Ancient City Wall
Ancient Silk Road mosque in Chinese architectural style
Intro
Xi'an's Ancient City Wall is the most complete city wall in China, stretching 13.7 kilometres around the old city centre. Built in the early Ming Dynasty (1370-1378), the wall stands 12 metres high and 15 metres wide at the top — wide enough to drive a car along. Cycling the full circuit takes approximately 2 hours and offers a unique elevated perspective over the old city and the modern city beyond.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning or evening. Spring and autumn for comfortable cycling.
Highlights
Getting There
Multiple gates provide access to the wall. South Gate (Nan Men) is the main entrance, 10 minutes walk from the Bell Tower. Bike hire available at most gates.
Tickets & Entry
¥54 for wall access. Bike hire ¥45/hour additional.
Practical Tips
Rent a bicycle at any gate (¥45/hour, ¥200 deposit). The full circuit takes 2 hours cycling at a leisurely pace. The wall is illuminated attractively at night.
More in Xian
Terracotta Warriors
The greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century — 8,000 life-size soldiers guarding China's first emperor
Muslim Quarter & Street Food
Street food, mosques, and a thousand years of Muslim culture in the heart of Xi'an
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda and the legend of the Monkey King's master
FAQ
Quick Facts
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | Early morning or evening. Spring and autumn for comfortable cycling. |