Introduction to Xi'an, China and its City Wall
The ancient capital of
Xi’an is at the starting point of the Silk Road, the road’s eastern end. Buildings are lower and sparser than in China’s big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, and building restrictions for height and style are in place within the inner wall area of downtown. The most populous city in northwest China, Xi’an is located in the center of the Guanzhong Plain and is one of the oldest cities in China.
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| city view of Xi'an, China |
This defensive wall was built around the city during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) but has been maintained and upgraded through the ages. It's the most complete city wall in China and is surrounded by a deep moat.
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| view from atop the City Wall |
I think anyone who is disappointed by the Great Wall is going to be quite pleased here. Located near the Bell Tower in city center, the South Gate—Yongning--is the most beautifully decorated gate and the most popular one with visitors. The path atop the wall features piped-in Chinese music—annoying at first, but it grows on you--and runs in a flat 8.5-mile square with no climbing.
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| walking along the city wall in Xi'an, China |
Ramparts—98 of them--offer open “windows” out into a manicured city garden, and the wall’s other side opens onto a view of the inner city, which is poor in this area and also smelly. I enjoyed looking through the various rampart cut-outs at the groomed park below. Each rampart provided a new view, and when I leaned in to look, a nice breeze broke the heat.
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| view from atop the City Wall in Xi'an China |
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| resting street sweeper view atop the City Wall in Xi'an China |
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| view from atop the City Wall in Xi'an China |
Bicycles can be rented at this gate—it takes about 2 hours to “conquer” the wall, as our guide put it—and riders move along in happy squads and provide gaiety to walkers and sitters.
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| bicycle rentals atop the City Wall in Xi'an China |
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| group of bikers atop the City Wall in Xi'an China |
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| bikers atop the City Wall in Xi'an China |
An electric tram also runs the route. A cheap thrill is to sit here with a cold beer or ice cream and just relax and take in the scene. Two free museums operate inside the barbican and the archery tower of the South Gate.
More things to do in Xi'an.
View a video.
Best souvenirs of China.
More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.
images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
I've not been to China and have not read anything about Xi’an, so I've really enjoyed this glimpse into the city. The walk (or cycle) atop the wall looks very pleasant.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to bike along the top of the wall of Xi'an. Looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteDidn't have the chance to ride bikes when we visited China, but we sure will next time. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteI've visited China, but never been to Xi'an. The city wall would be a great place to bike around!
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest, if I never see China again it won't be too soon. However, I did like Xi'an a lot. I loved walking the wall, and I enjoyed the Terracotta warriors.
ReplyDelete