Xi'an City Wall

Why it's worth it

The best-preserved city wall in China — a complete 13.7-kilometre Ming loop from 1370, 12 metres high and wide enough on top for the old patrol roads. It encircles the entire old town, gates, watchtowers and all.

Don't miss

• Rent a bike on the rampart and ride the full circuit — about 100 minutes with photo stops
• The South Gate (Yongningmen) lantern-lit after dark, with the ceremony re-enactments
• Looking down into ordinary hutong courtyards from the parapet — two Chinas, one view

Getting there

Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen; the South Gate has the main tourist entrance, stairs and lift.

Tips

• Bikes rent by the hour with deposit; e-bikes available if pedalling 14 km sounds grim — check brake and bell before setting off
• The wall closes to walkers after the evening light-up (around 18:00-19:00 in winter); check that day
• Go late afternoon: cooler, golden light on the grey brick, and you finish as the lanterns switch on