Xi’an after dark is a world of difference from its daytime view, transforming from a grey and traditional Chinese cityscape into a wonderland of colorful lights. Among other majestic things at night, Xian City Wall night view is most impressive. If planning your Xian tour, you are highly recommended to have a look at Xian City Wall at night.
The present ancient city wall of Xian was built between 1370 and 1378 in Ming Dynasty ( 1368 – 1644) , which had been expanded from the imperial walls in Sui and Tang dynasties in the 6th century. Now it has a perimeter of 13912 meters with 12 meters in height, 18 meters in width at the base and 15 meters in width on the top.
Xian City Wall constitutes a total and tight city defense system in the Medieval Cold Weapons times including the Wall itself, city moat, suspension bridges, watch towers, arrow towers, main towers, turrets and battlements on the city wall.
Xian City Wall has four gates, namely West Gate (Anding Men ), North Gate (Anyuan Men), East Gate (Changle Men) and South Gate (Yongning Men) . Each gate comprises three buildings – outer Que Tower, mid-Arrow Tower and inner Main Tower. Between the mid-Arrow Tower and the Main Tower is the so-called Wengcheng – an walled and fortified enclosure for besieging invading enemies.
At nightfall, the whole city wall will be lit with bright rays and red lanterns, a mix of grandeur and elegance. The south gate area is the most beautiful with its massive gate complex. The south wall is 3442 meters long and 15 meters wide on the top extending from the central south gate.
Having an half hour walk or take a subway line 1 from Bell Tower down to the South Gate for a glimpse of the night view of Xian City Wall, the largest military defense system in the Medieval Times.
South Gate Opening Hours: 08:00 – 22:00
Entrance fee: RMB 40
City Wall Opening Ceremony: 9:30 daily on the square south of the South Gate ( free)
Warriors Performance: 10:30 and 16:30 inside the Wengcheng – an walled and fortified enclosure in South Gate ( free )
Bicycle Rental: RMB 45 / 120 minutes
Tandem: RMB 90/120 minutes
Tel: 029 – 87272792
The South Gate seen from outside the city wall
The south city wall and city moat
The Que Tower atop the South Gate
The Arrow Tower inside the South Gate
Hanging Lanterns on the Wall
South Gate Entrance Ceremony ( only held on a special occasion )
South Gate Entrance Ceremony ( only held on a special occasion )
The mega performance inside Wengcheng – an walled and fortified enclosure at South Gate ( only held on a special occasion)
The main tower at South Gate
Bike rental on the 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 Xian 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 to Visit Xian on a Budget
The Starbucks in Xian
Top Markets in Xian
Top 10 Shopping Malls in Xian
Top 10 Best Restaurants in Xian
Top 10 Souvenirs in Xian
Xian Tourist Traps, Xian Tourist Scams
How to Visit Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
How to Visit Huaqing Hot Springs in Xi’an
How to visit Muslim Quarter in Xi’an
How to Visit Xi’an City Wall
The Ramparts of Quebec City and Xian City
How to Visit Shaanxi History Museum
How to Visit Xi’an Bell Tower
How to Visit Daming Palace National Heritage Park
Top 10 Photography Spots in Xi’an
The Night View of Great Tang All Day Mall
How to Visit Hanyang Tombs Xi’an
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show in Xian
How to Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Yaodong Cave Dwellings 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.
Xian City Wall Night View
Referring to the above, will it be available every night throughout next year (2016)? we plan to go Xian in January & April 2016.
Thank you
Hi Shahidah,
Yes, basically the city wall is lit brightly every night, but the mega performance inside the wall is hard to get, which is only on show when there is an important occasion.