If you are traveling to China, chances are you are going to go to Xi’an. And if you do, you must check out the Xi’an city wall.
Xi’an is where Terracotta Warriors reside, and the mighty underground army is one of China’s most popular sites.
A Good Day in Xi’an
However, the city of Xi’an is worth a visit in its own right.
As China’s original capital, Xi’an is the oldest city in the country.
With a history spanning over 3000 years, Xi’an has witnessed many rulers and dynasties. It was one of the four great ancient capitals of China and the origin of the famous ancient Silk Route heading west.
Touring the Xi’an City Wall
Moreover, its most famous ruler, Qin Shi Huang D, unified China and ruled from its city walls.
While we have already discussed the Terracotta Warriors, it’s noteworthy that Xi’an boasts the best-preserved original wall in all of China.
Qin was no stranger to great walls.
He not only commissioned the Terracotta Warriors, but he also unified all of the smaller walls of China to create the Great Wall of China.
The Xi’an City wall is the most beautiful and well-preserved of them all.
It is no wonder Xi’an has such a magnificent city wall.
Today, there aren’t any emperors enslaving peasants to build great monuments, but you can imagine what life was like as a sentry or an archer guarding the great city.
By renting a bike, you can cycle around the wall’s entire 13.7 km (8.5 miles).
For only 20 Yuan for 100 minutes, you can rent a bicycle and ride atop the most intact wall in China.
Having survived the elements for centuries, Xi’an’s wall even remained intact after the devastating Earthquake of 2008 that claimed 70,000 lives.
Cycling the Xi’an City Wall
After giving our 200 Yuan deposit, we chose our bike and off we went riding over the bumpy cobblestones.
We stopped frequently to inspect the watchtowers.
Spaced out perfectly at 120 meters, they allow for an archer’s bow to reach 60 meters on either side.
The engineering is impressive.
Consequently, I could see how this dynasty lasted for centuries; it would be nearly impossible to breach Xi’an’s walls.
Surrounding the city in one grand square, the inhabitants of Xi’an could sit comfortably knowing that their wall would hold.
First Half of Our Cycling Tour
During the first half of our cycle, we frequently stopped to overlook the city, visiting buildings above the gates and exploring the guard stations scattered atop the wall.
Soon, however, things became monotonous; instead of stopping to admire the scenery, we began cycling just for the joy of riding.
It’s amusing how travelers (especially Dave and I) often stop considering the prices in their own currency when traveling for an extended period.
Knowing we’d have to pay an extra 10 Yuan if we were late, we noticed we only had half an hour left with almost half the wall to ride. Thus, we promptly quickened our pace and made a mad dash back to the finish.
We sped past tourists who stared at us in bewilderment. “Why are these people cycling so quickly on top of a wall?” they must have thought.
The Good News?
Ultimately, we made it back and didn’t have to pay the extra 10 Yuan. Once the adrenaline eased, we reflected on our actions and questioned, “What were we thinking?”
10 Yuan is just a couple of Canadian dollars. We could have savored the last moments on the Xi’an Wall at a leisurely pace, appreciating the bird’s-eye view of the city. Instead, we rushed back to save a few dollars. Dave remarked, “We really need to figure out how to increase our income. If we’re stressing over such small amounts, we are in big trouble.”
- 1 CNY = 6.6 Canadian Dollars
- Cycling the Wall costs 20 Yuan, with a 200 Yuan deposit required.
- The entry fee to the Wall is 40 Yuan.
- Bikes can be rented at the East, South, and Heping (Peace) Gates.
Intrepid Travel sponsored our tour of China, and we spent three days exploring Xi’an. The Terracotta Warriors tour is part of the package, along with meals and breakfasts. You are free to explore the city independently, and renting a bicycle is highly recommended.
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to organize your next travel adventure? Here are some reliable resources that I have personally tested.
Find Your Flights: Start planning your journey by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. I have used them for years and found they consistently offer the best flight deals.
Find Your Hotels: Discover competitive prices on hotels with these two providers. If you’re located in Europe, use Booking.com, and if you’re anywhere else, check out TripAdvisor.
Apartment Rentals: Check out VRBO for the best rates on apartment rentals.
Travel Insurance: Never leave home without it. Here is a recommendation:
- Safety Wing – Occasional Travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Book Your Activities: Interested in walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then consider Get Your Guide.
Need additional help planning your journey? Make sure to consult our Resources Page, which highlights all the reputable companies we trust while traveling.
