Xi'an City Wall
西安城墙
Overview
The Xi'an City Wall is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Built during the early Ming Dynasty (1370-1378), the wall originally stretched 14km around the old city and stands 12 meters high. Today, visitors can walk or cycle along the wall's top, enjoying panoramic views of modern Xi'an while exploring its ancient fortifications.
Quick Facts
Height
12 meters
Circumference
14 km
Built
1370-1378
Rating
4.7 ★
How to Explore
🚴 Cycling
The most popular way to explore! Rent a bicycle at any of the main gates and cycle along the wall's top. The full circuit takes about 2-3 hours. Bicycles cost ¥45 for 2 hours or ¥90 for the whole day.
🚶 Walking
For a more leisurely experience, walk along the wall. There are scenic spots and watchtowers every 120 meters. Walking the full perimeter takes 4-5 hours.
🚗 Electric Buggy
Electric buggies are available for those who want to cover more ground without walking or cycling. Costs around ¥80-120 per person for a tour.
Opening Hours
| Summer (April - October) | 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Winter (November - March) | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| South Gate (Main Entrance) | 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM |
Tickets
| Full Wall Access | ¥54 |
| South Gate Only | ¥30 |
| Bicycle Rental | ¥45 (2 hours) |
| Electric Buggy | ¥80-120 |
Best Gates to Enter
South Gate (Yongning Gate)
The main and most popular entrance. Connected to the metro station and close to many hotels. Features the grandest gate tower and historical exhibitions.
East Gate (Changle Gate)
Quieter than the South Gate. Good for cycling toward the North or West gates. Near the Sanshipin Museum.
North Gate (Anding Gate)
Near the Railway Station. Less crowded but still well-maintained. Good starting point for exploring the northern section.
Tips
- 1Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends
- 2Bring sunscreen and water, especially in summer
- 3Cycle clockwise for the best views (sunlit side)
- 4Don't miss the sunset from the wall - magical views!
How to Get There
- 🚇 Metro: Line 2 to Yongning Gate (永宁门) Station, Exit C
- 🚕 Taxi: Tell the driver "Yongning Men" (南门)
- 🚌 Bus: Routes 12, 26, 36, 46, 600, 603 stop at South Gate