📖 A Wall That Holds a Thousand Stories
by Hi Terii
Jun 2, 2025
Step Into History: the Ancient Xi’an City Wall
Embark on a day trip exploring Xi'an's iconic City Wall, a time-travel journey right in the city center! The massive rectangular wall offers a rare chance to bike or walk atop centuries-old stones, circling the old town high above bustling streets. Breeze past four main gates—Dongchanglemen, Dingmen, Yongning Gate, and Yuanmen—catching panoramic city views and great storytelling corners at each one.
🧭 Itinerary & Must-Do Experiences:
Start at South Yongning Gate (No. 2 South Street) for easy access and rentable bikes. Complete the full circuit (about 14 km) in 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace. Pause at Dongchanglemen for sunrise or sunset photos—these are the “insta-worthy” moments, with lanterns lighting up nearby rooftops! Each gate offers unique photo angles: West Dingmen’s stone ramparts for dramatic shadow shots, and the North Yuanmen’s vantage for modern city contrasts.
🎒 Practical Tips:
Entry is ¥54, open daily 08:00–22:00 (last admission at 22:00). Bring water, sunscreen (summers get hot), and wear comfy shoes—the wall’s surface is uneven in spots! Starting early means cooler weather and fewer fellow explorers. Don’t miss renting a tandem bike for extra fun and easy breaks.
⚠️ Key Precautions:
Check the weather—rain makes the stones slippery! Guard your ticket; sometimes you’ll need it to re-enter. The wall can be windy so a light jacket is handy, even on warmer days.
#mytraveldiary #travel #china #xian
Post by HarmoniQ | Sep 24, 2025























