Xi’an City Wall: Cycling the 14km Loop
China’s most complete ancient city wall. 14 kilometers of cycling with panoramic views of the old city on one side and modern Xi’an on the other.
Written by Li Wei
History & Culture Writer · Xi'an since 2019
Li Wei has lived in Xi'an since 2019 and has visited every major museum and historical site in Shaanxi province at least three times. He spends his weekends exploring forgotten Tang dynasty ruins and reading Ming-era city maps. Before writing travel guides, he worked as a research assistant at the Shaanxi History Museum.
Opening Hours
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
South Gate last entry 9:30 PM
Ticket Price
$8
Students $4
Bike Rental
$7/$0.3 hrs
Single bike. Tandem $13
Full Loop
14 km
1.5-2 hrs cycling
Best Time
4 PM – sunset
Golden hour on south side
Location
City center
4 gates. South Gate is best
Why the City Wall Matters
Xi’an’s city wall is the most complete ancient city fortification in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1370-1378) on the foundations of the earlier Tang Dynasty wall, it stands 12 meters tall and 15-18 meters wide at the top — wide enough for a road. The wall forms a perfect rectangle with a perimeter of 13.74 kilometers, enclosing the old city center.
Cycling the wall is one of the best things to do in Xi’an. From the top, you look down on the old city’s grey-tiled rooftops and narrow alleys on one side, and modern skyscrapers on the other. The contrast is striking. The wall is lit with red lanterns after dark, making evening rides atmospheric.
The Four Gates & What to See at Each
The wall has four main gates, each originally a fortress with a barbican (瓮城), archery tower, and main gate tower. Today, 18 total gates allow access, but these four are the original Ming Dynasty entrances.
South Gate (Yongning Men) — The Main Entrance
The most impressive gate complex. Has the full barbican + double gate system intact. Bike rental, electric carts, and visitor center are here. This is the gate you see in photos. Connected to Metro Line 2 (Yongningmen Station).
East Gate (Changle Men) — The Quiet Route
Less crowded entry point. Good if you want to cycle a shorter section (East to South is about 3.5 km). Has bike rental but smaller than South Gate. Close to the Eight Immortals Temple.
North Gate (Anyuan Men) — Local Vibe
The least touristy main gate. Surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The section between North Gate and East Gate has the fewest tourists. Good for photographers who want empty wall shots.
West Gate (Anding Men) — History Buff Pick
The west gate complex preserves its original Ming Dynasty layout best. The barbican here is especially well-preserved. Quieter than the South Gate.
Cycling Routes & Photography Spots
The full loop is 14 km, but you do not have to do all of it. Here are three route options based on your time and energy.
Full Loop (14 km, 1.5-2 hours)
Start at South Gate, go clockwise. The south and west sections have the best views. The north section is quieter. Stop at the southwest corner tower for photos. Finish just after sunset when the lanterns light up.
Half Loop: South + West (7 km, 45-60 minutes)
South Gate to West Gate, or continue to North Gate. Covers the most photogenic sections. Good if you are short on time or do not want to commit to the full loop. Start 1 hour before sunset for golden light.
Sunset Photo Walk (2-3 km, 30-40 minutes walking)
Enter at South Gate. Walk west to the southwest corner tower. This section has the best angle for sunset photos — the Bell Tower glows in the distance, the moat turns gold. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset. No bike needed.
Photography Tips
Southwest corner tower at sunset. This is THE shot. The tower, the curve of the wall, and the Bell Tower in the distance. A 24-70mm zoom covers it. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
South Gate from outside the wall. From the square south of the moat, you get a dramatic wide-angle shot of the gate complex with the wall stretching away on both sides. Best in early morning light.
Lantern-lit wall at night. After dark, the red lanterns create long lines of light along the wall. Use a tripod if you have one (or brace against the parapet). ISO 800-1600, f/2.8 or wider.
Cyclists in motion. Pan your camera with passing cyclists against the old rooftops. Shutter speed 1/30-1/60 for motion blur. Best on the south section in late afternoon.
Insider Tips
Start at the South Gate. It has the largest bike rental station, the most impressive architecture, and the best views. The photo of the wall with the city behind it that you see on postcards is taken here.
Go clockwise. Most people cycle counter-clockwise. Going clockwise means fewer head-on encounters and better light on the south side in the afternoon.
Sunset from the southwest corner. The southwest corner tower has the best angle for sunset photos. Time your ride to be there about 30 minutes before sunset.
Bring water. There are vendors on the wall, but they are spread out and overpriced. Carry a bottle.
Accessibility & What to Bring
What to Bring
- Water bottle (kiosks overcharge)
- Sunscreen (no shade on the wall)
- Sunglasses and hat
- Cash for bike deposit ($30)
- Light jacket (breezy at 12m up)
Accessibility
- South Gate has an elevator to the top
- Electric carts available ($12/loop)
- Wall surface is flat, smooth brick
- Ramps at all four main gates
- Wheelchair-friendly with assistance
Related Attractions
Pair these with your visit for the best itineraries.
FAQ
How much does the City Wall cost?
$8 for entry. Bike rental is $7 for 2 hours (single) or $13 for a tandem. Electric cart rides cost $12 for a full loop. Students and seniors get 50% off entry.
How long does it take to cycle the wall?
1.5-2 hours for the full 14 km loop at a relaxed pace. Add 30-60 minutes for photo stops. The wall is flat with only minor ramps at the gates. E-bikes are available at the South Gate for $15/$0.3 hours.
Which gate should I enter?
South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the most impressive entrance with the best views and bike rental facilities. It is also the most photogenic section of the wall. North Gate (Anyuan Gate) is quieter but has fewer rental options.
What is the best time to cycle the wall?
Late afternoon, starting around 4:00-4:30 PM. You will catch golden hour light on the south side around 5:30-6:00 PM and finish as the wall lights up at dusk. Summer: start after 5 PM to avoid the heat. Winter: go mid-afternoon for warmth.
Can I walk the wall instead of cycling?
You can walk any section. Walking the full 14 km loop takes 3-4 hours. Most visitors walk a 2-3 km section between two gates. A popular walking route is South Gate to West Gate (about 3 km), which passes the southwest corner tower (the best photo spot). There are benches along the wall for rest stops.
Are there toilets and food on the wall?
Yes, there are toilets at each of the four main gates and several points in between. Small snack kiosks sell water, ice cream, and basic snacks, but they are overpriced ($1.5-$2 for water). Bring your own water and snacks if you are cycling the full loop.
Is the City Wall accessible at night?
Yes, the wall is open until 10:00 PM (last entry at South Gate is 9:30 PM). The wall is beautifully lit with red lanterns after dark, and the views of the Bell Tower and city lights are spectacular. Night cycling is especially atmospheric in summer. Bring a light jacket — it gets breezy at 12 meters up.