Xi'an City Wall & Beilin Museum
Xi'an, Shaanxi Province
Experience 600 years of Ming Dynasty fortifications and discover the largest collection of Chinese stone inscriptions at the Beilin Museum.
🎫 Admission
¥54 (Wall) + ¥10 (South Gate)
Beilin Museum: ¥65
🕐 Hours
Wall: 08:00-22:00 (Summer)
Wall: 08:00-20:00 (Winter)
⏱ Duration
1-3 hours for full circuit
Bike rental available
📍 Location
City Center, Xi'an
Encircles the old city
Quick Answer: Xi'an City Wall is located in City center, central Xi'an (Beilin/Lianhu District). Open daily 08:00-22:00 (Main Gate), other gates 08:00-20:00. Tickets ¥54 (Wall) + ¥10 (South Gate ticket); Beilin Museum ¥65; Bicycle rental ¥45-60. Take Metro Line 2 to Yongning Gate or South Gate stations; Bus routes nearby. Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours for full circuit by bike. Best explored by bike (2-3 hours) or walking. Sunset views are spectacular.
📚 In-Depth Guides & Articles
Night Wall Tour
Experience the illuminated city walls and stunning night views of Xi'an.
Read Guide →Winter Wall Walk
Tips for a memorable winter stroll along the ancient fortifications.
Read Guide →Photography Tips
Capture stunning photos of the wall, gates, and cityscape.
Read Guide →Xi'an vs Beijing Walls
Compare the best-preserved city walls in China.
Read Guide →Why Visit
The Xi'an City Wall is the most complete ancient city walls remaining in China, stretching 13.7 kilometers around the old city. Built during the early Ming Dynasty (1370-1378) under Emperor Hongwu, the wall stands 12 meters tall and has a width of 12-14 meters at the top - wide enough for a car to drive around! The wall features 98 ramparts, 5,884 battlements, and 4 main gates representing the four cardinal directions. Adjacent to the wall is the Beilin Museum (Stele Forest), which houses the largest collection of stone steles in China, with exhibits spanning 2,000 years of Chinese history, calligraphy, and literature.
Highlights
- South Gate - The grandest gate, UNESCO World Heritage entrance
- Bicycle Ride - Rent bikes and ride the full 13.7km circuit
- Night Views - Magical illuminated walls after sunset
- Beilin Museum - See the famous Tang Dynasty Quadrisected Stele
- Watchtowers - Original Ming Dynasty defensive architecture
Visitor Tips
- Start at South Gate for the most iconic photos
- Bicycle rental costs ¥45-60 for 2 hours - best way to see the wall
- Morning is less crowded; evening offers beautiful sunset views
- Don't miss the Beilin Museum adjacent to South Gate
- Combine with a haggling trip to the nearby Muslim Quarter
Ready to Explore?
Book your Xi'an wall experience with trusted local guides.