Xi'an City Wall Travel Tips

Xian City Wall is located in the center of Xian City, in rectangle, 12 m high, 18 wide in the bottom, and 15 m wide at the top. The east wall is 2590 m long, the west wall is 2631.2 m long, the south wall is 3441.6 m long, and the north wall is 3241 m long. The whole perimeter of the wall is 11.9 km. There are four gates: East Changle Gate, West Anding Gate, South Yongning Gate, and North Anyuan Gate. Xian City Wall was built on the base of the imperial city of Tang Dynasty. You can over look the scenery of Xian on the Wall and also riding bicycle here and enjoying performances.

Add: the ancient city in Beilin District, Xian
Xian City Wall

Historical Background

Originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the Xi’an City Wall was built on the foundations of the imperial city wall from the Tang Dynasty. It is the most complete and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, serving as both a military defense system and a symbol of Xi’an’s long-standing historical significance as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Watchtowers, parapets, and gate towers remain largely intact, offering visitors a rare glimpse into ancient Chinese urban planning and military architecture.

What to Expect When Visiting

Walking or cycling along the city wall allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views of both the historic old town and the modern cityscape of Xi’an. The surface of the wall is paved with large gray bricks and wide enough for vehicles like sightseeing buses and bikes. As you stroll along the wall, you will pass by battlements, corner towers, and observation decks, which once allowed archers and guards to keep watch over the city.

You may also encounter performances along the wall, particularly near South Gate (Yongning Gate), where actors dressed in traditional Ming costumes reenact guard-changing ceremonies, martial arts displays, and drum shows. These performances are especially common during national holidays or tourist festivals and provide an immersive cultural experience.

Best time to visit Xian City Wall

The best time to travel to Xian is in spring and autumn, from March to June and September to November. July and August are too hot, not suitable for travelling. If travel in summer, you’d better visit the city wall in morning or after sunset.

Best Spots for Photography

South Gate (Yongning Gate): The most well-preserved and popular section, ideal for sunset and night shots with its dramatic lighting and restored gate towers.
West Gate (Anding Gate): Offers views of the older residential neighborhoods, contrasting with the skyline of the new city.
Northeast Corner Tower: One of the four major corner towers, with symmetrical views of two wall directions and a popular spot for drone photography.

For the best lighting, aim to visit during golden hour (around 5–7 PM in spring or autumn) when the low sun casts warm tones across the brickwork and surrounding rooftops.

Night Tours and Lighting

The Xi’an City Wall is beautifully illuminated in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere for night strolls or bike rides. Lanterns line the walkway, and key towers and gates are floodlit with warm golden lights. Night tours are available, and some sections even host light and sound shows or musical performances depending on the season.

Night riding along the wall offers a completely different vibe—quieter, cooler, and filled with the hum of city life below. Renting a bike with built-in lights or joining a guided night tour is a safe and romantic way to explore.

Best Tours Recommended to you

4 Days Xian Highlight Tour

Xian

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Transport

1. you can start the visiting from Shangde Gate nearing Xian Railway Station

2. In the City, you can take No. 321, 323, 402, 405, K600 buses to South Gate Station (Nanmen Station), and starting visiting from here.

Admission

Climb up the Xian City Wall: 40 Yuan per Person, student: 20 Yuan per Person

Vehicles on Xian City Wall:

►Bicycle: there are solo bikes, tandem bicycles on the great wall for renting. The price is about 30 to 40 Yuan per person. Riding around the city wall is about 80mins.

►Sightseeing Bus: the regular sightseeing bus is 80 Yuan per person, while the luxurious sightseeing bus is 120 Yuan per person. The bus departs when it half full of passengers.

Nearby Attractions to Combine

Bell Tower and Drum Tower (钟楼 & 鼓楼): Located a short distance from South Gate, both are iconic symbols of Xi’an’s city center and offer excellent city views from their top floors.

Muslim Quarter (回民街): A food lover’s paradise, this bustling market street near the Drum Tower is ideal for sampling local snacks after your wall visit.

Forest of Stone Steles Museum (碑林博物馆): Situated near the South Gate, it houses a vast collection of ancient stone carvings and calligraphy masterpieces.

Defensive Moat and Park Area: The greenbelt surrounding the city wall offers walking paths, pedal boats, and scenic views—especially relaxing during early mornings or evenings.