Xi'an City Wall
For our sixth day in China, we stayed in Xi'an. Xi'an is the oldest city in the country and China's original capital.
Cycling the Ancient Wall
A fun way to explore the city, 12 metres above ground, is to rent a bicycle and ride the 13.74 kilometres long city wall. It's the oldest and best preserved Chinese city wall - a big giant square surrounding and protecting Xi'an and its inhabitants.
We highly recommend navigating the ancient fortifications by bike as it can be a very long and monotonous walk. We didn't find the surrounding scenery always attractive or interesting but the bike makes it all more fun.
It was slightly raining that day, but it didn't spoil the pleasure of cycling Xi'an's Wall. We started from the South Gate (which is also the most impressive Gate) and finished at the same gate. Along the way, we passed by 5,948 crenellations, namely battlements, and 98 ramparts spaced out at 120 metres to allow the archers' bows to reach their enemies.
Sichuan Pepper Experience
To finish the day, we found a charming restaurant, and we tasted a Sichuan pepper based dish and the famous Xi'an veggie noodles. The meal was not hot or pungent but it left a tingling and numbing sensation that enveloped our lips for a few minutes. Weird. We never experienced that sensation before. Or maybe just when we visited our dentist.
Cycling Xi'an City Wall
- Xi'an is China's oldest city and original capital - the city wall is the oldest and best preserved in the country
- Rent a bicycle! The wall is 13.74km long - cycling is much more fun than walking
- The wall is 12 meters above ground - offers unique views of both old and new Xi'an
- Start at South Gate - it's the most impressive gate and a popular entry point
- Features 5,948 crenellations (battlements) and 98 ramparts spaced 120m apart for defensive archery
- The wall is enjoyable even in light rain - perfect rectangular route around the old city
- Try Sichuan pepper dishes - they create a unique tingling, numbing sensation on your lips
- Don't miss Xi'an veggie noodles - a local specialty
- Allow 2-3 hours to cycle the entire wall at a leisurely pace
- The scenery isn't always spectacular but the experience of riding ancient fortifications is memorable
Note:
Pin These Moments
🚴 City Wall Cycling
Riding 13.74km around China's oldest and best-preserved city wall, 12 meters above Xi'an
🏰 Ancient Fortifications
Exploring 5,948 battlements and 98 ramparts on Xi'an's magnificent ancient defenses
🌶️ Sichuan Peppers
Experiencing the unique tingling sensation of authentic Sichuan peppercorns - like being at the dentist!
Have you cycled Xi'an's City Wall? Which gate did you start from? Have you experienced the numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns? Share your Xi'an cycling adventure!