Cycle the Xi'an City Wall
Overview
Xi'an's Ming-dynasty city wall is one of the best preserved in China, and its top is wide enough to ride a bike all the way round. The loop is about 13.7 kilometres on old flagstones, with gate towers, watchtowers and corner towers at intervals, the old city on one side and the modern city on the other.
You go up at the South Gate, the main gate, pick up your bike on top and set off at your own pace. A full lap takes most people around one and a half to two hours, with stops for photos at the gates and the moat below. Tandems are available if you'd like to ride together. Late afternoon is a lovely time to go: the light turns gold and the lanterns come on as you finish.
The surface is bumpy in places but flat, so you don't need to be a keen cyclist. You can also walk part of the wall if you prefer.
Highlights
- Ride the full 13.7-kilometre loop on the wall
- Gate towers and corner towers of the Ming wall
- Old and new Xi'an on either side
- Lanterns on the wall at dusk
What's included
- City wall entrance ticket
- Bike hire on the wall
- Bike deposit, refunded on return
- Extra time over the rental period
- Hotel transfers
Location
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Frequently asked questions
Around one and a half to two hours for the full loop at an easy pace, with stops.
No. The wall is flat, though the old flagstones are bumpy. If you're happy on a bike, you'll manage easily.
Yes, tandem bikes can be hired on the wall at a higher rate.
