Chinapedia | Citywalk at Xi'an City Wall

Xi'an City Wall, also known as the Fortifications of Xi'an, is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. The Xi'an City Wall was enlarged (1370-1378) under the rule of the Hongwu Emperor (also known as Zhu Yuanzhang) in the Ming Dynasty. It was initially built during the imperial city of the Sui and Tang Dynasties.

After the extension, the wall now covers 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) in length. It stands 12 meters (40 feet) tall, 12-14 meters (40-46 feet) wide at the top and 15-18 meters (50-60 feet) thick at the bottom.

Interesting facts about the Xi'an City Wall

• Numbers and names on the brick

When tourists walk on the Xi'an City Wall, they can see numbers (in Chinese characters) and names on some bricks. In the 1980s, the City Wall was destroyed during the war. When the authorities started to restore the City Wall in 1983, there were no advanced technologies. To make work more efficient, they numbered every brick so that they could find the person who restored this brick when problems occurred. 

• Not only for defense

The Xi'an City Wall was the defense power to protect the city in ancient times. However, it also works as a drainage system.  When a rainstorm occurs, the pouring rainwater flows from the drainage system on the City Wall into the moat so that flooding can be prevented. 

It is definitely worth a visit for tourists who visit Xi'an to experience a walk through the history. One of the interesting things to do when visiting the Xi'an City Wall is to cycle on the city wall. Tourists can enjoy a chill and fun experience on this historic marvel and enjoy the cityscapes both outside and inside the City Wall. 

(English editor: Ella Qu)

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