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Photo: Ancient City Wall in Xian
The Xian ancient
city wall in Xian is the largest and well-
preserved ancient city wall in China and the
Xian city wall is also one of the few remaining
ancient military facilities in the world. The
current Xian city walls was built during the
Ming Dynasty from 1374 to 1379 on the foundations
of the walls of the Tang Forbidden City during
the reign of Hongwu who was the first emperor of
the Ming dynasty. The rectangular wall is 13.74
kilometers in circumference, 12 meters high and
12-14 meters wide on top and 15-18 meters wide
at the bottom.
On each of four
sides of the Xian ancient wall there is the
main gate, with a barbican entrance, gate
tower, embrasure watchtower and suspension
bridge. The city is surrounded by a moat and
tourists will be glad to know that there are
a number of access ramps up to the walls, some
of which are located just east of the train
station, near Heping Lu and at the South Gate,
beside the Forest of Steles Museum.
Admission: 10 yuan
(There are many entrances to climb up the city
wall)
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