The Xi'an City Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty (1370 CE), is the most complete ancient city wall surviving in China. At 14km in circumference, it forms a perfect rectangular loop atop a 12-meter-high rampart, wide enough for several cyclists to ride abreast. Renting a bike and cycling the full loop takes about 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace, passing through watchtowers, gatehouses, and offering alternating views of the ancient Bell Tower district inside and the modern skyline outside. This is arguably the best introduction to Xi'an — accessible, flat, photogenic, and deeply historic. The wall is especially magical at sunset when the golden light hits the ancient bricks and the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Easy and flat — the wall surface is paved and smooth. Suitable for all fitness levels, families with children, and casual cyclists. Electric bikes are also available for rent. The only challenge is the occasional ramp between gate levels, but these are gentle.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Bike rental kiosks are located at the South Gate (南门), East Gate (东门), and West Gate (西门). Regular bike: ¥45/3 hours, ¥100 deposit. Electric bike: ¥90/2 hours. You'll need your passport as ID for the deposit. Bikes are well-maintained tandem bikes and singles. Return the bike to any rental station on the wall — not necessarily the one you rented from.
Xi'an is a major transport hub. Fly to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), then Airport Metro Line to city center (~1h). High-speed rail from Beijing (4–5h, ¥515), Shanghai (6–7h, ¥669), or Chengdu (3–4h, ¥263). To reach the South Gate: Metro Line 2 to Yongningmen Station (永宁门), Exit D — the wall entrance is a 2-minute walk. The South Gate is the most popular access point for foreigners.
Start at the South Gate (Yongningmen) rental kiosk — the main tourist entrance. Cycle clockwise: South Gate → West Gate (西门) → North Gate (北门) → East Gate (东门) → back to South Gate. The full loop is 13.7km. Most cyclists complete it in 90–100 minutes including photo stops. Key stops: South Gate (grandest gatehouse), corner ramparts (best panoramic views), and the Hanguang Gate ruins museum (accessible from the wall). The west and north sections are quieter with fewer tourists.
Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted at all rental kiosks and wall entrance. Cash also accepted but exact change is appreciated. International credit cards are NOT accepted. Entrance ticket: ¥54 (adult). Bring your passport — it's required for both the ticket and bike rental. Combo ticket (wall + sightseeing bus): ¥80. You can buy tickets at the gate or scan the QR code on-site via WeChat.
Limited English at the rental kiosks. Staff understand basic gestures (pointing at bikes, holding up fingers for quantity). Useful phrases: 租自行车 (zū zì xíng chē) = rent a bike; 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián) = how much?; 南门 (nán mén) = South Gate; 三个小时 (sān gè xiǎo shí) = three hours. Download a translation app (Google Translate or Baidu Translate) before arriving.
Full 4G/5G signal on the entire wall. Free WiFi is available at the South Gate entrance area. The wall is well-lit at night if you cycle during evening hours (wall open until 22:00 in summer, 21:00 in winter). Google Maps works on the wall — search 'Xi'an City Wall' for navigation to the nearest gate.
Xi'an Central Hospital (西安市中心医院): 029-87268355. Ambulance: 120. Police: 110. The wall has security staff patrolling on electric carts — they can assist if you have a mechanical issue or minor injury. First aid stations are at the South Gate and East Gate. If your bike breaks down, flag down any security cart — they'll help you return the bike.
Based on 418 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026