Fortifications of Xi'an, Ancient city fortification in Xi'an, China.
The rectangular fortification extends fourteen kilometers around the old city center with a height of twelve meters and a base width of fifteen to eighteen meters, surrounded by a deep moat and crowned by watchtowers at strategic positions along the walls.
The Ming Dynasty erected these fortifications between 1374 and 1378 on foundations of the former Tang imperial city, with later rulers conducting extensive renovations and reinforcements throughout the centuries to ensure the defensive capability of the Shaanxi provincial capital.
The four main gates follow traditional Chinese military design and align with cardinal directions, with the South Gate serving as the ceremonial main entrance during imperial times and remaining the primary access point for visitors exploring the historic center today.
Visitors can rent bicycles to circle the entire fortification path, which takes roughly two hours, or use electric carts for shorter sections, with evening and early morning hours offering the most comfortable conditions due to cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
The structure contains a mixture of earth, quicklime, and glutinous rice in its core, making it exceptionally durable throughout the centuries, while the top layer consists of large bricks bonded with a special mortar formula.
Location: Xi'an
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-18:00
GPS coordinates: 34.26600,108.94300
Latest update: November 27, 2025 20:47
Chinese architecture spans modern skyscrapers, historic fortifications, and technical structures. From the glass bridge in Longtan Valley to the Canton Tower, these buildings combine tradition and modern technology. Temples, fortresses, and museums tell the country's history, while newer structures like the Tianjin Binhai Library and the Beijing National Stadium represent contemporary development. The collection includes examples from different regions across China. In Beijing stand the Phoenix Center, the National Stadium, and the Pangu Plaza. Shanghai houses the Oriental Pearl Tower and Nanjing Road. In Jiangsu Province, the Danyang-Kunshan Bridge extends for 102 miles (164 kilometers). The Canton Tower in Guangzhou reaches a height of 1,970 feet (600 meters). Historic sites complement the modern structures. The Xi'an City Wall in Shaanxi dates from the Ming Dynasty. The Ancient Town of Pingyao in Shanxi preserves traditional architecture from several centuries. The Leshan Giant Buddha in Sichuan was carved into a cliff face during the 8th century. The Wenchuan Earthquake Museum documents the 2008 natural disaster.
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Great Mosque of Xi'an
652 m
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Bell Tower of Xi'an
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Daxuexixiang Mosque
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St. Francis Cathedral of Xi'an
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Shaanxi Provincial TV Tower
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Xi'an Art Museum
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Yongxingfang
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