Cycling on the Xi’an City Wall offers a unique blend of history and adventure, allowing you to experience one of China’s oldest and best-preserved city fortifications from a different perspective. With its panoramic views, rich cultural heritage, and a smooth cycling path, it’s no wonder that the Xi’an City Wall has become a favorite destination for cycling enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cycling around the Xi’an City Wall, from rental options to recommended routes and must-see stops along the way.
Distance Around Xi’an City Wall
The Xi’an City Wall forms a complete loop, with a circumference of approximately 13.75 kilometers. This distance has been maintained through multiple renovations since its initial construction. For most cyclists, a complete loop of the City Wall takes 75 to 100 minutes. However, the duration depends on your pace – if you prefer a more leisurely ride with frequent stops for photos or rest, the ride may take longer.
How to Cycle the Xi’an City Wall
Bicycle Rentals
Before beginning your ride, you’ll need to rent a bike from one of the designated rental points on the City Wall. There are six main bike rental locations at the following gates:
- South Gate (Yongning Gate): East side and west side
- West Gate (Anding Gate)
- North Gate (Anyuan Gate)
- East Gate (Changle Gate)
- Hanguang Gate
Each rental point has different service hours, so it’s important to plan ahead:
- South Gate East Side and South Gate West Side: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Changle Gate (East Gate), Anding Gate (West Gate), Anyuan Gate (North Gate): 8:15 AM – 8:00 PM
- Hanguang Gate: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Rental Process and Costs
Renting a bike on the Xi’an City Wall is a straightforward process:
- Purchase a ticket to the Xi’an City Wall.
- After entering, find a bike rental station at one of the gates.
- Choose between a single-rider bike (45 RMB for 3 hours) or a tandem bike (90 RMB for 3 hours).
- Pay a refundable deposit (usually 100 RMB per bike).
- Once you’re set, you can begin cycling along the City Wall.
Returning the Bike and Late Fees
When you’ve finished your ride, you can return the bike to any rental point; there’s no need to return it to the original station where you rented it. However, if you finish cycling after 8:00 PM, all bikes must be returned to the South Gate rental station, and it’s recommended to return them by 9:30 PM.
For late returns, there is a fee of 5 RMB per 10 minutes for a single-rider bike and 10 RMB per 10 minutes for a tandem bike.
Important Tips:
- Test the bike before setting off. If there are any issues with the bike, ask to exchange it immediately to avoid inconvenience later.
- If your bike encounters problems during the ride, you can exchange it at any service point.
- Keep your rental deposit receipt safe, as you’ll need it to get your deposit back when you return the bike.
Recommended Cycling Route
The best way to enjoy the Xi’an City Wall by bike is to complete a full loop. The recommended route starts at the South Gate (Yongning Gate) and circles around the entire wall, passing through the West Gate (Anding Gate), North Gate (Anyuan Gate), and East Gate (Changle Gate) before returning to the South Gate. This route will take you through the four main city gates and offer magnificent views of both the ancient city and the modern skyline. Here are the highlights of each gate along this route:
South Gate (Yongning Gate): The South Gate is the most well-preserved of all the gates, retaining its original gatehouse, arrow tower, and barbican structures. At the Yongning Gate, you can explore the twin-well barbican, where you enter the first barbican through the arrow tower and then pass through the portcullis to reach the drawbridge. This gate offers an excellent glimpse into ancient city defenses and is a great starting point for your ride.
West Gate (Anding Gate): After leaving the South Gate, continue west to the West Gate (Anding Gate). The West Gate is another key viewpoint along the City Wall, offering panoramic views of both the inner and outer city. This is a good spot to take a break and enjoy the scenery before continuing your ride.
North Gate (Anyuan Gate): As you reach the North Gate (Anyuan Gate), be sure to take a moment to climb up to the arrow tower. From here, you can peer through the observation and shooting holes and take in the commanding views of the area in front of the gate. The imposing structure of the North Gate provides an excellent perspective on the City Wall’s defensive strength.
East Gate (Changle Gate): Your final stop is the East Gate (Changle Gate), another important historical site on the City Wall. This gate marks the beginning and end of the loop, and from here, you can see the beautiful integration of ancient architecture with the modern cityscape. If you have time, explore the nearby area for a fascinating contrast between Xi’an’s rich past and its vibrant present.
Important Tips for Cycling on the Xi’an City Wall
Plan for the weather: The City Wall is exposed to the elements, so make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, or an umbrella depending on the season. It can get windy at certain points along the wall.
Stay hydrated: Bring water with you as there are few refreshment stands along the route.
Be mindful of time: If you’re cycling in the evening, keep an eye on the time to avoid late return fees. The City Wall can also be beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different cycling experience.
Safety first: While the path is wide, pay attention to other cyclists and pedestrians sharing the wall. The surface is smooth but can get slippery during rainy weather.