Strolling on the fortifications of Quebec City in Canada is like walking or biking on the ancient city walls of Xian City in China, a must-do activity when you travel the two historic cities.
Quebec City boasts the only remaining fortified city walls in North America north of Mexico. Founded in 1608 by Samuel de Champlain, Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. Its ancient city walls and its whole upper town were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985.
Its original fortifications were built 1620-1665. Now Quebec City has close to 4.6 km of walls and 4 imposing gates. Porte St-Louis and Porte St-Jean are the main gates through the walls from the modern section of downtown; the Kent Gate was a gift to the province from Queen Victoria.
Xian City has the most complete and well preserved ancient city walls in China and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world as well. Xian City Wall was initially built in Tang Dynasty (618 -907). The existing wall was built during the Ming Dynasty in 1370.
Now the remaining Xian City Wall is 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide with a perimeter of 14km in length with a deep moat surrounding it. You can walk, even cycle on the wall. Plan your Xian tour? Xian City Wall, not to be missed!
Porte St-Jean
Quebec city wall 1
Quebec City Wall 2
Quebec City Wall 3
Porte St-Louis
The South Gate to Xian City Wall
Climbing up the City Wall in Xian
Biking on Xian City Wall
Tip: Hassle-free Xian Guided Tours
If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours, here are some options for Xian guided tours:
Xi’an Tour
Xi’an Day Tour
Xi’an Tour Packages
Beijing Xi’an Tour
Further Readings
Beijing Xi’an High Speed Train Experience
Best Time to Visit Xian
How to Visit Xian in Two Days?
Xian Airport Transportation
Xian Railway Station Transportation
Xian Taxi: Xian Taxi Fares, Tips and Phones
Xian City Layout
Xian’s Top 7 Iconic Landmarks
Where to Stay in Xian
Top 10 Attractions in Xian
Top Things to Do for Kids in Xian
How Visit Terracotta Army
How to Visit Xian on a Budget
The Starbucks in Xian
Top Markets in Xian
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Xian
Best Local Flavour in Xi’an
Top 10 Souvenirs in Xian
Xian Tourist Traps, Xian Tourist Scams
How to visit Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
How to Visit Xi’an City Wall
The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City
Tips for Visiting Shaanxi History Museum
Tips for Visiting Xian Bell Tower
How to Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Top 10 Photography Spots in Xian
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Tips for Visiting Hanyang Tombs Xian
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xian
Tips for Visiting Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Yaodong Cave Dwellings in Xian
Tips for Visiting Huaqing Hot Springs in Xian
How to Visit Mount Huashan
Mt.Huashan Snow Scenes Photos
How to visit Xiyue Temple
Top 10 Hostels in Xian
Top 10 Xian Luxury & Boutique Hotels
Xi’an: An Exotic City with an Undeniable Historical Depth
Best Places to See Autumn Leaves around Xian
Muslim Streets in Muslim Quarter in Xian
Hua Jue Xiang, Huajue Lane at Xian Muslim Quarter
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
Xian City Wall Night View
What to do in Xian after dark
Xian’s Best Street Food
Xian Muslim Quarter Exotic Food
Xian Bar Street
Spring Festival Lantern Exhibit in Xian
Xian Terracotta Army Pictures
How to Visit Maijishan Grottoes from Xian by Train
How to Visit Hukou Waterfall
How to Visit Huangdi Mausoleum
Xian Lhasa Flight Experience (Tips, Photos & Map)
Beijing Xian Flight Experience
Datong Xian High Speed Train
Reviews on Beijing Xian Luoyang Tour
Visit Xian in January (Weather, Wear, & Tips)
Visit Xian in February
How to Visit Xian in March
Visit Xian in October
How to Visit Xian in November
Visit Xian in December
Any questions, just drop a line.