The City Wall of Xi'an is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, also known as the Xi'an Ming City Wall. Built in 1370, it stands on the foundation of the Tang Dynasty Imperial City.
I often say that if a city has a soul, the city wall that towers over the heart of Xi'an serves as its cultural symbol and spiritual emblem, witnessing the city's rise and fall.
Locals refer to the city wall as Xi'an's "first ring," effectively dividing the city into "inside" and "outside." Having been born and raised within its walls, I feel a deep connection to this landmark.
As an English tour guide, I take guests to visit the city wall about 70 to 80 times a year. As a key symbol of Xi'an's historical and cultural heritage, it is a must-see attraction for visitors from all over the world.
Facts about the Xi'an's City Wall:
- Opening Hours: 8 am - 10 pm
- Location: Around the city center of Xi'an
- Length: 14 km (8.7 miles)
- Height: 12 meters
- Width: 12-14 meters
- Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
- Ticket Price: CNY 54 (≈ USD 8)
- Reservation: Not necessary
Hello, I'm Jenny, a proud native of Xi'an. With over ten years of experience as a tour guide, I take pride in showcasing the unique charm of our historical sites and museums. I love connecting with people from around the world and sharing the stories that make Xi'an special. Look forward to exploring the wonders of Xi'an with you!
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- Best Ways and Which Gate to Visit
- Best Times
- Is it Wheelchair Friendly?
- Transportation
- Why It Was Built
Best Ways to Visit the City Wall and Which Gate to Visit
When purchasing tickets online, you must select an entrance gate. Of the dozen or so city gate options, We recommend choosing one of the four main gates: the East Gate, West Gate, North Gate, and South Gate.
Please note that the South Gate closes earlier at 7 pm, while the other gates remain open until 10 pm.
There are many ways to enjoy the City Wall. Depending on the chosen activity, the most suitable city gate for visiting may vary.
Cycling
Our guests cycling around the City Wall with our guide, JennyIf you want to cycle around the Wall, I recommend starting from the West Gate, North Gate, or East Gate. These three gates tend to have fewer tourists, making for a less crowded cycling experience.
The journey around the Wall takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Important Tip: For safety reasons, bike rental is not available for children under 12, adults over 65, or anyone under 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) tall.
A passport is required when renting a bike at the rental station.
Taking Hanfu Photos
The City Wall is an excellent location for taking photos of Hanfu.If you want to take pictures in Hanfu on the Wall, the East Gate and West Gate are more suitable options. These gates feature relatively well-preserved architectural structures and attract fewer tourists, resulting in better photo opportunities.
Read more about How to Take the Best Hanfu Photos in Xi'an
Walking
Our guests with our guide (Jenny) enjoy a nice time in the City WallIf you want to take a leisurely walk and appreciate the Wall at a relaxed pace, I suggest starting from the South Gate (Yongning Gate) and walking westward through Zhuque Gate to admire Zhuque Street.
Next, visit the Hanguang Gate Relic Museum to explore the Yinguangmen Relic Site, the oldest section of the Wall, known for its long history and the most complete restoration among the four main gates.
This route takes about half an hour, is not tiring, and is suitable for both the elderly and children.
Along the way, you'll encounter a "horse face" on the city wall approximately every 120 meters, where watchtowers are located. From these vantage points, you can see the moat and observe local residents engaging in square dancing and tai chi at the foot of the wall.
If you're interested in it, feel free to join them! As we often say in China, "It is a pleasure to have friends come from afar." I can already imagine the beautiful scene of you dancing with the locals at the foot of the city wall.
Or you can take a city walk on and around City Wall. See our Top 3 City Walks in Xi'an to find the best route.
Bonus Tips:
At the South Gate, you'll see the drawbridge, sluice gate, arrow tower, and main tower, which are not found at other gates. This gate is also a classic photo spot, as it directly faces the urban central axis of Xi'an.
Additionally, this route takes you through the Minor South Gate section of the Wall, where the foot of the Wall has become a hotspot for social media influencers in Xi'an. Every morning, many tourists go there to sample the local famous and delicious snacks.
If you plan to visit nearby attractions before exploring the City Wall, consider entering through one of these gates:
- Hanguang Gate and Wumu Gate: Convenient for visiting the Minor South Gate Morning Market. Hanguang Gate is also home to the City Wall Relics Museum.
- Zhongshan Gate: Convenient for visiting Yongxingfang.
- Wenchang Gate: Convenient for visiting Shuyuanmen Culture Street and the Stele Forest Museum.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Xi'an City Wall
The temperature in Xi'an varies significantly throughout the year, and this change is quite noticeable.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Xi'an City Wall because the temperature will be comfortable all day, with the highest temperature around 25°C (77°F).
If you visit in summer, the morning hours from 8 am to 10:30 am are ideal, with temperatures around 24°C (75°F), making it a pleasant time to explore.
In winter, it's recommended to visit in the afternoon, between 2 pm and 5 pm, when temperatures are approximately 7°C (45°F).
Visiting the City Wall during the Spring Festival
Spring Festival and Lantern Festival at the South Gate of the City WallIf you are visiting Xi'an during the Spring Festival, it is especially recommended to enter through the South Gate. Every year, this section of the city wall hosts a beautiful Lantern Festival, featuring kilometers of various lanterns that illuminate the night with bright lights.
Xi'an has a vibrant atmosphere during the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. They symbolize reunion and happiness. While enjoying the stunning lantern displays, don't forget to try tanghulu (a stick of sugar-coated haws)—it's the perfect way to embrace the festive atmosphere!
Recommended Xi'an Tours
- 4-Day Xi'an Highlights Tour
- 8-Day Natural Wonders of Xi'an and Chengdu
- 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
Don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to have the itinerary customized or adjusted.
Is the Xi'an City Wall Wheelchair Friendly?
Yes. There is one gate with an elevator: the Hanguang Gate. So, there's no need to worry too much about accessing the city wall!
However, the four main city gates require climbing steps to reach the top.
How to Get to the City Wall
The City Wall is located in the city center, making transportation very convenient.
If you plan to visit the South Gate or the North Gate, you can take Subway Line 2 directly. For the West Gate and the East Gate, using a private vehicle is more convenient.
Regardless of how you get there, visiting the city wall in Xi'an allows you to feel the breeze of history and embark on a journey through time and space. I will guide you to experience the charm of this ancient wall!
Why the Xi'an City Wall Was Built
The City WallWhen Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was leading his troops in battles across the south and north, his adviser, Zhu Sheng, offered crucial advice.
He urged Zhu Yuanzhang to "build high walls, store abundant provisions, and take your time in proclaiming yourself emperor."
It was during this period that the ancient city's name was officially changed from Chang'an to Xi'an, which means "peace in the west." This name has remained in use ever since.
