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.