Recently updated on July 4th, 2025 at 09:02 am
The Great Wall of China might be the most famous, but it is certainly not the only defensive wall in China. The city wall in Xian is one that is definitely worth a visit. It’s the only city wall in China that’s still in its complete state. It was first built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, in order for him to make the town of Xi’an safe against possible invaders. Until then the wall was made of dirt, lime and even rice extract, but after Zhu Yuanzhang’s fortifications, the Xi’an’s city wall would have looked very much the way it does today.
The wall is not exactly in the same state as it was back then, because throughout history it was destroyed a couple of times and then renovated a couple of times until it fell into decline. The last time was in 1983 when the provincial government restored it to its current state.
Today the wall is 12 meters high and 12-18 meters wide. It encircles the rectangluar, historic city centre of Xi’an and measures 14 kilometres (8.5 miles) in length. There’s a deep moat surrounding it and four gates that are beautifully built in pagoda style. Between these gates you’ll also find many watchtowers and turrets. The south gate is the most ornate and the place where most people start their visit to the wall.
Between the gate towers, you’ll find sentry buildings which were built for soldiers to take cover when the city was under attack. They are about 60 metres apart which gave the soldiers’ arrows enough range to reach the enemy.
The wall is a much friendlier place these days. Instead of soldiers and flying arrows, you’ll find tourists and locals walking on the wall or even riding bikes taking in the town of Xi’an from the top. From the wall, you’ll have a good view onto the Bell and Drum Towers located in the centre of Xi’an as well as many other sights.
When the sun sets, the entire wall and every gate, tower and turret lights up with thousands of colourful lights, which is something every visitor to Xi’an should go and see.
If you would like to see the City Wall of Xi’an for yourself, have a browse on our website – you’ll find a range of Trafalgar trips that will take you to Xi’an and other exciting destinations in China.