China has always been famed for its great walls and resilient structures; the Xian City Wall is proof of this. Standing at a height of 12 meters with a thickness of 12 -14 meters at the top and 15 – 18 meters at the bottom, the Xian city walls make up the largest city defence system in the whole of China, as well as one of the most expansive military defence systems in the ancient world.
The City Wall goes back centuries, first to the Tang Dynasty (618 -907), then to the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). Construction of the structure seen in the modern day is a large-scale expansion of the ancient structure initiated by Zhu Yuanzhang who was influenced by the views of a captured hermit who believed that building high walls was the only way the emperor could fortify the urban area and unify the other states. Hence the fortification was put up and survived centuries making it the best preserved as well as the oldest defence system in the country.
The Xian City Wall has a unique structure. Made out of layers of earth combined with quick lime, glutinous extract and bricks, the fortification stands strong with sheer strength and impregnability. It runs right around the urban area covering 13.7 km in length with a deep moat surrounding it. 98 ramparts surround the structure ensuring defence against enemies climbing up the barrier. The outer side of the wall is covered with 5948 battlements which could be accessed from inside to shoot off an approaching enemy. Access into the settlement within the walls was through gates each of which had a very complex structure. 4 gates surrounds the Xian city wall; the Changle facing the east, Anyuan facing the north, Yongning facing the south and Anding facing the west. Yongning meaning eternal peace is grandly decorated and is the most beautiful gate of them all which makes it an important spot for special occasions.
Today the Xian city wall boasts a circular park around its entire length that houses some of the most beautiful trees and flowers. This sheer beauty framing ancient Chinese architecture makes this spot a must see location in China. To best visit the city choose Citadines Gaoxin Xi’an which is a quality Xian apartment, a popular mode of accommodation in Xian.
