Ancient City Wall Home Apartment Xi'an

Walking the full loop took me around 3.5 hours over roughly 14 km. It's flat and easy to follow, though renting a bike is a quicker and probably more popular option. You can enter and leave through different gates during the day, and the entry fee felt very reasonable. Xi’an City Wall was one of the highlights of my two-week China trip. From up there, you really get a feel for the size of the old city. It's remarkably well preserved, with ancient history and modern city life side by side. The fortifications look magical lit up at night. During our visit there were lanterns on display too. They weren't lit then, but were still impressive in daylight. Whether you walk a short stretch or cycle the whole circuit, it's a brilliant way to spend an afternoon in Xi’an and well worth adding to your plans.

If you're travelling in China, make sure Xi’an is on your list. Its history, old city walls, and cultural heritage mean there's a story around every corner. The city feels like a step back in time while still buzzing with life, food, and energy. You really have to see this ancient place for yourself. An unforgettable experience.

Xi'an has China's largest and best-preserved city wall, and it really shows how closely the ideas of city and wall are linked in Chinese, where both use city, chéng. The Hongwu Emperor joined, expanded, and reinforced the older walls in 1370. After eight years of work, the result was a rammed-earth wall 14 kilometers long and 12 meters high, measuring 12-14 meters across at the top and 15-18 meters at the base. It has been renovated many times. The major 1781 renovation gave it the appearance it has today, including 5,984 crenels. Since May 2005, all the ramparts have been connected again, so you can walk the loop or bike the full 14 kilometers. You can't miss the Xi'an city wall.

The craftsmanship is incredible, especially the detailed carvings and sculptures on the wooden pillars and beams. The huge bricks make you wonder how they laid and built the wall, one by one. Impressive ancient architecture, technology, and sheer labor. A great experience.