The Xi'an city wall at a glance
The wall forms a loop of 13.74 km around the old city. You climb up at a gate and then walk or cycle on the top. It is one of the easiest ways to get an overview of the old city, and it combines well with the Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Muslim Quarter inside.
If you prefer a guide to a bike, look at Xi'an city tours, which cover the old city. The rest of this page is for planning your own ride.
Tickets and hours
2026 prices in Chinese yuan.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | CNY 54 |
| Half-price ticket | CNY 27. Do not count on it as a foreign visitor |
| South gate hours, March to October | 08:00 to 22:00 |
| South gate hours, November to February | 08:00 to 20:00 |
| Last climb | 30 minutes before closing |
| Nearest Metro | Line 2, south gate (Yongningmen) |
Hours differ between gates, so use the south gate times above as a guide for that gate only. Check at the gate whether you can buy on the spot or need to book online first. For most visitors the south gate is the easiest start, because the Metro stops there.
Our pick: a city wall ticket with route tips
Entry at the south gate with tips for cycling the wall.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Xi'an tours and day trips
City walks, food tours and day trips from Xi'an, with live prices and availability.
Bike and tandem rental
You can rent a bike on top of the wall. Two sets of prices are in use, so ask at the counter which applies. The ticket price is separate.
| Bike | Rental price | Deposit | Extra time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single bike | CNY 45 for 2 to 3 hours | CNY 100 to 200 | CNY 5 per 10 minutes |
| Tandem | CNY 90 for 2 to 3 hours | CNY 100 to 300 | CNY 10 per 10 minutes |
The rental period is 180 minutes in one version and 2 hours in the other. The deposit is CNY 100 in one version, CNY 200 for a single bike and CNY 300 for a tandem in the other. Have the deposit ready. For two riders, a tandem costs the same per person as two single bikes.
Rules to know before you rent
Age and height limits apply.
Age and height
Rental is not offered to children under 12 or to riders over 65, and the minimum height is 1.3 m. Confirm this at the counter on the day.
Walking is an option
You do not have to rent. Walking the top gives you a slower view.
Plan your time
Do not start at the end of the day. Allow the full rental period, and remember that late fees run per 10 minutes.
How to plan a lap
Four decisions that shape the visit.
Pick your gate
The south gate, Yongningmen, is the gate with a Metro station on Line 2. Start there, then decide on the spot whether to walk the loop or stop earlier.
Walk or ride
The loop is 13.74 km. A bike covers more of it in the rental period, while walking lets you look at the gate towers and the city below. Choose a tandem only if both riders want to ride together.
Pick the season
From March to October the south gate stays open until 22:00, and from November to February until 20:00. The last climb is 30 minutes before closing, so a late start leaves little time.
Mind the deposit
The deposit is CNY 100 to 300, depending on the version. Ask when you hand it over how and when you get it back.
Wall or towers first?
If you have one day in the old city.
| Sight | Price in 2026 | Hours | Time to allow |
|---|---|---|---|
| City wall | CNY 54 | South gate 08:00 to 22:00 (March to October) | The rental period of 2 to 3 hours for a ride |
| Bell Tower and Drum Tower | CNY 50 together | Bell Tower to 21:00 from April to October | A shorter visit than the wall |
| Muslim Quarter | – | Shops and stalls keep their own hours | An evening |
For most visitors with one day, ride the wall in the late morning or afternoon, then finish at the towers and the Muslim Quarter for dinner.
Combine the wall with the rest of the old city
The wall surrounds most of what visitors come to see.
Things to do in Xi'an
The Bell Tower, the Drum Tower and more inside the wall.
Xi'an food tour
Roujiamo, noodles and skewers in the Muslim Quarter.
Where to stay in Xi'an
Areas inside and around the wall.
A Terracotta Army trip needs its own day. See the Terracotta Army tours overview and the tickets guide for that.
Xi'an city wall: frequently asked questions
How long is the Xi'an city wall?
The loop is 13.74 km around the old city.
How much is the ticket for the city wall?
The adult ticket is CNY 54 in 2026, and the half-price ticket is CNY 27. Do not count on half price as a foreign visitor.
How much does it cost to cycle the wall?
A single bike is CNY 45 and a tandem CNY 90, for 2 to 3 hours depending on the version, plus a deposit of CNY 100 to 300. Ask at the counter which terms apply.
Where do I start?
The south gate (Yongningmen) is on Metro Line 2 and is the usual starting point. Hours are 08:00 to 22:00 from March to October and 08:00 to 20:00 from November to February.
Can I walk the wall instead of cycling?
Yes. You need the CNY 54 ticket either way, and renting a bike is optional.
Is this the official city wall website?
No. This is an independent visitor guide. Check prices and hours at the gate before you go.