Xi’an Ancient City Wall, Xi’an

The Ancient City Wall runs around the old part of Xi’an and is easy to reach from most central areas. You can walk on top of it or rent a bike and cover a longer stretch. I visited together with my girlfriend and experienced it in two very different ways.

Opening times and tickets

The wall is usually open daily from around 08:00 to 22:00, with last entry earlier in the evening. Exact times can vary slightly by season and by gate.

Entrance costs around ¥70 CNY per adult. Bike rental on top of the wall is extra and usually costs around ¥45–¥60 CNY, depending on the gate and rental length.

The price felt a bit expensive for us because we ended up paying the entrance fee twice. The first time we visited, we walked a section of the wall at a normal pace. On a different day, we came back specifically to run the entire wall. I can totally recommend running on the wall, if you are into that!

Getting up on the wall

You can enter the wall from several gate towers around the old city. We entered from a central gate and bought tickets on the spot. You’ll need your passport for entry.

Once inside, it’s very straightforward. You walk up onto the wall and then choose a direction. There’s no set route, and no requirement to complete a full loop.

What it feels like up there

Being on top of the wall feels calm compared to the streets below. You’re slightly elevated above the city, with views into neighborhoods and traffic, without being cut off from daily life. It’s flat and easy to move along, but the distances are longer than they first appear.

One thing that stood out was how many people were there mainly for photos. There were a lot of influencers in elaborate dresses, doing full photo shoots on the wall. Not just a few, but a surprising amount. It was very fun to see.

Crowds were heavier around the main gates and around midday. Early morning or late afternoon felt noticeably calmer.

How long you actually need

If you’re walking, 45 to 90 minutes is enough to get a good sense of the wall. You don’t need to do the full loop. If you plan to run or bike the entire wall, expect closer to 2 hours, depending on pace and stops.

Practical tips

• Go early if you want fewer people and softer light
• Don’t feel pressure to cover the entire wall
• Skip the bike if you just want a relaxed walk
• Bring water, especially in warmer months

The City Wall works well as a slower activity in Xi’an. Walking a short stretch is usually enough, unless you specifically want the experience of running or cycling the full circuit.