Fortifications of Xi'an

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.