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Xi'an City Wall
西安城墙 · Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
The largest and most complete ancient city wall surviving in China.
Know before you go
- The wall is a nationally protected monument, so don't carve on its bricks
- cycle in the designated direction and give way to pedestrians
- don't climb over railings on the wall.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Xi'an's city wall was built from 1370, the third year of the Ming Hongwu reign, expanding the imperial city of Sui–Tang Chang'an, and has stood intact for more than six centuries. It is 13.74 km around, with all four gates, gate towers and corner towers, and its barbicans, ramparts and watchtowers form a complete Ming defensive system. Since 1983 it has undergone major restoration and is now both Xi'an's landmark and a 'living specimen' of Ming military engineering.
Local customs
- The wall's lantern show at the Lantern Festival is one of Xi'an people's most important New Year customs
- at dawn residents exercise and practise tai chi at its foot
- a full ride around is about 14 km, with bike rental at every gate, and old hands ride anticlockwise.
Religion & beliefs
- A secular military structure. Remains of Guandi temples survive near the four gates, and folk worship of Guan Yu continues
- simply be respectful.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
China: don't get physical in a dispute
- Walk away from an argument and call the police if needed
- Pushing, shoving or fighting
Whoever starts it, taking part in a fight can bring a fine or detention, and the injured party usually demands compensation.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice
China: carry your original passport
- Foreign visitors should carry their original passport
- Carrying only a copy or photo of your passport
Police make random ID checks and do not accept printouts; if you cannot show your passport, you may be fined or detained.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: China travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- The wall is a nationally protected monument, so don't carve on its bricks
- cycle in the designated direction and give way to pedestrians
- don't climb over railings on the wall.
Locals appreciate DO
- Xi'an people treat the wall as the city's balcony, running, cycling and watching sunsets on top
- tea stalls under the gate arches are where old-city residents meet to chat.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Rent a bike to ride the full 14 km, or if you're not so fit, ride just the southern section (Yongning Gate to Wenchang Gate)
- the light is best at sunset
- holiday lantern shows need a separate ticket. Check tickets and opening hours on the official website.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Yangrou paomo
- Hulatang with beef meatballs
- Youcha with mahua (savoury flour tea with fried dough twists)
Yangrou paomo, meatball hulatang (peppery beef-meatball soup, a breakfast dish), youcha mahua (savoury oil-tea with fried dough twists), roujiamo, jinggao (steamed rice cake dipped in sugar)
| Where to eat | Small bars and snacks at the South Gate / Shuncheng Lane, the Sajinqiao morning market, Dapiyuan in the Muslim Quarter |
|---|---|
| Typical price per person | CNY 30–60 |
| Tips | Don't eat too much before cycling the city wall; hulatang is mostly a halal breakfast, sold only in the morning. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Windmemories · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photos
Photos
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Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China · CC0
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Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China · CC0
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shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates · CC BY 2.0
Sources & verification notes
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