The Xi’an City Walls seen today were mainly built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), more than 600 years ago.
In 1374, at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, ordered the rebuilding of the city walls of important cities across the country in order to strengthen the city defense system. The Xi’an City Wall was a “super fortress” that served as a gateway to the northwest.
The Xi’an city wall was rebuilt on the basis of the Tang Dynasty Imperial City, and although its size was reduced to 13.7 kilometers, its defensive capability was greatly improved, resulting in the sturdy pattern seen today.
The moat surrounding the wall is wide and deep, making the entire city as impenetrable as a “bronze wall”.
Architectural features of the Xi’an city walls
Wall structure
Modeling: rectangular green-gray wall enclosure, the top of the wall stands a magnificent city building
Color: gold glazed tiles and red beams and pillars embellished with, in the sunlight glittering
Highlights of the city gate:
The four main gates (the East Gate Changle Gate / the South Gate Yongning Gate / the West Gate An Dingmen / the North Gate Anyuan Gate) are all used in the Ming dynasty hermitian roof architectural style, the double-decked pavilion modeling. The most special feature is the slightly upward curved design of the four corners of the roof, which is both aesthetically pleasing and conducive to drainage.
Defense System
Arrow Tower: four-story brick structure, densely covered with 66 archery holes, forming a three-dimensional defense network
Corner Tower: polygonal three-story attic, built at the corner of the city wall, where soldiers can monitor the enemy situation in 360 degrees, and cooperate with the main city wall to form a cross-firepower
Construction Wisdom
Foundation: rammed earth mixed with lime and glutinous rice juice, which is as sturdy as modern concrete
Walls: huge bricks wrapped around the inner and outer sides, with part of the area retaining the rammed-earth texture
Enemy Platforms: every other Enemy platforms: one at every bow and arrow range, the soldiers in the enemy tower can shoot attackers from the side
Xi’an City Wall Tips
Opening hours
South Gate (Yongning Gate), Xiaodong Gate (Zhongshan Gate): 8:00-22:00
Other gates: 8:00-21:00
Photographing mecca
Panoramic view of Yongning Gate: Capture the ancient and modern dialogue between the gate and the bell tower
Axis photo spot: Find the golden shooting position in line with the bell tower
Enemy tower eaves: Traditional architectural patterns as the background Red Round Gate: a classic frame at the ticket gate
Steps of Wenchang Gate: a majestic angle to take photos of the city wall
Suggestions for Experiences
Cycling Tour: Rent a bicycle from any city gate and experience the “runway in the sky” in an hour
Crossing the Ancient and Modern Worlds: Overlooking the modern traffic from the wall and touching the bricks of the Ming Dynasty
Peripheral Linkage: Visiting the Bell Tower, the Drum Towers, and the Hui People’s Street, experiencing the local life of Xi’an
Xi’an City Wall is the largest and most complete ancient city wall in China, the pinnacle of defense engineering in the Cold War era, witnessing the rise and fall of the 13 ancient capitals, and carrying the wisdom of craftsmen.
When you touch the bricks with mortar, it is as if you can hear the neighing of war horses, and when the setting sun gilds the archery towers, you can feel the shock of traveling through time and space.
Whether you are a history buff or an architect, the Xi’an City Walls is worth spending half a day to measure this “giant museum” with your feet.