Is it worth walking on top of the Xi'an City Wall?

Absolutely. It is one of the few places in China where you can walk a complete circuit of an ancient city. The elevated perspective offers unique views of both the old and new city that you cannot get from street level.

Can I rent a bike on the wall?

Yes, bicycle rentals are available at major gates like Yongningmen (South Gate) and Changlemen (East Gate). You can rent a bike at one gate and return it at another, which is a popular way to see the wall faster.

What is the best time for photography on this route?

The 'Golden Hour' (about an hour before sunset) is the best time. The grey bricks of the wall glow in the late sun, and the city lights begin to flicker on, providing a beautiful contrast for your photos.

Is the walking route difficult?

The route is very easy and flat. The main challenge is the initial climb up the stairs to the top of the wall. Once you are on the ramparts, the path is wide and level.

Can I do this walk at night?

Yes, the wall is beautifully illuminated at night and is generally open until 10:00 PM. It is a very safe and romantic time to visit, though some of the smaller gate pavilions may be closed.

Which gate is the best to start at?

Yongningmen (South Gate) is the best starting point because it is the most grand, has the best transit links (Metro Line 2), and offers the most visitor services like bike rentals and maps.

How much does it cost to enter the Xi'an City Wall?

As of recent updates, the entrance fee for an adult is 54 RMB. This grants you access to the top of the wall for the entire day. Always check for the latest prices at the ticket window.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back into the Ming Dynasty with this self-guided walking route along one of the world's most impressive defensive structures. Xi'an, once the starting point of the Silk Road and capital of ancient China, is uniquely defined by its massive fortifications. This neighborhood stroll through the Beilin District takes you from the bustling heart of the city to the quiet, dignified stretches of the eastern ramparts. Along the way, you will explore the intersection of military architecture and imperial urban planning, discovering why these walls remain a symbol of resilience for the city. This route is a dream for those interested in photography, offering elevated views of traditional rooftops contrasting with modern skyscrapers. Unlike a typical walking tour Xian offers, this experience allows you to linger at the gates that once protected emperors. You will begin near the geographical center of the city, catching sight of the iconic Bell Tower before heading to the ceremonial South Gate. From there, the path leads you past the scholarly vibes of the Wenchang Gate and concludes at the historic East Gate. This audio walk is designed for those who want to discover the layers of Xi'an’s history independently, moving at their own pace while the stories of the 'Guardians of the Wall' unfold in their ears. Whether you are capturing the golden hour light on the grey brickwork or observing local life in the park below the moat, this walking route provides an intimate look at the city’s architectural heritage.

Highlights

The iconic Bell Tower, the geographical heart of ancient Xi'an

Yongningmen (South Gate), the most grand and ceremonial entrance to the city

Wenchang Gate, dedicated to the God of Literature and wisdom

Stunning panoramic views of the Beilin District from the fortifications

Changle Gate (East Gate), a symbol of 'Eternal Happiness' and historic defense

Tour Stops (5)

Fortifications of Xi'an

Welcome to the start of your independent exploration. You are standing before one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls in existence. Built in the 14th century under the Hongwu Emperor, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, these walls were constructed upon the foundations of the earlier Tang Dynasty palace walls. As you look up at the massive structure, notice the grey bricks and the sheer scale—it stands 12 meters high and nearly 15 meters wide at the top. This wasn't just a fence; it was a military machine. The moat below and the watchtowers above created a formidable barrier that protected the city for centuries. Today, the wall serves as a bridge between the ancient inner city and the expanding modern metropolis outside.

Bell Tower of Xi'an

Located at the precise center of the city, the Bell Tower is a masterpiece of Ming architecture. Built in 1384, it stands as a sentinel where the four main streets of the city—North, South, East, and West—converge. In ancient times, the massive bronze bell housed here was struck at dawn to signal the start of the day, working in tandem with the Drum Tower to the west which signaled the evening. Notice the triple-eaved roof and the intricate woodwork, all built without a single nail. It has survived centuries of earthquakes and urban renewal, remaining the spiritual and geographical anchor of Xi'an. From this vantage point, you can truly feel the pulse of the city's history meeting its modern energy.

Xi'an Wall Yongningmen (South Gate)

Yongningmen, or the Gate of Eternal Peace, is the most beautifully restored and significant of the city's gates. In imperial times, this was the gate used for major ceremonies and welcoming high-ranking officials. It features a complex 'barbican' system—a rectangular enclosure between the inner and outer gates designed to trap invading forces. If enemies breached the first gate, they would find themselves in a 'killing court' surrounded by archers on all sides. Take a moment to appreciate the drawbridge and the massive plaza. Today, it serves as the main entrance for those wishing to walk or cycle along the top of the wall, offering a grand sense of arrival that few other structures in China can match.

Xi'an City Wall Wen Chang Gate

As you continue east, the atmosphere shifts at Wenchang Gate. Unlike the purely military gates, this one is named after Wenchang Wang, the Taoist God of Literature and Culture. Look atop the wall here and you will see the Wenchang Pavilion, the only building on the wall that served a religious rather than military purpose. Students and scholars would come here to pray for success in the imperial examinations. This gate is also the gateway to the nearby Forest of Steles Museum, which houses a massive collection of stone calligraphy. The vibe here is often quieter and more academic, reflecting the scholarly heritage of the Beilin District. It’s a perfect spot to observe the contrast between the rigid military wall and the fluid beauty of Chinese calligraphy.

Xi'an Wall Changle Gate

Your walk concludes at Changlemen, the East Gate. Its name translates to 'Eternal Happiness,' but its history is deeply tied to the fall of the Ming Dynasty. This was where the rebel leader Li Zicheng entered the city, marking the end of Ming rule in Xi'an. The gatehouse here is exceptionally well-preserved and provides a fantastic example of the defensive 'Embrasures'—the slits in the wall used by defenders to fire upon attackers. Looking out from here, you can see the city stretching toward the eastern plains. This gate serves as a powerful reminder of the wall's dual nature: a symbol of protection and a witness to the inevitable cycles of dynastic change. Your self-guided journey ends here, at the threshold of the city's eastern history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Walking at a leisurely pace along the top of the wall or the base takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes for the distance itself, but with stops for photography and history, plan for about 90-120 minutes.