Xian City Wall (Chengqiang)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Walking/Hiking,
Monument - Military
Xi’an has one of the most extensive and best-preserved defensive walls in the world. This colossal structure was started under the Ming Dynasty in 1370, a few years before the Drum and Bell Towers, and replaced an earlier wall which encompassed a much larger area.
You can get an idea of the Xian City Wall's - or Chengqiang - extraordinary thickness on the wide terrace which surmounts it. There are 98 ramparts, each with its own sentry house, as well as 18 gateways, of which the most impressive is the South Gate. The huge rectangle is further encompassed by a moat, showing the builders were leaving nothing to chance. This is now complemented with charming landscaped gardens.
Latest Reviews
Review by Maurice S, April 2013
Doing what: Terracotta Warriors Essential Full Day Tour from Xi'an
Had a very good english speaking guide, a very interesting tour, not to be missed and a nice lunch. well worth the money.
Review by Nickkz, February 2013
The city wall was amazing. It is well worth the 40 RMB (~6.50 USD) entrance fee. Also, once you get on the wall it is another 40 RMB to rent a bike. I recommend biking around the whole wall, which is around 13.5 km (8.5 miles) -- should take around 90 minutes, give or take depending on how fast you bike.
We had Wendy as a guide from http://www.EmmasTours.com -- I recommend booking your guide before you travel with a reputable company (Emma's Tours is good, but there are other good ones too. You can check out some of the other highly recommended ones on TripAdvisor). We have kids who are in a Mandarin immersion school, so Wendy was wonderful with the kids and interacted in both Chinese and English.
Review by Jackie A, September 2012
Doing what: Xi'an Small-Group Walking and Cycling Tour
This tour was fun. We had a ball and were keeping fit at the same time. You can hire bikes and cycle around yourself but it was great having a guide to answer questions and give information. A highlight to our trip.
Practical Info
The City Wall encircles central Xi’an. You can cover the entire 8.5 miles (14 kilometers) on foot, or hire bicycles at the South Gate to speed up the circuit. There are stunning views of the city from both sides.
