The Xi’an City Wall, also known as the Xi’an City Defense System, is the most complete surviving city wall in China and one of the world’s largest ancient military defense systems.
1. Overview of Xi’an City Wall
Location: Near the center of Xi’an
Total length: 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles)
Construction began in: 1370
Four main gates: East Gate (Changle Gate), West Gate (Anding Gate), South Gate (Yongning Gate), North Gate (Anyuan Gate)
Ways to explore: On foot, by sightseeing tram, or by bicycle
2. Why Was the Xi’an City Wall Built?
When Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, captured Huizhou, a recluse named Zhu Sheng advised him to “build high walls, stockpile grain, and take time to become emperor” in order to fortify the city and unify the feudal states. After establishing the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed Zhu Sheng’s counsel and began expanding the city walls originally constructed during the early Tang Dynasty (618–907), ultimately forming the scale of Xi’an’s city walls as they exist today.
3. Scale of Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall
After expansion, the wall stands 12 meters (40 feet) tall, with a top width of 12 to 14 meters (40 to 46 feet) and a base thickness of 15 to 18 meters (50 to 60 feet). The entire wall stretched 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) and was surrounded by a deep moat. Every 120 meters, the main wall extended into a crenellated section. There were 98 such crenellated sections in total, designed to prevent enemy scaling. Each section featured a sentry post where soldiers could guard the entire wall without exposing themselves. Furthermore, the distance between each pair of crenellations was precisely within the range of arrows fired from both sides, enabling soldiers to strike attackers from the flanks. The outer face of the walls featured 5,948 embrasures, or crenellations, from which soldiers could observe and fire upon enemies. A low parapet was constructed on the inner side to prevent soldiers from falling off the wall.
4. Four Main City Gates
Since ancient weaponry lacked the power to breach walls, the only way for enemies to enter the city was by capturing the gates. Consequently, complex gate structures were built within the city walls. The walls featured four gates: the East Gate of Everlasting Joy, the West Gate of Harmony and Peace, the South Gate of Eternal Peace, and the North Gate of Everlasting Harmony. The southern gate served as the primary entrance for ascending the city walls.
5. South Gate – Yongning Gate
Yongning South Gate stands as the most exquisite gate within the city walls, adjacent to the city center’s Bell Tower. Significant welcoming ceremonies are typically held at South Gate Square. The square underwent restoration and officially reopened to the public on September 6, 2014. Designed in a U-shape, it spans approximately 7.9 acres (32,000 square meters) and comprises three sections: the main thoroughfare, a secondary road, and the ceremonial plaza. A large underground parking garage is situated beneath the square.
Each city gate features three gate towers: the Main Tower, Sword Tower, and Gatehouse. The outermost structure is the gatehouse, facing the main gate across the moat and used for raising and lowering the drawbridge. The sword tower features small windows on its front and sides, serving as defensive lookouts. The main gate, situated within the city walls, is the primary entrance. The city wall connects the sword tower and the main gate. The area between these two towers is known as the “royal city,” where soldiers were stationed. Rampways leading to the top of the city wall originate from the royal city.
6.How Was the Wall Built?
Initially, the wall was built with layers of dirt, with the base layer including also lime and glutinous rice extract. Throughout the time the wall has been restored three times. In 1568, Zhang Zhi (the government officer of that period) was in charge to rebuild the wall with bricks. In 1781, another officer, Bi Yuan, refitted the wall and the gate towers. More recently (since 1983) the Shaanxi Provincial Government restored the wall again. The circular City Wall Park has been built along the high wall and the deep moat. The thriving trees and flowers decorate the classical Chinese architecture of the wall, adding additional beauty to the city of Xi’an.
7. Why are the Xi’an City Walls so well-preserved?
Starting in 1958, numerous air-raid shelters were constructed within the walls in preparation for war, causing severe damage. Over the next two decades, housing shortages led local residents to dismantle bricks from the walls to build makeshift dwellings along both sides. This resulted in filthy conditions around the walls and garbage piling up in the moat, bringing the walls to the brink of disappearance.
By 1984, the Xi’an City Wall had become an obstacle to urban traffic and marred the cityscape, prompting many to advocate for its demolition. This fate mirrored that of city walls in Beijing, Chengdu, Jinan, and other cities, which were ultimately dismantled.
However, Zhang Tiemin, then Mayor of Xi’an, recognized the irreplaceable value of the walls. He emphasized that while demolition was easy, reconstruction would be an arduous and nearly impossible task. Driven by a firm commitment to cultural heritage preservation, Mayor Zhang spearheaded a citywide restoration project.
The restoration faced significant financial challenges due to its enormous cost. To overcome this, the mayor called upon citizens and students to participate in reinforcement efforts. Simultaneously, he encouraged brick factories around Xi’an to produce specialized bricks for the restoration. The brick factories responded enthusiastically, engraving each fired brick with its production date and the factory’s name. This practice serves as a permanent tribute to those who contributed to the wall’s revival. These inscribed bricks remain an integral part of the wall to this day.
Thanks to these collective efforts, the Xi’an City Wall has been preserved. Today, it stands as a majestic testament to Xi’an’s ancient history, continuing to awe visitors with its imposing grandeur.
8. Travel Tips for Visiting the Great Wall
Xi’an’s city walls encircle the rectangular city center, featuring 18 gates—though not all are open to visitors. Tourists can access the walls via South Gate, Small South Gate, East Gate, West Gate, North Gate, Peace Gate, Wenchang Gate, or Hanguang Gate. Choose the nearest gate based on your location. Whichever gate you select, you can circle the entire wall. Xi’an’s South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the oldest and most majestic of all the city gates. Bicycles can be rented to reach the South Gate, making it a popular choice among tourists. If you’re staying near the Bell Tower, we recommend walking along South Street for about 10 minutes to reach the South Gate of Xi’an City Wall.
9. Cycling Along the Xi’an City Wall:
Why not try cycling along the Great Wall? It promises to be a delightful and enjoyable experience. Cycling around the entire wall at a moderate pace takes approximately 2 hours. Bicycles can be rented at the Great Wall entrance.
For more information on Xi’an City Wall and Xi’an tours, please contact 365 China Travel Agency. >>>apply now