glimpse into a new side of Chinese culture.

You can also visit the Bell and Drum Towers, which are great examples of Ming Dynasty architecture and are just a short walk from the Muslim Quarter. The Bell Tower would sound a loud bell at the beginning of the day, and the Drum Tower would beat drums to let officials know when it was time to close the city gates.

Additionally, the Xi'an City Wall is close to the Beilin Museum, which features plenty of works of art, including magnificent stone steles and sculptures, including the Filial Piety Classics and Kaicheng Classics from China's most important dynasties.