Inside the courtyard
I climbed about more than a 100 steps to the top and was dumbfounded at how well preserved everything was. Remember, Xi’an is over 3000 years old and was ruled by 73 emperors over 13 dynasties in a period spanning a thousand years!
The wall stands 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide at the top and 15-18 meters thick at the bottom. It covers 13.7 kilometres in length with a deep moat surrounding it. Every 120 meters, there is a rampart which extends out from the main wall. In total, there are 98 ramparts on the wall, which were built to defend against the enemy climbing up. Each rampart has a sentry building, in which the soldiers could protect the entire wall without exposing themselves to the enemy.
It would take about 4 hours to complete a walk around the city wall at a leisurely pace. Alternatively you could rent a bicycle from any of the many designated stores around. From the wall you can see the ancient Bell Tower, a beautiful building which denotes the city centre within the walls.
View of the Bell Tower from the wall
You can also see how the modern city with its tall apartments and office blocks developed outside the City walls. But within the walls, the Chinese Government have rightly placed restrictions on the height of a building that can be constructed. So on one side you have the monstrosity of modern architecture that we have all contributed to and on the other side of the walls inside the city are buildings which are traditional, shorter and prettier.
Notice the high rise building on the left?
Shorter building inside the walled area
I’ve wanted to go to China since I was a school child and I wrote about China for a school assignment. The colours are captivating… it’s got me thinking about a possible quilt design. So amazing. Can’t wait to read more! (PS. When you gonna take me with you! 😉 )
I look forward to a Xi’an City Wall inspired quilt design! 🙂 (I can take you and leave Joseph behind! Hahahahaha)
Wow Rosemarie and Joseph, I really can’t believe that I missed visiting Xian when I was in China. Even if I am not the biggest fan of Chinese cities, the wall and ramparts simply look amazing. Especially the gate towers are so beautifully decorated that it seems hard to imagine they were used for a military function. Thanks for sharing these great photos and insights and I will certainly make sure to keep Xian in mind for a possible next visit… 🙂
Oh yes Dennis, the effort put in preservation by the government is just amazing. I am glad you enjoyed the post! 🙂
I never knew Xi’an was once a capital city, thats fascinating. Amazing pics too..
Thank you Anna! I will be writing more about Xi’an soon, so do check back to read about this amazing city!
Extraordinary photos! The size of the walls, buildings and indeed China itself is mindboggling, as is its antiquity. Interesting approach that the city has taken to divide the Xi’an–allowing but restricting development so as not to alter the historic vistas. Great stuff.
Thank you Lesley! I never knew Xi’an was so historical until I read about it when i knew I was heading there! But once there I was blown away!
Of all the historically important cities in the world, Xi’an might be one of the most significant. Love how they have fused the modern age with the past though (the wi-fi at the city walls)!
I loved that bit too Elaine… I was like.. free Wi-Fi here? Then I sat on ancient stones and Instagrammed away! 🙂
I love visiting places like this where the juxtaposition between the ancient and modern is so evident in the architecture. China hasn’t really been a high priority destination for me, but Xi’an definitely looks like a must whenever I finally do make it to China. Also, I appreciate you sharing your experience of what I call, “traveling in color.” It’s funny how all travelers – depending on where they’re traveling – can relate to both the awkwardness and amusement that go hand-in-hand with getting attention based on skin color.
I have so much more to write on Xi’an, I just haven’t got to it yet! And yes, “traveling in colour” was an experience. It was my first time experiencing such attention. It took me a while to learn how to look at it with amusement. 🙂
I had my photo taken quite a bit in Xi’an too. Even standing in front of the terracotta warriors, young Chinese women wanted to pose with me. I found it very amusing!
Bicycling around the walls was by far my favorite thing we did in Xi’an. It’s amazing how well preserved they are!
Thanks for sharing this post, Rosemarie… 🙂 I’ve to visit Xian myself one day, that’s for sure!
Glad you enjoyed reading it Lily! Hope you visit Xi’an soon!