Xian City Wall

The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xian is the ancient City Wall, which stretches round the old city. It is also one of the most famous attractions in Xian. Today, this wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. 

The first city wall of Changan was begun in 194 BCE. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base.

The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall. This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xian.

When being reconstructed during the period 1374-1378 AD (seventh to eleventh year of Hongwu of the Ming ), the city wall was extended by a quarter to both east and north to make Xian city today's size. The blue brick wall is well preserved. Lofty and magnificent structures with blue and green paintings were constructed on the four city gates.

Recommended Xian Tour: 4 Days Best of Xian Tour
(Attractions: Qin Terracotta Army, Xian City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Mosque)