Anding Gate West Gate
Cycle atop one of China's most ancient and best-preserved city walls, a 1,000-year-old marvel offering stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Anding Gate West Gate
Best Time
Avoid heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Cycle atop one of China's most ancient and best-preserved city walls, a 1,000-year-old marvel offering stunning views.
"Riding on the city wall of 1400 years history is one of the coolest things in all my travels."
🚲 Rent a Bike!
Bike rentals are cheap and offer a fun way to explore the entire wall.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, carry plenty of water as it can get very hot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cycling the Ancient Walls
Xi'an City Wall
Pedal along 13.74 km of history, taking 1.5-2.5 hours for a full loop. A truly unique experience!
Anding Gate (West Gate)
Xi'an City Wall
One of the four main gates, offering access to the historic ramparts.
Nighttime Illumination
Xi'an City Wall
The wall transforms after dark with beautiful lights, offering a magical ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choosing Your Gate
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike!
Bike rentals are cheap and offer a fun way to explore the entire wall. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, carry plenty of water as it can get very hot.
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike?
The wall is long (13.74km); biking is recommended for most, but walking is an option.
💰 Deposit for Bikes
Be prepared to leave a 100¥ deposit for bicycle rentals, which is refunded.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike!
Bike rentals are cheap and offer a fun way to explore the entire wall. +1
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially in summer, carry plenty of water as it can get very hot.
🚶♀️ Walk or Bike?
The wall is long (13.74km); biking is recommended for most, but walking is an option.
💰 Deposit for Bikes
Be prepared to leave a 100¥ deposit for bicycle rentals, which is refunded.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The wall offers stunning views and historical backdrops for memorable photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Xi'an City Wall as a must-visit attraction, highlighting the unique experience of cycling its ancient ramparts. The historical significance and beautiful nighttime illumination are major draws. However, the intense summer heat and the wall's considerable length can be challenging for some.
"The origin of the Great Wall of China is here, the Xi'an City Wall. It is 1,000 years old and still exists today. The entrance is from the underground. There is an entrance fee. There is a souvenir shop. You can ride a bicycle. At night, the lights are very beautiful."
Charif Thongwilai
"The Xi'an City Wall has many gates. There are passages up and down the city wall near many gates, so there is no need to enter and exit at the same gate. The most famous are the four facing doors:
The South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the best-restored gate. It is also the gate most commonly used by tourists to climb the city wall, and it is also the gate that has been open the longest. The underground passage of Yongningmen Station on Metro Line 2 can directly lead to Yongningmen, and there is also the Forest of Steles Museum nearby. Personally, I recommend climbing to the wall from this door.
In addition to the south gate, you can also climb the wall from the east gate (Changle Gate), west gate (Anding Gate), north gate (Anyuan Gate) and some other city gates.
Once you get on the Yongning Gate and walk to the left, there is a bicycle rental place. You can rent a bicycle for a single person or go for tandem for two people.
Apart from the rental fee, you have to put down a 100¥ deposit, which will be refunded at the return of the bicycle.
Riding along the whole circle will be 13.74 km and can take 1.5 and 2.5 hours depending how much activities you will do in the ride, such as stopping to take photos and going down the wall etc.
Riding on the city wall of 1400 years history is one of the coolest things in all my travels."
Richard G
"one of the most iconic tourist attractions in xi’an. had to to pay for the entrance ticket to enter. very long walking about 7,000 steps for the whole route but worth it. there were bicycles for rent available. not recommended for elderly but nice for younger ones."
Jutika Krongmongkolkul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing the West Gate might involve pre-booked buses or taxis, as it doesn't have direct metro access like the South Gate. If you're relying on public transport, the South Gate (Yongning Gate) via Metro Line 2 is often more convenient.
Most hotels in Xi'an can help arrange transportation. Taxis are readily available, and many will know the main gates like the South Gate. For West Gate, confirm the best route with your driver.
For cycling, consider which gate offers the most convenient bike rental access. The South Gate is popular, but other gates also have rentals. Plan your entry point based on your accommodation and preferred cycling route.
While some tours might offer shuttle services, public transport options like the metro are more common for independent travelers. The metro directly serves the South Gate.
Yes, ride-sharing apps are generally available in Xi'an and can be a convenient way to reach Anding Gate or any other gate of the city wall.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee to access the Xi'an City Wall. The exact price can vary, so it's best to check current rates upon arrival or on official tourism websites.
While you can often purchase tickets at the gate, buying in advance might save time, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Typically, a single entrance ticket grants access to the wall for both walking and cycling. Bike rental is a separate fee.
The wall is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary by gate and season, so it's advisable to confirm before your visit.
Yes, the Xi'an City Wall has multiple gates, and you can typically enter at one and exit at another, which is convenient for exploring different parts of the city.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cycling the full 13.74 km loop typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on how often you stop for photos or breaks.
While it's a great experience, the long distance and potential heat might make it challenging for the elderly. Consider shorter sections or taking breaks.
Many people start from the South Gate (Yongning Gate) due to its accessibility and bike rental availability. However, any gate provides access to the full circuit.
Restroom facilities are generally available at various points along the wall, particularly near the main gates and rental stations.
The Xi'an City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, dating back over 1,000 years, offering a tangible connection to ancient Chinese history.
📸 📸 Photography
Every section offers unique perspectives. The gates themselves, the watchtowers, and panoramic views of the city are excellent photo opportunities.
Yes, the wall is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering light for photos. Golden hour is particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historical and urban areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Don't miss the intricate details of the gatehouses, the crenellations, and the sheer scale of the ramparts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the wall itself is an incredible historical site, younger children might appreciate the novelty of the bike ride more than the historical details. Ensure you have snacks and water readily available. The gates offer points to rest and observe the city.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Opting to walk sections of the wall instead of renting a bike is also a free way to experience its grandeur, though it will take significantly longer. Utilizing public transport like the metro to reach the South Gate is a cost-effective way to start your exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Xi'an City Wall: A Cyclist's Dream
While the cycling experience is widely praised, it's important to be prepared for the conditions. Visitors have noted that the wall can be quite bumpy in places, and during hotter months like July, the heat can be intense, making the ride physically demanding.
Choosing your entry point is also key. While the South Gate (Yongning Gate) is the most popular and has direct metro access, other gates like the West Gate (Anding Gate) also offer access. Consider your transportation to the wall and where bike rentals are most convenient for your chosen route.
The Historical Significance of Xi'an's Ancient Walls
Today, it stands not just as a historical monument but also as a vibrant public space. Walking or cycling along its ramparts provides a unique perspective on Xi'an, allowing visitors to imagine life in ancient times while enjoying modern city views. The four main gates—South (Yongning), East (Changle), West (Anding), and North (Anyuan)—each hold historical significance and offer distinct entry points to explore the wall's grandeur.
Experiencing the wall, especially at night when it's beautifully illuminated, offers a magical ambiance. It's a place where history meets contemporary life, providing a profound sense of scale and endurance.
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