---
node: spot_xian_xi_an_city_wall
type: spot
slug: xi_an_city_wall
destination: dest_xian
title: "Xi'an City Wall"
lead: "The Xi'an City Wall is the 13.7-kilometre Ming rampart that still encircles the old city, the most complete city wall in China. It is 12 metres high and wide enough on top to cycle a full circuit."
published: 2026-08-12
updated: 2026-08-12
image_file: spot_xian_xi_an_city_wall.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Xi%27an_city_walls_(89479).jpg"
image_author: "Ideophagous"
image_license: "CC BY-SA 4.0"
---

## Overview

Built from 1370 on the foundations of the Tang imperial city, the wall has four main gates, a moat and 98 ramparts spaced a bowshot apart. Unlike most Chinese cities, Xi'an never demolished it, and the loop now works as a raised park around the centre. Hiring a bike at the South Gate and riding the full circuit takes about two hours.

## Highlights

The South Gate is the restored ceremonial entrance and where bikes are rented; the quieter east and north stretches show the wall's working face. The moat park below is planted and walkable. Lanterns light the whole circuit at Spring Festival, when the wall is the centre of the city's holiday.